The emotions ran deep as Offset brought a very emotional tribute to his friend and fellow rapper, Rich Homie Quan, who’s no longer with them, during the 2024 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players. Quan had been a strong influence in the Atlanta music scene because of his unique sound and memorable jams. Thus, his death on September 5, 2024, at age 34, made a big void there.
Offset speaks on the passing of Rich Homie Quan at the R&B hip hop power players event with Billboard PIC.TWITTER.COM/JXVCZ0EOQA
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Taking the stage to accept an award, Offset was not above having his voice quake at the start of his remarks on the loss that has shaken the hip-hop world.
“Rich Homie Quan was more than a friend; he was a brother to all of us,”
said Offset, while wiping away tears.
“His music spoke to the streets, to our struggles and our triumphs. ‘Type of Way’-man, we all related to that. He gave a voice to Atlanta, and now that voice is silenced, but his legacy will live forever.”
Quan’s death, a shock to his fans and other artists, sent ripples throughout the industry, particularly in Atlanta, where he was raised to fame. Having been known by many for his collaboration with Young Thug during the heralded “Rich Gang” era, the influence of Quan has surpassed charts. Songs like “Lifestyle” and “Type of Way” were anthems to a generation, his style helping define a period of Southern hip-hop dominance.
Offset was not the only one in mourning. The Billboard event saw love being poured out to Quan from some of the greats in the industry. Among them was the producer Metro Boomin, who had worked with Quan on several projects. According to Metro,
“Quan’s energy was infectious, and every time we got in the lab and worked together, he brought something special to the table. He had a way of turning pain into beauty thru music.”.
Fellow Atlanta heavy hitter Playboi Carti cosigned the same sentiments.
“Quan inspired so many of us coming up,”
he said.
“He showed that you could be from nothing and make it. That’s a lesson we all carry with us.”
Probably the most surprising, touching moment of the night arrived when Quavo, Offset’s cousin and onetime groupmate in Migos, joined him onstage. To the crowd, Quavo addressed what Quan meant to their career:
“Quan was there when we were just trying to figure this thing out. He showed us what could be possible. And then, he’s gone. It’s another indication that life is short, too short for grudges.”
With this reflection, Quavo opened the door to illustrate a possible reconciliation with Offset, who had had a problematic relation with him for several years since the breakup of Migos. Quan’s demise seemed to open an opening for healing.
“I know we’ve had our [differences],”
Quavo said, looking at Offset in the audience.
“But life’s too short, man. Let’s make peace.
Offset nodded, clearly emotional from his cousin’s words, a sign that Quan’s tragic death may act as the catalyst for a long-awaited family reunion. To many in the audience, it seemed to speak to the underlying message of the night: Quan’s legacy extends far past music and into the personal lives of those closest to him.
Quan’s influence on the mid-2010s rap scene in Atlanta is immeasurable. Along with Young Thug, he helped create another lane that would eventually give rise to today’s new wave of melodic rap. Often imitated but never duplicated, Quan’s style left an indelible mark on Southern hip-hop.
