Rico Wade played a central role in hip‑hop as a producer with the influential Dungeon Family collective, the creative force behind OutKast and Goodie Mob. He helped shape several of their landmark records and was a co‑writer on TLC’s hit song Waterfalls.
News outlets reported that Wade, who was African American, passed away on April 13, 2024; he was 52. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Wade, and their children, and the family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
His family wrote in a statement,
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.
Rapper Killer Mike honored Wade by sharing photos on Instagram and offering prayers for the family.
Wade was also a cousin of rapper Future, who has credited him with jump‑starting his career. “Rico support me 1000 more times than anybody ever could,” said Future to Rolling Stone. “Nobody could ever do what Rico Wade did for me. … Everything I know about music, I know because of Rico.”
In the rest of this piece we’ll explore more about his family life, including his marriage to Debbie Wade. Also read: https://thehiphopupdate.com/music/rico-wade-net-worth-and-house/
Debbie Wade’s New York Roots and Professional Path
Born and raised in New York, New York, Wade has combined expertise in event management with experience in healthcare administration. She currently works as a billing coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and has owned Next Level Events since October 2007, where she focuses on corporate functions and training sessions.
Beyond running an events company, she is active as a speaker, thought leader, and empowerment strategist. On her Facebook profile she refers to herself as an “unstoppable woman of purpose at Self-Employed.”
Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in psychology and social work from Argosy University Atlanta, completed in 2016, and earlier studies at Florida State University.
No post found for this URL.Married in 2022
Debbie told The Hip-Hop Update that she and Wade started dating in 2017 and got engaged in 2020. They were married on February 22, 2022, at The Castle at Rhodes Hall in Atlanta, Georgia, and Debbie shared several of their wedding photos on her Facebook page.
The couple were frequently seen together at public events, including an appearance at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in November 2023.
Their marriage continued until Rico’s passing.
Riley Wade, Born to Rico and Debbie, Died in 2020
Rico and Debbie’s daughter, Riley Wade, was born in 2020 and, heartbreakingly, died later that year. The late hip‑hop artist also fathered two children from an earlier relationship: Rico Wade II and Ryder Wade.
Rico Wade II stood out athletically, playing baseball for the Knights and helping secure the AAU baseball championship in July 2018.
Debbie’s Earlier Marriage to David Lawhorn
Before she wed Rico, Debbie was previously married to David Lawhorn. The couple married in 2015 and their marriage ended in 2016. Lawhorn is the founder of David Speaks International and David Lawhorn Companies.
A native of Atlanta, David attended Roosevelt High School before studying at Morehouse College. He currently resides in Johns Creek, Georgia.
