Atlanta, Georgia – Rico Wade, a celebrated member of the groundbreaking Atlanta-based production trio Organized Noize and a critical early collaborator with Outkast, has passed away at the age of 52. The news of Wade’s death was confirmed in an Instagram post by his close friend Killer Mike and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Killer Mike expressed his profound sense of loss, highlighting Wade’s mentorship, friendship, and invaluable contribution to the Dungeon Family, a collective that shaped the city’s music scene in the early ’90s. Wade, along with Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, formed Organized Noize, known for their influential work with Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob, and other artists. Their unique sound, blending classic R&B with hip-hop, played a pivotal role in defining Atlanta’s burgeoning music landscape.
The Dungeon Family, a close-knit group that included artists like Killer Mike and Big Rube, was instrumental in propelling Atlanta’s rise as a hip-hop capital in the following decades. Wade’s studio, “the Dungeon,” located in Atlanta’s East Point neighborhood, not only birthed numerous hits of that era but also featured prominently in many songs. The studio’s legacy lives on in the music it helped create, immortalized in lyrics like Outkast’s “We havin’ a smokeout in the Dungeon with the mary jane” from their debut album.
Details on Wade’s survivors were not immediately available, although it is known that he is related to rapper Future. Wade’s influence and contributions to the music industry, particularly in Atlanta, will continue to resonate for years to come. His impact on shaping the city’s musical identity and fostering talent within the Dungeon Family remain a significant part of Atlanta’s cultural heritage. Wade leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished by fans and artists alike.