Will never forget early in my journalism career when I went to Rico Wade's house to interview Cool Breeze, who was dropping his solo debut. Rico buzzed me through the gate, and I drove up and around to the front door of the mansion.

I got out of my car, took about three steps, and suddenly noticed three pit bulls running at me, snarling and barking. I leapt back into my car and got the door closed just in time until Rico could come rescue me.

As much as everyone talks about all the famous Atlanta artists from the last few decades, none of that happens without Rico Wade and Organized Noize. Rest in Peace.