Rico Wade, one-third of Organized Noize and founder of the group Dungeon Family, died unexpectedly on April 12. But it obviously failed.
Members of the Dungeon Family – including Sleepy Brown, Ray Murray and Killer Mike – attended Wade’s private memorial service on Friday (April 26), showcasing the team’s close bond. But this is not always the case. With the rise of Dungeon Family, albums like Outkast’s Southernplayalisticadillacfunkymuzik and Goodie Mob’s Soul Food put Southern hip-hop on the map.
Soon, Organized Noize became one of the most sought-after production teams in the music industry. The trio would go on to achieve great success on TLC, En Vogue, and Ludacris, which somewhat led to the rift in the group. Even through all the ups and downs — including Wade’s alcoholism — his health scare put things into perspective for everyone involved.
Dressed in André 3000 gear, Wade spoke to AllHipHop a few weeks before his death about his current relationship with the Dungeon Family. He had attended a Three Decker Band concert the night before, and the enthusiasm in his voice was palpable as he talked about the experience.
“I just had heart surgery and they had to put a stent in my chest,” he said. “It happened on January 19th, and I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to miss this. [the concert].’ God doesn’t want my life. He wanted my attention and he got it. It’s been blessings blessings blessings ever since. From that moment on, I was blessed in every way. It’s hard not to cry every time I think about it.
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Wade played a major role in the careers of André 3000, Big Boi, Goodie Mob (including CeeLo Green), Killer Mike, and many others, and he was recognized by many members of the Dungeon Family (including his younger brother) after he suffered a heart attack Touched by a helping hand.
“They all love me and respect me,” he said with a smile. “They all see me as the person who does this for them, especially after what I just went through. I’ve talked to every one of them and it’s like, ‘I want to hug you, I want to Let you know how much you mean to us. I’m glad you’re still here.
“I hate life-changing situations, but even with Future – my cousin – he’s too busy. But if I text him now, he gets back to me right away. I saw him at the show last night André, I met Boi Boi in the studio the other day and everyone could see that I was clean and tidy and they could see that my energy was 1o.
Elsewhere in the interview, Rico Wade discussed the experience of watching Killer Mike sweep the rap categories at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards and his subsequent arrest.
“The crazy thing is, Killer Mike is one of the most articulate, smartest people I know,” he said. “So sometimes – not intentionally, because I wouldn’t say it was a conspiracy. But they were waiting for him or something, like because of what happened at Staples Center or whatever. Since then, the city has been Support.
“Other news outlets were very supportive of giving him this platform to speak because not only did he sweep the Grammys, but his album was so good. Andre and Future’s Songs [‘Scientists & Engineers] Won Song of the Year Award. So it’s like, I’m glad I’m here.
Such emotions make Wade’s passing even more difficult for his friends, family and fans to accept. But no matter what happens, the Dungeon Family vows to suppress him.
Find some of their posts below.
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