Rapper of ‘Type of Way,’ ‘Flex,’ Was 34

Rich Homie Quan, the Atlanta rapper best known for his hits “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” and “Type of Way,” has died at the age 34. A family member confirmed Quan’s passing to Rolling Stone, and there was no cause of death given.

Throughout his career, Quan, whose real name is Dequantes Devontay Lamar, became known for his melodic flow and catchy hooks, releasing one solo studio album — 2018’s “Rich as in Spirit” — as well as numerous mixtapes and EPs. A respected figure in hip-hop, he attained success with his highest-charting solo single, 2015’s “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” as well as with features on YG’s “My N—a” that peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Quan was born on October 4, 1989, in Atlanta. In the 2010s, he started making trap music and collaborated with rappers like Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, YG, Young Thug, Trinidad James, and more. He was considered part of a rising generation of rappers who delivered songs with intense emotion and fiery passion that permeated each release.

Apart from his solo music, Quan once shared a close affiliation with Thug. They were core members of the Birdman-assembled collective Rich Gang, collaborating across the 2014 album “Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1.” Their joint single, “Lifestyle,” became Quan’s highest-charting single at No. 16 on the Hot 100. The two developed a strained relationship in the following years due to a fallout over a raid at Thug’s house in 2015. Quan’s name was brought up during Thug’s RICO trial as recently as this week.

In 2014, he was named to rap publication XXL’s inaugural Freshman Class alongside Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign and Kevin Gates. During his career, he was nominated for several BET and BET Hip Hop Awards including best new artist and people’s champ award. His hit “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” was included in the category for hip hop song of the year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2016.

Over the past year, he released a handful of singles including “Authentic” featuring Clever and “Ah’chi” with 2 Chainz. His last full-length mixtape, “Family & Mula — Reloaded,” came out in 2022.