OutKast producer Rico Wade dies 'suddenly and unexpectedly' - 'Huge loss to the world of music'

September 14, 2024

Rico Wade, who was part of the legendary Atlanta-based production team Organized Noize, has sadly died aged 52.

The music producer’s death was mourned by many on social media, including Grammy Award winner, Killer Mike, who said he ‘didn’t have the words’ to express his “deep and profound sense of loss.”

Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade dies aged 52

The Atlanta-based record producer was a key OutKast producer who also collaborated with TLC. To add to his many achievements, he also co-founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s.

The hip-hop group included big names including André 3000, CeeLo Green, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Big Boi, Khujo, and Future.

“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” Killer Mike wrote on Instagram. “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,” the rapper 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,” the star emotionally concluded.

Rico’s family also shared an emotional statement. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband and brother Rico Wade,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”

Tributes pour in for the star

As the tragic news broke, many celebrities from the music industry took to social media to pay their respects. “RIP to the Legendary Rico Wade this one really hurt,” wrote Juicy J on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Damn…Rico will always be one of the best things that happened to Atlanta music,” Emmy Award Winning Producer, Dario M. Harris wrote.

Taylor Swift‘s producer Jack Antonoff posted: “had the honor to work with Rico Wade and Organized Noize on Gone Now. Those few days in Atlanta forever changed bleachers and me as a producer. Rico was a lovely genius to be around – flying around the room looking for something wild. Rico Wade forever.”

“Huge loss to the world of music. But a MONUMENTAL loss to Atlanta!” wrote Johnta Austin. “If it is true that Atlanta influences everything, then Rico Wade influenced Atlanta! RIP Rico! Thank you for the music, the culture, and the influence!!”