By Rich Homie Quan, the Atlanta-based rapper who rose to fame with trap music hits like “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” has died at the age of 34, leaving behind a significant legacy in the hip-hop community.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to The Associated Press that Quan, whose legal name was Dequantes Devontay Lamar, passed away at an Atlanta hospital. Jimmy Sadler, senior medical examiner investigator, reported that they were informed of the rapper’s death on Thursday. The cause of death remains unknown, with an autopsy scheduled for Friday.
Quan emerged as one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures in the mid-2010s. His breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of “Type of Way,” a song that garnered such widespread appeal that it spawned remixes featuring established artists like Jeezy and Meek Mill.
The rapper’s success continued with collaborations like “Lifestyle,” produced by London on da Track and featuring Young Thug and Birdman as part of the Rich Gang collective. His highest-charting solo single, “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” produced by DJ Spinz and Nitti Beatz, peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 2018, Quan released his first and only studio album, “Rich as in Spirit,” which notably featured minimal guest appearances, with Rick Ross being the exception on the track “Think About It.”
During a 2022 interview with The Associated Press, Quan discussed his return to music after an unexpected hiatus, citing legal issues with the independent label T.I.G. (Think It’s a Game Record). He also addressed the ongoing legal situation of his former collaborator Young Thug, expressing concern over the targeting of rappers by law enforcement.
“I wouldn’t say unfairly targeted because at the same time, some of these rappers are putting guns in videos and, you know, it’s like social media — it goes back to the social media thing,” Quan stated, reflecting on the complex relationship between hip-hop culture and law enforcement scrutiny.
Throughout his career, Quan was known for his storytelling approach to lyrics, often providing vivid narratives without explicit details. This style set him apart in the trap music genre and contributed to his widespread appeal.
As news of his passing spreads, the music industry and fans alike are left to reflect on Rich Homie Quan’s contributions to hip-hop and the indelible mark he left on trap music during his brief but impactful career.
AP
