- Rico Wade is best known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike
- His family confirmed his ‘sudden and unexpected passing’ at age 52 on Saturday
- Wade’s cause of death has not been confirmed
Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade, known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, has died at age 52.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Saturday morning as they revealed 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 individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time,’ his loved ones wrote.
They did not provide a cause of death, or any further details on his death.
Many of Wade’s collaborators flocked to social media to express their condolences to his family and reflect on his legacy.

Atlanta rap legend Rico Wade, known for his work with Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, has died at age 52
‘I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all,’ Killer Mike captioned a black and white photos of his late pal in the studio.
He continued: ‘I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.’
Under the 48-year-old Atlanta native (born Michael Santiago Render)’s post, CeeLo Green commented a sobbing emoji.
‘Yooo this is crazy… wow,’ Kid Cudi wrote under the slideshow.
Wade is survived by his mom, two sons, wife Debbie Wade, and siblings.
Wade founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s, alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
The Hip hop group consisted of Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Khujo as well as his younger cousin, Future.

His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Saturday morning as they revealed they were ‘deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of’ their ‘son, father, husband and brother’ (Wade pictured with Jamal Anderson and Goodie Mob in 2000)

‘Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time,’ his loved ones wrote; Wade (R) seen with Ray Murray (L); the hip-hop stars seen in 2002