The Two Quans: What Happened To ILoveMemphis And The Tragic Death Of Rich Homie Quan

The cultural phenomenon that was "Hit The Quan" defined a generation of viral dance crazes, but the story of the two artists whose names are intertwined with the movement has taken dramatically different and often tragic turns. The 2015 track by iLoveMemphis, which capitalized on a dance move popularized by Rich Homie Quan, became a global sensation, showcasing the power of social media to launch careers overnight. As of December 2025, the legacy of the dance is now viewed through the lens of recent, heartbreaking news and the ongoing, complex career of its creator.

This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the two key figures—iLoveMemphis (Richard Maurice Colbert) and the late Rich Homie Quan (Dequantes Devontay Lamar)—exploring the song's enduring impact, the recent surge in Rich Homie Quan's streaming numbers following his passing, and iLoveMemphis's attempts to navigate a challenging career with new music releases in 2024.

The Men Behind the Movement: iLoveMemphis and Rich Homie Quan's Biographies

The confusion over who the "Quan" in the song refers to is central to the track's history. The song was written and performed by iLoveMemphis, but the dance itself originated with Rich Homie Quan. Their professional biographies reveal two distinct paths in the hip-hop world.

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iLoveMemphis (Richard Maurice Colbert)

• Birth Name: Richard Maurice Colbert
• Stage Names: iLoveMemphis, formerly iHeartMemphis
• Date of Birth: March 29, 1993
• Birth Place: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
• Career Breakthrough: 2015 with the single "Hit The Quan."
• Other Notable Tracks: "Lean & Dabb"
• Current Status: Continues to release new music, including singles like "POPPING" (July 2024) and "BRAND NEW" (October 2024).

Rich Homie Quan (Dequantes Devontay Lamar)

• Birth Name: Dequantes Devontay Lamar
• Stage Name: Rich Homie Quan
• Date of Birth: October 4, 1989 (Age 34 at time of death)
• Birth Place: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Career Breakthrough: 2013 with the hit single "Type of Way."
• Major Hits: "Type of Way," "Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)," and "Lifestyle" (with Young Thug).
• Current Status: Tragically passed away in September at the age of 34.

The Viral Explosion: How "Hit The Quan" Dominated the Charts

The success of "Hit The Quan" was not just a music story; it was a phenomenon of the burgeoning social media landscape. Released in 2015, the song’s infectious beat and simple, repeatable dance move made it a perfect fit for platforms like Vine and Instagram, propelling it far beyond a typical debut single.

The original "Quan" dance was seen in Rich Homie Quan's music video for his 2015 single "Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)." iLoveMemphis, recognizing the viral potential, created a dedicated song to the movement. This strategic move paid off massively, turning a regional dance into a global challenge.

The track's commercial performance was impressive for a debut single from a then-unknown artist. "Hit The Quan" peaked at an impressive No. 15 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. This performance was notable because it surpassed the chart peak of Rich Homie Quan’s own "Flex," which reached No. 26, effectively making iLoveMemphis's tribute song bigger than the original inspiration.

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From Viral Dance to Tragic Loss: The Latest Updates on the 'Quan' Legacy

The most significant and tragic update to the "Quan" story in recent times is the passing of the dance's originator, Rich Homie Quan. Dequantes Devontay Lamar died in September at the age of 34. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed his cause of death as an accidental drug overdose.

The toxicology report revealed a fatal combination of substances in his system, including fentanyl, alprazolam (Xanax), codeine, and promethazine. His untimely death shocked the hip-hop community and immediately led to a massive spike in his music’s popularity, with his hit singles "Lifestyle" and "Type of Way" rocketing to the top of streaming charts on platforms like Apple Music just days after the news broke.

Meanwhile, the song's creator, iLoveMemphis, continues to navigate the music industry and personal challenges. While his initial fame was tied almost entirely to the "Hit The Quan" moment, he has demonstrated a commitment to his craft. His discography shows that he is actively releasing new material, including the singles "POPPING" and "BRAND NEW" in the latter half of 2024.

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However, Colbert’s career has also been marked by legal issues. He was arrested in Miami on charges related to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, though details suggest the incident stemmed from a failure to comply with officers during a nightlife event. More seriously, older reports indicate he faced charges related to a gang rape allegation in Memphis, a significant and troubling aspect of his post-fame trajectory. These contrasting updates—new music alongside legal troubles—paint a complex picture of a rapper attempting to sustain a career long after his viral peak.

The 2010s Dance Craze Pantheon: "Hit The Quan" and Its Peers

"Hit The Quan" did not exist in a vacuum; it was part of a vibrant ecosystem of hip-hop dance crazes that defined the 2010s. This era leveraged the power of social media to turn simple, catchy moves into global phenomena, with the song serving as a perfect example of a successful meme-to-music pipeline.

The song is often compared to other landmark viral dances of the decade, which share its characteristic of being easy to learn and highly shareable:

• "Teach Me How to Dougie" (2010): Created by Cali Swag District, this track popularized "The Dougie," a loose, rhythmic shoulder and hand movement named after the 1980s rapper Doug E. Fresh.
• "Gangnam Style" (2012): PSY's global K-Pop hit became the first YouTube video to reach a billion views, demonstrating the international reach of dance-based tracks.
• "The Floss" (2017): While not tied to a single song, "The Floss" became a global sensation after being featured in the video game Fortnite, showing the evolution of viral dance sources.
• "The Wobble" (2011): A popular line dance, especially in the Southern United States, showcasing the regional roots that often precede national fame.

These entities—Cali Swag District, PSY, and the dance moves themselves—underscore the cultural importance of "Hit The Quan." It stands as a pivotal moment where a new generation of artists, like iLoveMemphis, could bypass traditional industry gatekeepers and achieve massive commercial success through a single, well-timed viral moment.

The Enduring Legacy of an Unforgettable Viral Hit

The story of "quan hit the quan" is a bittersweet encapsulation of modern music fame. It is a tale of two artists, Richard Maurice Colbert and Dequantes Devontay Lamar, whose careers became inextricably linked by a four-minute dance track. The song itself remains a staple of throwback party playlists, a nostalgic reminder of the mid-2010s. Its legacy, however, is now weighted by the tragic loss of Rich Homie Quan, whose authentic dance move sparked the craze, and the ongoing, turbulent career of iLoveMemphis, the artist who brilliantly captured the moment in a song.

The recent updates—the passing of Rich Homie Quan and the 2024 music of iLoveMemphis—ensure that the story of the "Quan" is far from over, serving as a powerful lesson in the fleeting nature of viral celebrity and the enduring impact of a single, unforgettable dance move.