Hip-hop and rap pioneer Rico Wade has died at age 52, according to a social media post by his friend Killer Mike and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A cause of death has not been released by the family.
Wade, an Atlanta native, created a recording studio in the basement of his mother’s Lakewood Heights home known as “The Dungeon,” which became a hangout and launch pad for Outkast and Goodie Mob among others that would become collectively known as The Dungeon Family.
As part of the Organized Noize production team, Wade would work with TLC, En Vogue, Ludacris and more
Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement on the passing of Wade:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rico Wade. Rico was a musical genius and one third of the Grammy Award-winning music production team Organized Noize. A product of Atlanta Public Schools, he led in the creation of a hip-hop sound that has spanned decades and genres. Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future and many more. Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world and for that, the South will always have something to say.
The Atlanta City Council also released a collective statement:
“Rico Wade was a music pioneer and a cultural architect whose impact resonates far beyond his time. His contributions to hip-hop and production shaped the sound of generations and made our city the beacon of the modern hip-hop era. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his legacy and the countless lives he touched through his talent and creativity. We offer our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and other members of the Dungeon Family. Rico Wade’s influence will continue to inspire artists and fans, ensuring his spirit lives on through the beats and rhythms he crafted with passion and innovation.”
