Rico Wade, OutKast collaborator and member of Organized Noize, has died aged 52

Member of Atlanta producer group Organized Noize, Rico Wade, has died aged 52.

Family members confirmed his death in a statement seen by NME on Sunday (April 14), writing: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband and brother Rico Wade".

“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.” Wade's cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family also shared a statement on Instagram: “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.” Read their full statement below.

Wade was best known as being a key collaborator for OutKast working on the production of their debut album in 1994 as well as 'ATLiens’, ‘Aquemini’ and ‘Stankonia’.

In the early 90s, Wade founded the production group Organized Noize in Atlanta with Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray.

Together the trio went on to co-write and produce huge tracks such as TLC’s ‘Waterfalls’, which earned Wade his first GRAMMY win for Record of the Year in 1996, as well as work on En Vogue’s ‘Don’t Let Go’ and Ludacris’ ‘Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!)’

As well as this, the three went on to found the Dungeon Family collective which includes the likes of Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Killer Mike, Big Rube, Big Gipp, Khujo and Wade’s cousin Future.

Tributes have been pouring in from artists and fans of Rico Wade. Read a selection below.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter