Rico Wade, Southern Rap Trailblazer, dies at 52

Rico Wade, a pivotal figure in the Atlanta music scene and one-third of the influential production company Organized Noize, has passed away at the age of 52. Wade’s contributions include co-writing hits like TLC’s “Waterfalls” and shaping the sound of Atlanta rap.

What We Know:

• Rico Wade, co-founder of Organized Noize and influential music producer, died at 52.
• Organized Noize, formed with Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray in the early 1990s, was instrumental in launching Outkast’s debut and producing several of their albums including “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” “ATLiens,” “Aquemini,” and “Stankonia.”
• Wade’s songwriting credits extend beyond Outkast, including TLC’s hit “Waterfalls” and En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go.”
• He was also a member of the Dungeon Family music collective, which released an album in 2001.
• Tributes poured in from figures like Killer Mike, who acknowledged Wade’s mentorship and friendship, and Mayor Keisha Bottoms, who offered condolences.
• Actor and rapper Ludacris praised Wade as the “Best Human Being On 2 Feet.”
• Wade was a cousin to rapper Future, who credited Wade with giving him unique insights into the music industry.
• Wade is survived by his mother, wife, two sons, and siblings, leaving a lasting legacy in both his personal and professional life.

Rico Wade’s death marks a significant loss to the music world, particularly in Atlanta, where he helped define a generation of sound and mentorship within the industry.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.