Over 50,000 people watched via livestream as hundreds flocked to World Changers Church International in South Fulton to pay their respects at the funeral of Dequante’s Devontay Lamar, Rich Homie Quan, 34. As the choir sang “I Shall Wear A Crown,” a song traditionally sung in Black Christian churches about the afterlife and the expected return to Jesus, Quan’s family placed a gold crown on his head as undertakers prepared to close the casket. Moments later, the Atlanta City Council issued a proclamation declaring “this day… is Rich Homie Quan Memorial Day in our fair city.”
On September 5, Quan was found unconscious in his Atlanta home by his girlfriend. According to news reports, police officials could not determine foul play. “Mr. Lamar did not appear awake, conscious, or breathing,” and they were told he had “no medical or underlying illness.” Despite rumors and claims that Quan died of an overdose, medical examiners have not yet determined the cause of death, and reports say it may take months for results to be finalized.
Born on October 4, 1989, in Atlanta, Georgia, Rich Homie Quan rose to prominence in the rap world in the mid-2010s. His breakthrough 2013 hit “Type of Way” was hugely successful, charting in Billboard’s Top 50 and being remixed by Lil Wayne and Meek Mill, making Quan one of the era’s leading voices. Quan then worked with Jeezy’s rap collective Rich Gang, along with Young Thug and Birdman, and later formed the supergroup and 2013 project “Rich Gang” via the collaboration of Young Money and Cash Money Records. Some of his most popular hits included “Lifestyle” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” which reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart and to date have over 200 million streams on Spotify. In 2014, his father Corey Lamar – who was also his manager – was shot after his barbershop was attacked. This incident was also addressed in the current YSL trial. When the shooting took place, Quan told Vlad, “We’re putting this shit in God’s hands.” Ironically, at the same time as Quan’s funeral, another Young Thug hearing was taking place, which was broadcast live.
Quan was reportedly scheduled to perform at the Atlanta State Farm Arena this Thursday, but instead mourners were given the opportunity to purchase tickets to his memorial service on Tuesday morning. Initially, the family wanted to hold the service privately, but later decided to open it up for his followers to stream. During the funeral, which lasted nearly three hours, Quan’s five children, siblings, friends and his father came to deliver remarks. Colleagues from the entertainment industry such as Killer Mike and DC Young Fly also spoke, providing a little comic relief but also heartfelt words to encourage the family and community.
Reverend Lee C. Franklin delivered the eulogy and used another of Quan’s hits, “Walk Thru,” to convey his message of perseverance, citing the verse from Psalm 23: “Though I walk through the valley and through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for God is with me.”
Quan, a baseball player, rapper and “womanizer” (as many of his loved ones joked), was also deeply spiritual and an avid Christian. His latest album, “Rich As In Spirit,” was mentioned throughout the service and on the digital slides available to streamers, serving as a testament to the life he named himself after and ultimately lived. “Today is a good day, the best day of our lives,” Quan’s children said in unison as they led the congregation in a family prayer. “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, but today is the best day of our lives. And as we go through the day, we all pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
