Member of pioneering production trio to be laid to rest in private service at Atlanta church Friday
Organized Noize producer Rico Wade will be laid to rest at a private funeral in his native Atlanta on Friday, nearly two weeks after the Southern hip-hop innovator died at the age of 52.
The friends and family-only service will take place April 26 at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church; according to Fox 5 Atlanta, a 68-member band will perform the music of Organized Noise — which includes producing OutKast, Goodie Mob, and TLC’s “Waterfalls” — as mourners enter the church prior to the funeral.
A funeral procession to Wade’s gravesite will follow the service.
Wade, a founding member of the pioneering trio that helped craft the “Dirty South” sound and the person responsible for giving Big Boi and Andre 3000 their start in the Dungeon Family, died on April 12; his cause of death has not been revealed.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” Organized Noize said in a statement following Wade’s death.
“Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
“I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll,” Killer Mike wrote on social media following news of Wade’s death. “This is a part of the journey. You told me ‘It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.’ The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma ‘Stay Down on it’……we all are.”
Big Boi wrote on Instagram, “This is a different type of hurt …. 💔 Slick Ricky Wade .. I know you’re with us STILL … in a bigger role now… Big Angel Energy… the Highest of Vibrations … Praise Yah.”
