Rich Homie Quan, Atlanta Rapper Known for Trap Songs Like ‘Type of Way,’ Dies at 33

Rich Homie Quan, the Atlanta rapper who rose to fame with his trap singles “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” has died. He was 33.

Quan, whose legal name is Dequantes Devontay Lamar, died at an Atlanta hospital, the Fulton County medical examiner confirmed to The Associated Press. The medical examiner was notified of his death Thursday, said Jimmy Sadler, the medical examiner’s lead investigator. The cause of death was not immediately known, with an autopsy scheduled for Friday.

Quan was one of the biggest names in hip-hop in the mid-2010s. He released a series of mixtapes before breaking out in 2013 with the rousing “Type of Way.” The song was so successful that several other rappers jumped on the remix, including Jeezy and Meek Mill. He kept his momentum going by appearing on a YG track with Jeezy and releasing the London on da Track-produced “Lifestyle” via his rap collective Rich Gang. which included Young Thug and Birdman.

Quan then released “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” a song produced by DJ Spinz and Nitti Beatz. It became his highest-charting solo single, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also featured on Lil Dicky’s viral song “$ave Dat Money.”

In 2018, Quan released his first and only studio album “Rich as in Spirit”, which featured almost no guest appearances, with the exception of “Think About It”, a single featuring Rick Ross.

Quavo, Lil Boosie and Playboi Carti are among the artists who have paid tribute to Quan on social media.

“Rest in peace my brother Rich Homie Quan,” said singer Jacquees, who also called him a “legend” on X. “I love you for Life.”

In 2022, Quan spoke to The Associated Press about his return to music after an abrupt hiatus. At the time, the rapper said he was in a legal dispute with independent label TIG (Think It’s a Game Records), but was ready to make a comeback.

During this time, Quan found himself embroiled in a feud with his former collaborator Young Thug – who, along with rapper Gunna, was part of a group charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO law and also accused of participating in a criminal street gang.

Quan said there was no conflict between him and Young Thug and that he was willing to talk with him if the opportunity arose. He said he hated to see Young Thug locked up, adding that rappers were targeted by law enforcement.

“I wouldn’t say they’re being unfairly targeted, because at the same time, some of these rappers are putting guns in their videos and, you know, it’s like social media – it comes back to social media,” he said.

“I think we show too much, I think they show too much, you know what I mean. That’s the difference in my music, I tell a story but I’m not going to tell you how I did it,” he added. “It’s still dark art, but we’re clearly targeted. That’s why I’m careful about what I say in my music.”