Member Of 'Organized Noize' and 'Dungeon Family' Rico Wade Dead At 52

By Angela Wilson

Rico Wade, a music producer of Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family, has died.

He was 52.

His family and music groups released a statement on Saturday announcing his death.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many," the statement read.

The statement continued: "We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time."

The Atlanta native was a founding member of the Dungeon Family. He helped produce several albums that helped launch the careers of Cee-Lo Green, OutKast, and Goodie Mobb.

Wade's work with The Dungeon Family — an Atlanta-based musical collective that specialized in Southern hip hop, soul and funk — and later Organized Noize, is considered a trailblazing pioneer for the modern success of southern hip-hop.

He also co-wrote TLC's 1994 hit "Waterfalls." The third single from their second album, "CrazySexyCool," often referred to as the trio's signature song, was an international hit. "Waterfalls" received critical acclaim, earning two Grammy nominations in 1996, including Record of the Year, and winning Video of the Year at the MTV VMAs, making them the first African-American act to win that category.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated Wade's lasting impact on the city's hip-hop culture during the 90's was insurmountable, in a statement.

"Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future and many more. Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world and for that, the South will always have something to say," he said.

The music pioneer is survived by his wife, Debbie Wade and children; Ryder and Lovie.

His exact cause of death has not been revealed.