Rico Wade, one-third of the legendary production team Organized Noize and founding member of the Dungeon Family, has died. A cause of death has not been released at this time. Wade was 52.
Wade was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and helped provide the sound for a generation of Atlanta artists. He produced records for OutKast and Goodie Mob, and he was integral in bringing in his younger cousin, Future, into the music business. Wade also TLC’s “Waterfalls” and En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love).” The Dungeon Family was named for Wade’s basement studio, the Dungeon.
Killer Mike took to Instagram to pen the following tribute:
I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.
I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.
This is a part of the journey. You told me “It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey” . The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are.