![Rico Wade](https://cdn.statically.io/img/deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1356306061-e1713021066902.jpg?w=681&h=383&crop=1)
Rico Wade, part of the production group Organized Noize and the founding member of the Dungeon Family collective, has died at 52. No location or cause of death has been disclosed.
Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike announced the death on his Instagram page today.
“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 ya’ll.”
Wade was described in tributes as a huge contributor in the evolution of southern hip-hop.
The Organized Noize songwriting-production team played a role in early releases by Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob and many others.
The extended collective was known as the “Dungeon Family,” which included Killer Mike and Big Rube.
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