Rico Wade, one-third of the production group Organized Noize and founder of the legendary Dungeon Family collective that worked closely with Outkast, has died. He was 52.
One of the close affiliates of the Dungeon Family, rapper Killer Mike, broke the news to his two million Instagram followers on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024. No indication on the cause of death has been released.
In a heartbreaking tribute to his close friend and frequent collaborator, Michael “Killer Mike” Render explained that his bond was much more than music.
“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.”
“I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.”
“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.”
Wade’s production credits include the masterpiece Outkast albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini.
Outside of André 3000 and Big Boi, Wade — who is the cousin of rap superstar Future — also laid tracks for a wide variety of artists including TLC, Ludacris, and Janelle Monáe.
