Iconic producer Rico Wade of Organized Noize was laid to rest in Atlanta on Friday, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the release of Outkast's debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Following the private funeral service, Outkast members Big Boi and Andre 3000 took to social media to honor and pay tribute to the influential producer, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 52.

Big Boi, reflecting on the essential role that Rico Wade played in Outkast's success, wrote, "Without Rico Wade... There would be no Outkast. From the beginning, Organized Noize signed us. They were our big brothers, and they did a production deal with LaFace Records. They were the ones that gave us our first shot and we been doing music with them since the beginning."

Andre 3000 reminisced about the first encounter with one of the Dungeon Family patriarchs, saying, "The first time we met Rico [Wade], we had the 'Scenario' instrumental on and we just rapped damn near the whole song, non-stop." It was Gipp from Goodie Mob's truck they were listening to the instrumental in. Impressed by their talent, Rico Wade invited the duo to his basement, affectionately called the dungeon, where the creative process began.

Describing the initial impression Rico had of the young duo, Andre 3000 shared, "Rico saw that, and he said, 'These guys can really rhyme. They don't really rhyme like people from the South.' So he told us to come over to his house, and that's where the dungeon is, in the basement."

Wade played a pivotal role in the development and mentorship of Outkast, guiding them throughout their early career. His impact on the Dungeon Family and the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. In a statement released by Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, they expressed their devastation regarding the loss of their dear brother, describing Rico Wade as "one of the most innovative architects in music."

No cause of death has been announced for Rico Wade, who passed away on April 12 at the age of 52. The music community mourns the loss of a true visionary, but his legacy will forever live on through the music he helped create.

The Dungeon Family member Killer Mike also took to social media to express his gratitude towards Rico Wade, saying, "I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship, and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya'll." He further added, "The journey ain't gonna be the Same Journey without U."

As the music world continues to mourn the loss of Rico Wade, his contributions and presence will always hold a special place in the hearts of those he worked with, and in the music he helped bring to the world.