Outkast Producer, Organized Noize Member Was 52
Outkast Producer, Organized Noize Member Was 52 – Rico Wade, a key Outkast producer and member of Organized Noise who co-founded the Dungeon Family collective, has died. He was 52 years old.
A representative of Organized Noise said that no cause of death is available at this time. The Hollywood Reporter.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband and brother, Rico Wade,” his family shared in a statement. “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 our loved one’s legacy and our privacy at this time.
Wade, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s. The hip-hop group included Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Khujo and, later, Wade’s little cousin, Future.
Through their company Organized Knows, Wade, Brown and Murray produced Outkast’s debut album. Southern Playelastakadelakmusicas well as a good amount of the group’s albums ATLiens And on the tracks Ecumenism And Stinkonia. The trio co-wrote and produced TLC’s smash hit “Waterfalls” and produced hits like En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go” and Ludacris’ “Saturday (Ooh! Ooooh!)”.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our beloved brother Rico Wade,” Organized Noise and the Dungeon family shared in a lengthy statement. “The world has lost one of music’s most innovative architects, and we’ve lost an invaluable friend. Rico was a cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we’ll cherish his memory and those moments forever. We will preserve the music we created together as a team. And in the music we put out to the world.
Born on February 26, 1972 in East Point, Georgia, Rico Wade helped launch the careers of Janelle Monae, Killer Mike and Future through his work with the Dungeon Family collective and Organized Noise. In 2014, Mask off The rapper Credits Wade for his success in rap..
Color Mike was one of the many artists who took to social media to express themselves. Saddened by Wade’s passing. “I have no words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” the rapper wrote in the Instagram caption of a photo of the producer. “I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the dungeon family, guidance, friendship and brotherhood. Where would I be without you.”
Wade is survived by his mother, two sons, wife and many brothers and sisters.