He Noticed Something in Us

The music world mourned the loss of Rico Wade, the pioneering producer behind Organized Noize, who was laid to rest in Atlanta on Friday. The funeral coincided with the 30th anniversary of Outkast’s debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” a project that Wade played a crucial role in shaping.

Big Boi and Andre 3000, the duo that make up Outkast, took to social media to pay tribute to Wade, highlighting his instrumental role in their career. Big Boi credited Wade for giving them their first shot in the music industry, signing them to Organized Noize and helping them secure a production deal with LaFace Records.

Andre 3000 shared a nostalgic story of their first encounter with Wade, where they impressed him with their rhyming skills, leading to a pivotal moment in their career. Wade saw something special in the young duo and invited them to his home, where they would eventually create music in the basement, known as “the dungeon.”

Wade’s impact on the music industry was profound, with his innovative approach to production shaping the sound of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family. His passing on April 12 left a void in the music community, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists and collaborators.

Killer Mike, a member of the Dungeon Family, expressed his gratitude for Wade’s mentorship and friendship, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his career. Wade’s legacy will continue to live on through the music he helped create and the artists he inspired.