Rico Wade, photo via Instagram
Rico Wade, a pivotal figure in Atlanta Hip-Hop and one-third of the legendary production team Organized Noize, passed away at 52 on April 13. His death was confirmed by artist and activist Killer Mike, with details surrounding his passing remaining undisclosed.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time,” the family wrote in a statement, WSBTV reported.
Here are seven facts about his life story.
Wade, along with Ray Murray and Patrick “Sleepy” Brown, founded Organized Noize in the early 1990s. Their innovative production work was pivotal in propelling Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene to the forefront.
The trio, who were just teenagers at the time, welcomed aspiring musicians into the basement of Wade’s mother’s home in East Point, which became famously known as “the Dungeon.” It was here that artists like Outkast and Goodie Mob honed their craft, The New York Times reported.
“I don’t know if you can imagine how weed and must and dirt would smell together, but that’s what it smelled like,” Dee Dee Hibbler, Outkast’s former manager, said of the Dungeon in the 2016 documentary “The Art of Organized Noize.”
Hip-Hop artist Big Boi from Outkast said he has to audition for Wade before being allowed in the Dungeon.
“We didn’t know how to count bars or nothing,” he told The New York Times. “When we got to the Dungeon, one day we learned formatting. With the Organized Noize masters, they just taught us how to do it.”
Wade’s mentorship and production prowess nurtured the careers of iconic acts such as Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Future. He provided a creative sanctuary for emerging artists, fostering a collective known as the Dungeon Family.
Wade received Grammy nominations for his production work on Outkast’s “Stankonia” album and for co-writing TLC’s hit song “Waterfalls.”
Wade’s impact on music was characterized by fresh ideas and soulful grooves, infusing old soul music elements into Hip-Hop at a time when others were moving away from this style.
Organized Noize’s collaboration with Outkast produced standout tracks like “Player’s Ball” and the debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” which won Best New Artist at the 1995 Source Awards.
Wade’s contributions to hip-hop extended far beyond Atlanta, influencing generations of artists and shaping the modern Hip-Hop era.
He impacted many.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement, “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.”
He added, “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 shared a statement that read: “Rico Wade, 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 send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and other members of the Dungeon Family who are hurt by the loss. 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.”
Rico Wade, photo via Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/2Uz86bPLox/?hl=en
