Dungeon Family has officially released a statement following the death of pioneering producer Rico Wade on Saturday (April 13) at the age of 52.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade,” the group wrote on the Organized Noize Instagram page on Saturday (April 13). “The world has lost one of music’s most innovative architects, and we have lost an invaluable friend.”
They continued: “Rico was a cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will always cherish his memory and the moments we shared creating music as a united team. Our hearts are filled with sadness as we continue to work together during these challenging times.” Requesting privacy and sympathy. Rico’s presence will always have a special place in our hearts and in the music we put out into the world.”
Rico Wade, whose cousin Future has found huge success as a second-generation member of the Dungeon family, also posted on Instagram to pay tribute to his fallen loved ones. Check out his response below, along with tributes from the likes of Big Gipp, 2 Chainz and Questlove.
Dungeon Family releases statement on Rico Wade’s death: ‘Rico was the rock’ pic.twitter.com/2Z78dpSwuo
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 13, 2024
Future reactions to Rico Wade’s death pic.twitter.com/o68BsKqMJJ
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 13, 2024
Killer Mike, who recently deployed the legendary producer’s services for his Grammy-winning album MICHAEL, also shared the news with his fans on Instagram on Saturday (April 13).
“I have no words to express my deep sense of loss. I pray for your wife and children. I pray for the Wade family. I pray for all of us,” he wrote in the caption. “I can’t thank you enough for being a part of Dungeon Family, for your mentorship, friendship and brotherhood. I don’t know where I would be without you. This is part of the journey. You taught me that this whole journey wasn’t difficult, it was A journey”. The journey won’t be the same journey without you. Like you said Uma “hang in there”…we all do. Love and respect, Michael. “
Wade’s family issued a statement that day.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our son, father, husband and brother, Rico Wade,” the letter reads. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn a talented man who touched the lives of so many. We We ask that you respect our loved one’s legacy and our privacy at this time.”
The Dungeon Family is a group of rappers and producers who are considered the pioneers of Southern hip-hop. Comprised of members including OutKast, Goodie Mob and Killer Mike (part of the so-called “second generation” of the Dungeon Family), the crew was named after Wade’s recording studio, which was known as “The Dungeon” – a now-popular The place where most legendary records were recorded.
In addition to producing Dungeon Family’s albums, the producer (real name Rico Renard Wade) was behind some mega-hit R&B hits, including En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love)” and TLC’s “Waterfalls.” He is one-third of the production collective Organized Noize, which also includes Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
Wade is survived by his two children.
HipHopDX expresses its condolences to Rico Wade’s friends and family.
