Touching Photos of Inside Rico Wade’s Star-Studded Private Funeral Service in Atlanta

Featuring Cee-Lo Green, Killer Mike And More, Celebrities paid Tribute to Wade who passed away on April 14 at just 52 years of age.

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

On Friday (April 26), Southern rap innovator Rico Wade was laid to rest at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Wade, who was one-third of the Grammy-nominated production team Organized Noize and part of The Dungeon Family, passed away on April 14 at the age 52. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock delivered his eulogy and Atlanta music royalty paid their respects as well.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Bakari Sellers: Why Elon Musk Should Scare Everyone

Here are photos from the the service.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Clark Atlanta band performs at the private funeral service for Rico Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church on April 26, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Photographic murals were displayed outside of the church during a private funeral service for Rico Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The Different Sides Of Rico Wade

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Church decorations at the private funeral service for Wade honored the different sides of the esteemed music personality.

2 Chainz

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Celebrities such as 2 Chainz honored Wade at the private funeral service.

Crew Love

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Shawty Putt, Ben Hill Ball, Slimm Calhoun and Oozee paid their respects to Wade.

Killer Mike

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Killer Mike, a staple in the Atlanta rap community, honored Wade’s memory at the service.

Bangladesh

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Producer, songwriter and rapper Bangladesh pays homage to Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Coach K

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Coach K and a friend pay attend Wade’s funeral service on April 26.

Sleepy Brown

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Rico Wade collaborator (Bring the Noize) and longtime friend Sleepy Brown attended the service to honor his creative partner.

Dallas Austin

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Grammy-winning hitmaker Dallas Austin made sure he was present for Wade’s funeral services.

The Wade Family

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Members of Rico Wade’s family Rico “Duece” Wade, Beatrice Wade, Ryder Wade and guests attend a private funeral service for Rico Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Dr. Sheri Riley

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Dr. Sheri Riley attended Wade’s private funeral service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Drum Major For Clark Atlanta

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Drum Major for Clark Atlanta led the performance at the service. The band played songs that included “Waterfalls” by TLC and “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” by Outkast. Both of those songs were produced by Organized Noize, the production team consisting of Wade, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray.

Casino

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Casino and guests attend a private funeral service for Rico Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church on April 26, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Wade passed away on April 13, 2024 at the age of 52.

Final Sendoff

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Decorations are displayed outside of the church during the private funeral service for Rico Wade at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

A Beautiful Goodbye

Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes Photo: Getty Images Joi Stokes

Wade’s casket is carried to its final resting place after the private funeral service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

A Peek Inside Lena Horne's Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

A Peek Inside Lena Horne’s Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

Iconic actress and activist Lena Horne’s home in Queens is finally under contract to be sold. Let’s take a look inside! …
Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Black women were instrumental in the early stages of hip-hop and continue to make history today. We’re looking at those who made their mark doing what they love …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …
Don't Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Don’t Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Go old-school with your spring cleaning for a house as clean as your grandma’s …
GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

A Georgia woman accused of swindling customers didn’t even have a Preparer Tax Identification Number …
New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn't Commit

New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn’t Commit

Prosecutors said Kenneth Windley, now 61, did not steal $550 after two other men who were convicted of similar robberies confessed …
How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman just testified in court after being sued by Ohio law enforcement over his many diss tracks against them …
How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect's New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect’s New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

Attorneys for Brian Cole Jr. argue Trump’s previous pardons should also apply to him …
New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders and Karreuche Tran have been romantically linked since July 2025, but nothing concrete has ever been shared. Until now! …
The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown spoke out on why content creators deserve to be in elevated spaces like the Oscars. But some journalists aren’t seeing eye to eye with her stance …
Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee just moved to impeach AG Pam Bondi, marking the second time in March that articles of impeachment have been brought against her …
Farrah From Destiny's Child Responds to Terrence Howard's Dating Claims

Farrah From Destiny’s Child Responds to Terrence Howard’s Dating Claims

Terrence Howard said he had a romantic connection with singer Farrah Franklin years ago. Now, she’s speaking out and telling a different side to the story! …
Black TikToker Claims He 'Scammed' MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

Black TikToker Claims He ‘Scammed’ MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

One Black TikToker allegedly scammed MAGA supporters out of thousands of dollars. Now, his story is going viral …
Michael B. Jordan's Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Michael B. Jordan’s Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan’s former classmate, who used to bully him, is seemingly getting a taste of her own medicine online…yet again …
Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA's Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA’s Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

After 17 months of heated negotiations, the WNBA avoided the first work stoppage in league history by reaching a historic deal with its Players Association …