Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade, known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, has died at age 52.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Saturday morning as they revealed they were ‘deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of’ their ‘son, father, husband and brother.’
‘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,’ his loved ones wrote.
They did not provide a cause of death, or any further details on his death.
Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade, known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, has died at age 52; seen in 2019
Wade is survived by his mom, two sons, wife Debbie Wade, and siblings.
Wade founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s, alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
The Hip hop group consisted of Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Khujo as well as his younger cousin, Future.
Many of Wade’s collaborators flocked to social media to express their condolences to his family and reflect on his legacy.
‘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,’ Killer Mike captioned a black and white photos of his late pal in the studio.
He continued: ‘I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.’
Under the 48-year-old Atlanta native (born Michael Santiago Render)’s post, CeeLo Green commented a sobbing emoji.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Saturday morning as they revealed they were ‘deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of’ their ‘son, father, husband and brother’
‘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,’ his loved ones wrote (Wade pictured with Jamal Anderson and Goodie Mob in 2000)
Wade’s cause of death has not been confirmed; Wade (R) seen with Ray Murray (L); the hip-hop stars seen in 2002
‘Yooo this is crazy… wow,’ Kid Cudi wrote under the slideshow.
Damn, another legend gone! We’ve lost 5 people that I know in the last 4 days. Rest well l @ricowadedf.’
Cudi, 40, proceeded to post his own tribute on Instagram, in which he wrote: ‘
Producer Jack Antonoff took to X to react to the news.
‘Had the honor to work with rico wade and organized noize on gone now. those few days in atlanta forever changed bleachers and me as a producer. rico was a lovely genius to be around – flying around the room looking for something wild. rico wade forever,’ he wrote.
‘Huge loss to the world of music. But a MONUMENTAL loss to Atlanta!,’ Johnta Austin wrote. ‘If it true that Atlanta influences everything, then Rico Wade influenced Atlanta! RIP Rico! Thank you for the music, the culture, and the influence!!’
Fans also remembered his legacy, with one writing: ‘We talk a lot about doing things “for the culture”… then there are the people who CREATED culture. That goes beyond being talented, beyond having vision. It’s something that’s in the entirety of your being. That was Rico Wade.’