Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade, known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob and Killer Mike, has died at age 52.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement Saturday morning, revealing that 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 person who touched the lives of so many people. We ask that you respect our loved one’s legacy and our privacy at this time,’ his loved ones wrote.
They did not provide a cause of death or further details about 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
Many of Wade’s collaborators flocked to social media to express their condolences to his family and reflect on his legacy.
‘I have no words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for his wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I’m praying for all of us,’ Killer Mike captioned some black and white photos of his late friend in the studio.
He continued: ‘I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, your mentorship, your friendship, and your brotherhood. I don’t know where I would be without you.’
Below the 48-year-old Atlanta native (born Michael Santiago Render)’s post, CeeLo Green commented a sobbing emoji.
“This is crazy…wow,” Kid Cudi wrote beneath the slideshow.
Wade is survived by his mother, two children, his wife Debbie Wade and his siblings.
Wade founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s, along with Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
The hip hop group consisted of Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Khujo and his younger cousin, Future.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement Saturday morning, revealing that 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 person who touched the lives of so many people. We ask that you respect our loved one’s legacy 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); hip-hop stars seen in 2002