Rico Wade, Atlanta rap pioneer and Dungeon Family member, passed away at 52
Rico Wade, an Atlanta rap legend and founding member of the Dungeon Family, died at the age of 52.
Wade’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday morning, saying in a statement that they were “deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected” death of the American songwriter and record producer.
The statement further reads, “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.” Although the reason for his demise was not disclosed by the family, Wade is survived by his mother, wife Debbie Wade and two children.
In the meanwhile, Killer Mike, a close friend of Wade’s, expressed deep grief at his demise. Taking to Instagram account, Killer Mike wrote, “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 y’all.”
The Dungeon Family collective was founded by Wade, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown in the early 1990s.
The songwriting-production team Organized Noize had been crucial to the early releases by artists such as Outkast, TLC and Goodie Mob.
Many of the hits of the era were not only created at Wade’s studio in the East Point district of the city, known as “the Dungeon,” but were also featured in them.
