ATLANTA — CeeLo Green has purchased Rico Wade's family home for $1 million following the passing of the Dungeon Family co-founder.
In an emotional Instagram post, Green penned a heartfelt message under a montage of pictures dating back to the origin of the Dungeon Family, expressing his gratitude for Wade and the space he curated for Atlanta artists.
"We were poor, but we were proud," the message said. "So a few of us [did] what we had to do to get that first equipment. . . we got the tools, already had a talent, a good leader and God."
Following the 52-year-old's passing, friends such as Dee Murray and Curtis Daniel III spoke with 11Alive to reflect on Wade's leadership and legacy.
"Rico Wade was appointed commander and chief of Atlanta music culture," Green wrote.
Wade played a pivotal role in pioneering Atlanta's rap music scene. He worked with Outkast, Goodie Mob and TLC. Wade also helped to found the Dungeon Family, a musical collective that includes artists like Killer Mike, Cee Lo Green and Wade's cousin, Future.
Green credits the success of himself and many other artist to the work done in Wade's Southside home, but this success resulted in the home becoming vacant after Dungeon Family members moved out on their own.
His purchase comes after Outkast member Big Boi purchased, renovated and rented the home as an Airbnb back in 2021.
"It came to my attention that it was on the market. I took it upon myself to acquire this monument and landmark," Green said. "It was too important and invaluable to leave it be."
According to the post, Green intends to turn the home into a museum to archive Atlanta's "rich musical history."