By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Rich Homie Quan, a prominent figure in mid-2010s hip-hop, passed away at the age of 33 in Atlanta. Born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, Quan achieved mainstream success in 2013 with his hit single Type of Way, followed by Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh), which peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. His death was confirmed by the Fulton County medical examiner, with the cause yet to be disclosed. Fellow artists, including Megan Thee Stallion and 2 Chainz, paid tribute to him.
Rich Homie Quan rose to fame through his work with the Rich Gang collective alongside Young Thug and Birdman. He helped shape the southern hip-hop scene with hits like Lifestyle. Despite his commercial success, Quan faced legal disputes with his label T.I.G., which led to a hiatus. In 2018, he released his only studio album, Rich as in Spirit. The rapper had hinted at a comeback in recent years and spoke openly about the challenges artists face in the spotlight, including legal battles and targeted policing.
Quan's legacy includes his distinctive flow, storytelling, and contribution to the viral dance craze Hit the Quan. He collaborated with notable artists like Lil Dicky on Save Dat Money and Rick Ross on Think About It. He continued to inspire fans and peers with his passion for music, despite setbacks and personal struggles. The unexpected news of his death has left a significant void in the hip-hop community, and his influence will be remembered.