Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade Dead at 52

Organized Noize producer Rico Wade has passed away at the age of 52.

Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade Dies at 52

Rico Wade, a legendary Atlanta producer of the production group Organized Noize and the founding member of the Dungeon Family, has died. He was 52. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike announced the sad news on his Instagram page on Saturday (April 13). He wrote, in part:

“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.”

Killer Mike continued: “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.

Love and Respect, Michael.”

Read More: The 45 Most Important Hip-Hop Producers Since 2000

Who Is Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade?

As one-third of the production group Organized Noize, Rico Wade, along with Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, played a prominent role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and work with developing The Dungeon Family collective, including OutKast, Goodie Mob, Cool Breeze and others. Additionally, the trio was involved in producing R&B hits for TLC (“Waterfalls”) and Mista (“Blackberry Molasses”), among many others.

Rico, who is the older cousin of rapper Future, was able to tell his story regarding the history of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family in the 2016 documentary, The Art of Organized Noize.

In a 2017 interview with Albumism, Rico expressed pride in the successes the Dungeon Family have achieved through the years including many Grammy wins, gold and platinum plaques.

“Music is life,” Rico stated. “It’s a blessing we have the monuments. We got some stuff that wasn’t a waste of time. It was truly time well spent.”

Upon hearing the sad news of Rico Wade’s death, several rappers including Juicy J and Phonte posted their condolences on social media.

Read More: Most Impactful Producers in Hip-Hop

Read Killer Mike’s Tribute to Rico Wade and more below.

Read Killer Mike’s Tribute to Rico Wade

Read More Tributes to Rico Wade

See Hip-Hop Artists We Lost in 2023