The city of Atlanta mourns the loss of Rico Wade, a local music innovator and a member of the influential Organized Noize production team. Mayor Andre Dickens shared his condolences in a statement, recognizing Wade's significant contributions to the music industry, as announced on the city's official website.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rico Wade. Rico was a musical genius and one-third of the Grammy Award-winning music production team Organized Noize. A product of Atlanta Public Schools, he led in the creation of a hip-hop sound that has spanned decades and genres. 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.” Dickens expressed. 

Wade's creative prowess with Organized Noize led to a Grammy Award win and a profound influence on a generation of artists, with his roots deeply embedded in the Atlanta sound that has resonated globally. The legacy of Rico Wade and his contributions to music and culture extend beyond geographical borders, leaving a void in a community that revered him as an icon.

As Atlanta grieves, tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists alike, the reverberations of Wade's impact echoing through the music industry, and shaping the conversations around the evolution of southern hip-hop and the undeniable mark he has left.