Death Of ATL's Rich Homie Quan Sparks Reactions From Music Industry

ATLANTA, GA — During a week that has been full of turmoil for Georgia, beloved Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan died Thursday of an unknown cause. He was 34.

Rich Home Quan, whose real name is Dequantes Devontay Lamar, reportedly skyrocketed to mainstream fame after releasing "Type of Way" from his album "Still Goin in Reloaded" in 2013.

The melodic rapper was found unresponsive in his Hamden Forest Drive home, Atlanta Police said. Police did not identify Lamar by name.

Officers responded around 11:15 a.m. to a medical call at the home, and an ambulance took Lamar to a hospital, where police said he was pronounced dead.

Police released the 6-minute and 15-second 911 call made by a woman who identified herself as Amber Williams, Lamar's girlfriend.

During the call, Williams is heard telling dispatchers Lamar was asleep on the couch when she took her son to school. She covered him with a blanket prior to leaving, she said.

After returning home, Williams is heard saying she checked on him and did not feel a heartbeat.

"I don't see him breathing," an emotional Williams is heard saying on the call. "I don't feel a heartbeat or anything. I turned him over. He kind of foamed at the mouth."

Dispatchers told Williams they are sending paramedics to assist before instructing her to lay Lamar flat on his back on the floor.

"He is not waking up," Williams is heard saying on the call. "... His heart's not beating or anything."

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the case.

An autopsy performed on Lamar was completed Friday, but an official cause and manner of death remain unknown, the Associated Press reported.

The medical examiner's office sent Billboard a statement noting Lamar's autopsy will be performed Friday.

Lamar was known for his hit, "Lifestyle," co-featuring fellow rap artist Young Thug, who is currently on trial in Fulton County after being accused of spearheading suspected gang Young Slime Life. The defense maintains YSL stands for Young Stoner Life and is purely a rap label.

Lamar and Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, partly formed Cash Money Record's Rich Gang. Lamar was a possible witness in the gang trial against Williams, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Lamar's hits included "Walk Thru" and "Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)." The Atlanta-born rapper was set to perform Thursday, Sept. 19, for the Wild ’N Out Live: The Final Lap tour stop at State Farm Arena.

Shortly after news broke of Lamar's death, tributes began pouring in on social media.

"Rest in power, Rich Homie Quan. A beloved member of our community and a powerful presence in Atlanta’s music world," the Atlanta Hawks tweeted alongside a photo of Lamar.

The Atlanta United FC said Lamar was one of the first people to hit the team's Golden Spike.

Iconic rapper and actress Lil' Kim shared multiple photos of herself and Lamar in a Facebook post.

"This is the part of life that I’ll never get used to, I’m so heartbroken. No one ever understood the dope a-- friendship u and I had. u always pulled up for me no matter what. I’ve learned in life love those who love you. Rest in Heaven my angel," she wrote.

Musician Jacquees, who shares the 2016 song "Come Thru" with Lamar, took to X to share his sentiments.

"Rest in Peace my brother Rich Homie Quan. I love you for Life. #Richgang," Jacquees wrote.

Rest in Peace my brother Rich Homie Quan. I love you for Life. #Richgang
— King Of R&B (@Jacquees) September" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/Jacquees/s... 5, 2024

Rapper Playboi Carti shared videos of Lamar in his Instagram story, one of which featured Lamar singing a song with Williams, rap mogul Birdman and others.

Additional tributes came from Quavo - who is one third of the Atlanta-based Migos, and Lil' Boosie.