André 3000 became emotional on stage while reminiscing about his late friend and collaborator Rico Wade.
In his first public comments about Wade’s death, the OutKast rapper spoke about the late producer’s influence on his life and career while performing at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
“The last time we were here, we did a residency about five, six shows, and Rico Wade showed up,” he said to the crowd. “Now, one thing y’all don’t know about Rico, Rico Wade…”
After trailing off, André attempted to compose himself and continued: “Sorry, y’all. Rico Wade… So Rico Wade made sure my raps were tight. There were times where I would say a rap to Rico in his ears, and he would walk off like, ‘That ain’t good enough.’ So just for a moment, I want y’all to make some noise for King Rico.”
“Dungeon Family all day,” he added. “I wouldn’t be here on this stage or able to do any of this. I wouldn’t have the confidence to do any of this if it weren’t for Dungeon Family. They raised me.
“My family taught me how to dream. Taught me how to dream and go for it. Big Boi taught me how to dream, get at it and go for it. The Dungeon was the grounds for a lot of things. Our entire thing was to keep pushing, keep stretching out.”
Rico Wade passed away in April at the age of 52 due to heart failure.
Tributes poured in from many of the Organized Noize producer’s close friends and collaborators, including fellow OutKast MC Big Boi.
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“This is a different type of hurt …. Slick Ricky Wade .. I know you’re with us STILL … in a bigger role now… Big Angel Energy… the Highest of Vibrations … Praise Yah,” he wrote on Instagram.
Daddy Fat Sax was one of several Dungeon Family representatives who reunited for a cookout in Atlanta this past weekend to celebrate Wade’s legacy.
The group, which also included André 3000, Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown and most of Goodie Mob, gathered at Wade’s old family home, known as the Dungeon, where the crew recorded their earliest work.
