Killer Mike has paid tribute to Rico Wade with a new remix of “Exit 9” featuring Offset and original guest Blxst.
Released on Friday (April 26), the updated version of the mournful track finds the Atlanta rap legend proverbially pouring one of for his late Dungeon Family relative following his unexpected death earlier this month.
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Changing a line in his first verse, Mike raps: “It hurts like hell to say but rest in peace to Rico Wade/ He soundtracked the day when me and Slee were serving J.”
Offset, who is also no stranger to grief, continues the theme of the song by reflecting on the deaths of two close family members.
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“Oh, my brother, look in the air, I see an angel done fly/ 15 years, brother gone, every day momma cry,” he spits before adding: “Grandma died, I wish I could go back and get time.”
Killer Mike also posted a video on Instagram showing him recording the remix in the studio and workshopping his tribute to Rico Wade, who he praised as an “inspiration” in an earlier version of his lyrics.
“Exit 9” originally appeared on Mike’s Grammy-winning album MICHAEL.
One third of the legendary Organized Noize production team, Rico Wade passed away on April 13 at the age of 52. A spokesperson for his family revealed to The New York Times that heart failure was the cause of death.
His family added 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.
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“We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time.”
Killer Mike shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following his death, thanking the producer for his friendship and guidance.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” he wrote. “I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.
“I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll. This is a part of the journey. You told me ‘It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.'”
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He continued: “The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are. Love and Respect, Michael #RipRicoWade #WeDF #OrganizedNoize #MusicalGenius.”
Acording to FOX 5 Atlanta, Rico Wade will be laid to rest today at a private funeral service. There will then be a procession through Atlanta to Wade’s gravesite.
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68 members of Clark Atlanta’s band will perform some of Organized Noize’s hits outside the venue as family and friends arrive.
