'Huge loss to hip-hop': : Internet mourns as Organized Noize and Dungeon Family's Rico Wade dies at 52

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rico Wade, a pivotal figure in the renowned Atlanta production trio 'Organized Noize' and a co-founder of the influential hip-hop/soul collective Dungeon Family, has passed away at the age of 52, as confirmed by Billboard.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade,” his family wrote in a statement on Saturday, April 13.

Rico Wade's cause of death is not known

The family wrote in a statement per Billboard, "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.”

Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family also shared a heartfelt message following news of Wade’s passing.

"We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family wrote in a joint statement. “Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”

The cause of Wade's death remains undisclosed at this time. As a key figure in shaping the sound of Southern rap, Wade was a vital member of Organized Noize, alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, collectively credited with crafting the distinct sonic identity of the genre.

Formed in the early 1990s, the trio played a pivotal role in OutKast's groundbreaking 1994 debut album and Goodie Mob's inaugural release in 1995, titled 'Soul Food'.

Mainly collaborating with their Atlanta-based Dungeon Family collective, Wade and Organized Noize showcased a diverse array of talent, including Big Boi and Andre 3000 from OutKast, Big Gipp, Khujo, T-Mo, and Cee Lo Green from Goodie Mob, as well as Killer Mike, Slimm Calhoun, BlackOwned C-Bone, and Backbone.

Notably, he was cousins with rapper Future, who has acknowledged Wade's instrumental role in launching his music career. “Rico support me 1000 more times than anybody ever could,” Future said in 2014, according to Rolling Stone.

Internet mourns death of Rico Wade

Since the news of Wade's passing emerged, numerous heartfelt tributes have poured in across social media platforms.

An Instagram user said, "You can not tell the story of Hip Hop without acknowledging the Dungeon Family and Rico Wade... RIP Rico Wade." 

A user wrote, "Huge loss to hip hop." Another user wrote, "My condolences to his friends and family so many we've." A user wrote, "Sad day for not only hip hop but music rip to the legend Rico Wade who gave us some of the best musical compositions of all Time."

A user said, "One of my all time favorite documentaries is the art of organized noize !!! No way!" 

Another user said, "Rico Wade was huge, huge part of southern hip hop movement with Organized Noise in 1990s, he also. will be missed."

A user said, "I feel some kinda way about a man I've never met. His work brought us OutKast and GoodieMob.. Real HipHop would NOT be the same if they never existed, especially in the South.. Thank you for what you produced and cultivate to benefit so many thru music."

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