Rico Wade, one of the architects of Atlanta’s “Dirty South” hip-hop sound, co-produced and co-composed albums by Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Cee-Lo Green TLC’s 1994 hit “Waterfalls”,died. He was 52 years old.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens paid tribute to Wade, saying he “led the creation of a hip-hop sound that transcended decades and genres.” The South will always have something to say, as Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world. ”
Wade’s family announced his death Sunday, but did not provide further details. As a member of Organized Noize’s production team and part of the Dungeon Family collective, Wade released OutKast’s 1994 debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and its follow-up ATLIENS, and 1996’s Green-featuring Goodie Mob. He played an important role in ‘Soul Food’.
These albums introduced a different, perhaps dirtier, sound to hip-hop that quickly became mainstream.
The collective also produced the Grammy-nominated TLC’s “Waterfalls” and En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go.”
“The world has lost one of music’s most innovative architects, and we have lost an irreplaceable friend,” Organized Noise and the Dungeon Family said in a statement.
Rapper Killer Mike of Run the Jewels, who started his career with Dungeon Family, talked about his activities. “A deep sense of loss” On Instagram.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you guys,” he added. “This is part of the journey. You told me, ‘The whole journey wasn’t hard, it was a journey.’ The journey wouldn’t be the same without you. ”
Green, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes’ Fat Joe and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also paid tribute in the comments section.
Wade was rapper Future’s cousin. he told Rolling Stone in 2014. that Wade was responsible for launching his career.
“Rico has supported me 1,000 times more than anyone has ever supported me,” Future said. “Nobody could have done what Rico Wade did for me…Everything I know about music, I know because of Rico.”
