Legendary Hip-Hop Producer Rico Wade Died at 52 Years Old

Rico Wade led the underground scene of hip-hop in Atlanta (literally) with his Dungeon studio. But in 2024, he died abruptly.

Apr. 16 2024, Published 12:43 p.m. ET

Thirty years ago, the hip-hop scene was an up-and-coming opportunity for young musicians to upward push to stardom. Rico Wade was in his early 20s and he decided to transform a music producer along Ray Murray and Patrick Brown aka Sleepy. (*52*), they formed Organized Noize and opened an Atlanta-based recording studio dubbed the Dungeon at a time when mainstream NYC- and LA-based music was once taking up.

Rico and his buddies were able to spoil via the mainstream noise to build up their own collective, and anyone who recorded with them become a part of the Dungeon Family. Most particularly, they labored with Outkast to produce their award-winning debut album and later collaborated with TLC, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and extra. But in April 2024, Killer Mike introduced Rico Wade’s loss of life in an emotional post. What happened to Rico and what was once his cause of death?

What happened to Rico Wade? He died at 52 years previous.

On April 13, 2024, Killer Mike announced Rico’s death on his Instagram: “I would not have the words to specific my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I'm praying for the Wade family. I'm praying for us all. I deeply recognize your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship, and Brotherhood. Idk where I'd be without y’all.”

Additionally, Rico’s family later shared a commentary with Billboard. “We are deeply saddened via the unexpected and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade,” they stated. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented particular person who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you appreciate the legacy of our liked one and our privateness at this time.”

Rico’s spouse, Debbie Wade, is the mother in their kids, Ryder and Lovie Wade. While Rico was an influential track producer, Debbie is a self-employed occupation woman who runs company occasions at Owner Next Door.

Rico Wade’s reason for death has no longer been published.

Whenever we lose someone too soon, we will be able to’t help but marvel what their explanation for demise was once. No main points had been shared about exactly what happened excluding the fact that his loss of life used to be “surprising” and that he used to be 52 years old.

Though a 2010 Vibe article shared that Rico had "battled drug and money worries," it is unclear if any of this was once similar to his passing.

Regardless of the way he died, Rico’s legacy can be heard and felt all over the hip-hop community for many years to come. The songs and albums he created function the inspiration for a few of lately’s most popular artists, and the Dungeon Family’s affect will likely proceed to make its mark on the genre.

Our condolences move out to Rico’s friends, family, and friends.

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