Songwriter and music producer Rico Wade has died at age 52. His cause of death is unknown.
Atlanta rapper Killer Mike confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Saturday, April 13.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” Mike wrote. “I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for all of us. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon Family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood.”
Wade co-founded the production group Organized Noize in the basement of his mom’s Atlanta home. Along with his partners, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, Wade produced records for Outkast, Janelle Monae, TLC, En Vogue, Goodie Mob, Joi, Killer Mike, and Ludacris, among others.
“They were our big brothers, and they did a production deal with LaFace Records,” said Outkast member Big Boi (pictured left with Wade and Janelle Monae). “They were the ones that gave us our first shot and we been doing music with them since the beginning.”
Additionally, Wade was founder of the Dungeon Family, named after his music studio in his mother’s basement.
The Dungeon Family consisted of Organized Noise, Outkast and Goodie Mob.
Wade was featured in the Netflix documentary “The Art of Organized Noize” in 2016.
Wade’s family ties include his cousin, Atlanta rap star Future Hendrix.
