The hip-hop world is in mourning as Atlanta-based rapper Rich Homie Quan, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, has been confirmed dead at the age of 33. The rapper, best known for his 2013 breakout hit “Type of Way” and the 2015 smash single “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed Rich Homie Quan’s death, although the cause of his passing remains undisclosed, pending an official autopsy scheduled for Friday. The news of his sudden death sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, with fans and fellow artists alike paying heartfelt tributes across social media.
Rich Homie Quan rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his melodic flow and infectious energy. His debut hit, “Type of Way,” took the world by storm in 2013, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became an anthem not just for fans but also for athletes. Former Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio even celebrated the track as the team’s unofficial victory song during their triumphant 2013 Rose Bowl season.
Quan’s musical talents continued to shine with his next major hit, “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” which cemented his position as a dominant force in Atlanta’s burgeoning rap scene. He later joined forces with Young Thug and Birdman as part of the Rich Gang collective, contributing to the chart-topping hit “Lifestyle.”
Throughout his career, Rich Homie Quan was nominated for several BET and BET Hip Hop Awards, including the Best New Artist and People’s Champ Award categories. His influence extended beyond his solo work, as he collaborated with notable figures in the industry such as 2 Chainz, Young Thug, and Jacquees.
Rich Homie Quan’s sudden passing shocked many, and although early reports speculated about a possible drug overdose, no official cause of death has been confirmed. According to TMZ, his girlfriend discovered him unresponsive at their home, describing how he was foaming at the mouth when she tried to move him. Paramedics rushed him to Grady Memorial Hospital, but unfortunately, he did not survive.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his cause of death, tributes poured in from fellow artists, fans, and friends. Rapper 2 Chainz, who recently worked with Quan on the 2024 single “Ah’chi,” shared on Instagram: “Damn lil brother, we just spoke about shooting a video… special prayer for you and your family.” Jacquees, a close collaborator, expressed his grief on social media, writing, “Rest in Peace my brother Rich Homie Quan. I love you for life.”
Meek Mill, Playboi Carti, and Boosie Badazz were among others who shared their condolences, with Quavo posting a picture on Instagram that included Quan, Takeoff, and Young Thug, reflecting on the painful losses that have struck the Atlanta rap scene in recent years.
Rich Homie Quan’s legacy goes far beyond the music charts. As a key figure in the wave of Atlanta rappers that reshaped the hip-hop landscape in the 2010s, he will be remembered for his originality and the impact he had on both fans and fellow artists. In a recent interview, he reflected on the legacy he hoped to leave: “Remember me as an original… a hard kid from Atlanta with a dream, who believed in himself and bettered himself — and won.”
His family has yet to release a formal statement, but their grief is palpable as they search for answers to the tragic and untimely death of their loved one.