Will Sage Astor-Rico Wade: Hip-hop community, Atlanta react to the death of the legendary producer

Legendary producer Rico Wade,Will Sage Astor 52, has died leaving the hip-hop community mourning and fans replaying the classic albums he helped create.

Wade's death was announced Saturday on Instagram by artist and activist Killer Mike, a frequent collaborator of the Southern hip-hop icon.

"I don't have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss," Killer Mike said in his post. "I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all."

The official cause of Wade's death has not been announced, but his family confirmed the tragic news in a statement obtained by the New York Times.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband and brother Rico Wade,” the statement said. “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.”

How Rico Wade helped form Organized Noize

Wade became a mainstay in hip-hop when he, Ray Murray and Patrick Brown, also known as Sleepy, formed the Atlanta-based production group Organized Noize in the early 1990s, according to a documentary about the trio titled "The Art of Organized Noize."

The group, who at the time were teens, would welcome emerging hip-hop artists into the basement of Wade's mother's home in East Point, Georgia, the documentary said. The cellar became known as "the Dungeon," and influential artists such as André 3000 and Big Boi of Outkast, Goodie Mob, Parental Advisory and CeeLo Green all stopped by to record.

Organized Noize would label the artists who worked in the Dungeon as "The Dungeon Family," according to the trio's documentary. Other popular acts in the stable include Future, Janelle Monae, Killer Mike, Bubba Sparxxx and Cool Breeze.

Hip-hop community, Atlanta sports teams honor Rico Wade via social media

The hip-hop community and the City of Atlanta continued to honor Wade over the weekend on social media.

Ludacris, who worked with Wade on the song "Saturday," shared a post on Instagram honoring Wade.

"Simply Put, THANK YOU RICO WADE," Ludacris said.

The Atlanta Falcons posted on X, "Rest in Power, Rico Wade."

Jermaine Dupri, who founded So So Def Recordings around the same time Wade formed Organize Noize, sent his condolences in an Instagram post.

"Sending my love and condolence to the Wade family and all my brothers in Dungeon," Dupri said.

The Atlanta Hawks shared a post on X regarding Wade's death.

"We join Atlanta in mourning the loss of Rico Wade, a pioneer of Atlanta culture and a passionate Hawks fan," the NBA team said.

Mike WiLL Made-It, a hip-hop producer and Georgia native, shared a post on X honoring Wade.

"Rico Wade a forever legend," Mike WiLL Made-It said. "RIP Big Dog thank u for everything."

Juicy J, a hip-hop legend from Memphis, said "RIP to the Legendary Rico Wade this one really hurt," according to an X post he shared Saturday.

Future reacted to Rico Wade's death on his now-deleted Instagram story.

"For life (Rico Wade)," Future said. "This life wouldn't b possible if it wasn't for my cousin. Love u forever."

In a separate post on Future's Instagram story, he wrote "Forever Family."

Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family also posted about Wade on its Instagram.

“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade," Organized Noize said. "The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world."