Rich Homie Quan, an influential Atlanta rapper who significantly shaped the city’s vibrant hip-hop scene in the 2010s, passed away on Thursday in Atlanta. He was 34. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death, though the cause has not been disclosed.

Rising to prominence over a decade ago, Quan was known for his melodic rap style that resonated with audiences across the country. His early career was notably intertwined with Young Thug; both artists were part of Rich Gang, a collective founded by Birdman of Cash Money Records. Their 2014 hit single “Lifestyle” became a Hot 100 success and was certified platinum. However, their relationship soured over disagreements related to ego and finances, with aspects of their feud becoming part of the broader Young Thug trial.

Quan's solo breakthrough came in 2013 with the track “Type of Way,” a song about ambition and romance that gained significant traction, including adoption by the Michigan State football team. Music critic Jon Caramanica of The New York Times praised Quan’s ability to blend melody and heartfelt lyrics, marking him as a standout in a new wave of rappers.

His 2018 album, “Rich as in Spirit,” released under Motown Records, featured a collaboration with Rick Ross. Quan's mixtapes from 2012 to 2017 often charted on Billboard’s Top 200, and his 2015 single “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” became a viral sensation, eventually achieving triple platinum status.

In 2014, Quan’s father, who also managed him, was injured in a shooting at his barbershop in Atlanta. This incident was later referenced during the Young Thug trial when Kenneth Copeland (aka Lil Woody), a prosecution witness, admitted involvement in the shooting. Quan was listed as a potential witness and was subpoenaed in May, though he had not yet testified.

Born Dequantes Devontay Lamar on October 4, 1989, in Atlanta, Quan was the eldest of four siblings. Initially focused on sports, he turned to petty theft and was incarcerated for 15 months in 2011. During his time in jail, he focused on reading and writing raps, which fueled his determination to pursue a music career upon his release.

Quan's musical influences included classic soul artists such as the Temptations and the Isley Brothers, which he incorporated into his work. Despite the challenges, he aimed to create a lasting legacy, aspiring for his brand to endure and evolve similarly to Cash Money Records.