The Dungeon Family has officially put out a statement in the wake of the shocking death of pioneering producer Rico Wade, who died at the age of 52 on Saturday (April 13).
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade,” the collective wrote on the Organized Noize Instagram page on Saturday (April 13). “The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend.”
They continued: “Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
Future, a cousin of Rico Wade who got his big break as a member of the second generation of the Dungeon Family, also took to his Instagram stories to pay tribute to his fallen relative. Check out his response below, along with tributes from the likes of Big Gipp, 2 Chainz, and Questlove.
Dungeon Family issues statement on Rico Wade’s death: “Rico was the cornerstone” pic.twitter.com/2Z78dpSwuo
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 13, 2024
Future reacts to the passing of Rico Wade pic.twitter.com/o68BsKqMJJ
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 13, 2024
Killer Mike, who recently deployed the legendary producer’s services for his Grammy award-winning album, MICHAEL, also took to Instagram on Saturday (April 13) to share the news with his followers.
“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,” he wrote in the caption. “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. Love and Respect, Michael.”
Wade’s family issued a statement that same day.
It reads: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. 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.”
The Dungeon Family was a collective of rappers and producers who were considered pioneers of Southern Hip Hop. Consisting of the likes of OutKast, the Goodie Mob, and Killer Mike (as part of the so-called “second generation” of the Dungeon Family), the crew got its name from Wade’s recording studio, which was known as “The Dungeon,” which is where most of the now-legendary records were recorded.
In addition to his production work on the Dungeon Family’s collection of albums, the producer (real name Rico Renard Wade) was also behind the boards for some super-smash R&B hits, including En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love)” and TLC’s “Waterfalls.” He was one-third of the production collective Organized Noize, which also included Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
Wade is survived by his two children.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to the friends and family of Rico Wade.
