The family of Rich Homie Quan, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, has released an official statement to The Source on his passing:
The Lamar Family Official Statement
On Thursday, September 5, 2024 the Lamar family lost our beloved son, brother, father and friend. Known to the world as Rich Homie Quan, Dequantes Devontay Lamar was a proud native of the great city of Atlanta, Georgia and represented for the A as he and his music traveled across this globe. While he leaves us with an undeniable hole in our hearts, we are comforted by knowing his music and triumphant spirit lives on.
Quan’s legacy will forever be cemented as a soundtrack to our lives. And for this, we are grateful. Celebration of life details will be shared soon. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support at this difficult time.
Hip-hop continues to reel from Rich Homie Quan’s sudden death. While attending the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players celebration, Offset delivered a message to RHQ’s family: “I wish you guys some type of prosperity, some type of overcoming of it.”
He added, “Shoutout to Rich Homie Quan, that’s a Day 1 artist that we all came up in the same lab, same kitchen, trying to make it happen. That’s a tragic thing in hip-hop. RIP to you and bless your family.”
From discussing NYFW to honoring Rich Homie Quan & more, here’s what @OffsetYRN told Billboard while at this year’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players celebration. pic.twitter.com/8PZGwRQcup
Rich Homie Quan, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, is well-known among fans for his melodic trap flow and rose to fame for his catchy songs, including the number-one hits “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh).” Rich Homie Quan was also a member of Rich Gang alongside Young Thug and Birdman, spawning the Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1.
In 2022, Rich Homie Quan announced a partnership with Venice Music, a cutting-edge music and technology firm created by Troy Carter and Suzy Ryoo. Under his new label Rich Homie Entertainment, which will be serviced by Venice Music, Rich Homie Quan was set to independently release music.
With widespread support that Lil Wayne should have the Super Bowl stage in NOLA, Drake posted images online. It is worth noting that Drake’s current foe, Kendrick Lamar, has the Super Bowl spot.
Kendrick Lamar’s selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer has rubbed members of the Hip-Hop community the wrong way. Many, including Wayne’s engineer, Marasciullo, believe it should have been Lil Wayne.
“Confused. Disappointed. Angry. But most of all, inspired,” Marasciullo wrote. “Will never again be in a position or have the in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
Kendrick Lamar will take center stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL made the announcement today, sparking excitement for the globally anticipated performance.
Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, founder of Roc Nation, praised Lamar’s influence: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision… His impact will be felt for years to come.”
Seth Dudowsky, Head of Music at the NFL, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar… Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.”
Apple Music’s Oliver Schusser emphasized the excitement: “Apple is thrilled to bring this show, starring the absolutely incomparable Kendrick Lamar, to fans worldwide with Apple Music’s industry-leading Spatial Audio quality.”
Lamar, a Grammy and Emmy-winning artist and co-founder of pgLang, continues to redefine hip-hop, earning accolades like a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album DAMN. and his chart-topping collaborations earlier this year.
PgLang will creatively direct Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, which will be produced by DPS. Roc Nation’s Jesse Collins will serve as executive producer, and Hamish Hamilton will serve as director.
Apple Music’s ongoing partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation has already produced record-breaking halftime shows. With Kendrick Lamar at the helm, this year’s performance is set to be another groundbreaking moment in Super Bowl history.
This is escalating quickly. Less than 24 hours after Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, signing off as a childless cat lady, Elon Musk oddly offered to give her a baby.
“Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,” Musk wrote on X.
Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life
Swift’s post was shared with her massive following of over 283 million, and get this, it featured Swift holding her cat, Benjamin Button. Now if you behind on the times, it was clearly a nod to previous remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, who referred to Harris as a “childless cat lady” during his campaign.
That was a genius move btw. Tapping JD Vance as Trump’s running mate. That’s really working out well for them.
What’s more, Swift took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to urge her audience to “do your research” on the candidates and the election, emphasizing the importance of informed voting. She also addressed the circulation of AI-generated images falsely portraying her as a Trump supporter. Swift remarked that seeing those misleading images prompted her to clarify her position, saying, “I need to be very transparent about my actual plans.”
In no time, the surging Harris campaign quickly responded to Swift’s endorsement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). They celebrated by highlighting friendship bracelets that symbolized the close connection between Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Why this matter, the bracelets served as a nod to Swift’s own diehard fan culture and influence during the election season.
Well it’s influential all right and now Swift is behind VP Harris. Yikes … in a good way.
Anyway’s here’s the full text from post from @TaylorSwift Instagram, which has garnered over 7m likes so far …
“Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.
Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.
I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.
I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.
DeMar DeRozan will suit up for his fourth NBA franchise this upcoming season, arriving with the Sacramento Kings from the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan was not short of suitors, with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami HEAT all wanting his services. So why the Kings? DeRozan gave details on this week’s episode of Podcast P with Paul George.
“I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level wherever that was going to be…[Sacramento] came about, and they were showing interest, like real interest,” DeRozan said. “So when I sat back and looked at it, and analyzed the team. Great players. Great coach. I just always remember the last couple of years of always seeing them light this damn beam and winning and all that.
“Philly definitely was an option. The Lakers were an option always. Clippers were an option. And the Heat was an option too. I’d say those teams, for sure, were real personal, legitimate options that I was considering.”
The Sacramento Kings acquired free agent guard DeMar DeRozan in a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade deal.
Breaking down the deal, the Kings sent forward Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs.
Sources indicated that guard Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks, and cash will also be sent to the Chicago Bulls. So the Bulls aren’t the victors in this deal or this summer, but when are they ever in free agency?
The Kings targeted DeRozan to join forces with All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, and promising young forward Keegan Murray, aiming to bolster their offensive firepower in the highly competitive Western Conference.
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star who will turn 35 next month, is coming off a solid three-year tenure with the Bulls, during which he made the All-Star team in his first two seasons and averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this past season. He finished second to Stephen Curry in voting for the NBA’s 2024 Clutch Player of the Year Award.
DeRozan traveled to Sacramento on Saturday to meet with team officials and Kings coach Mike Brown, who recently signed an offseason contract extension. Brown has led the franchise to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2006.
A three-time All-NBA selection, DeRozan was the ninth pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors and has since played for the Raptors, Spurs, and Bulls over his 15 NBA seasons. He has averaged 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 1,110 NBA games throughout his career.
First it was Beyoncé, now VP Kamala Harris has the support of Taylor Swift.
You heard that right. Taylor Swift has entered the chat.
Arguably the biggest artist on the planet just officially endorsed VP Kamala Harris after the debate, via an Instagram post.
The post was shared with her massive following of over 283 million, and get this, it featured Swift holding her cat, Benjamin Button. Now if you behind on the times, it was clearly a nod to previous remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, who referred to Harris as a “childless cat lady” during his campaign.
That was a genius move btw. Tapping JD Vance as Trump’s running mate. That’s really working out well for them.
What’s more, Swift took the once in a lifetime opportunity to urge her audience to “do your research” on the candidates and the election, emphasizing the importance of informed voting. She also addressed the circulation of AI-generated images falsely portraying her as a Trump supporter. Swift remarked that seeing those misleading images prompted her to clarify her position, saying, “I need to be very transparent about my actual plans.”
In no time, the surging Harris campaign quickly responded to Swift’s endorsement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). They celebrated by highlighting friendship bracelets that symbolized the close connection between Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Why this matter, the bracelets served as a nod to Swift’s own diehard fan culture and influence during the election season.
Well it’s influential all right and now Swift is behind VP Harris. Yikes … in a good way.
Anyway’s here’s the full text from post from @TaylorSwift Instagram, which has garnered over 7m likes so far …
“Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.
Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.
I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.
I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.
Ahead of Usher’s highly anticipated “Past, Present, Future” North American Tour, Rémy Martin and the R&B icon kicked off the “Life Is A Melody Backstage Experience” at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. This exclusive event marked the start of a unique series that showcases Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, VSOP, and XO as part of the brand’s sponsorship of Usher’s tour.
Caresha, Victoria Monet, and USHER at Rémy Martin x USHER: Life Is A Melody Backstage Experience Dexter Darden at Rémy Martin x USHER: Life Is A Melody Backstage Experience
The “Life Is A Melody Backstage Experience” offers guests a taste of Rémy Martin’s premium cognacs while celebrating Usher’s musical journey and legacy. The event featured an impressive lineup of celebrity guests, including actor Dexter Darden, the lead star of “Fight Night” on Peacock, as well as Usher himself, Victoria Monét, Taraji P. Henson, Caresha, Fat Joe, and Ja Rule.
As Usher embarks on his “Past, Present, Future” tour, fans can look forward to more exclusive experiences that blend the world of music and fine cognac, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that makes his performances unforgettable.
Caresha at Past, Present, Future Tour Spirits Sponsored by Rémy Martin (1)
Caresha at Past, Present, Future Tour Spirits Sponsored by Rémy Martin (1)
Hip-hop sensation Ice Spice set the tone for New York City’s Fashion Week with an electrifying party at Harbor Nightclub. Organized by George Karavias’ Dream Hospitality Group, the event attracted a star-studded crowd, including rapper Cash Cobain, YG, and former NBA stars John Wall and Lance Stephenson.
The energy at the club reached new heights when Ice Spice climbed atop her VIP section and performed her hit track, “Think U The Shit (Fart).” The crowd went wild as DJ Nicky Rizz played her song “Deli” to hype up the atmosphere.
During Ice Spice’s performance, John Wall and Lance Stephenson were seen dancing and vibing, adding to the night’s excitement. The event marked a high-energy kickoff to Fashion Week, with Ice Spice proving again that she knows how to turn up and keep the crowd engaged.
Funkmaster Flex is facing an FCC complaint. Stands With Survivors, an advocacy group, filed a complaint against comments made by Funkmaster Flex during a recent show featuring Afrika Bambaataa. The Hip-Hop pioneer, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since being accused of child molestation by former Zulu Nation members Roland Savage and Hassan Campbell in 2016, made a rare appearance on Flex’s show on August 17th.
Bambaataa, also known as Lance Taylor, performed a DJ set on the show. According to Hip-Hop Wired, Flex later referenced Savage’s alleged recanting of his allegations against Bambaataa, stating: “It seems there’s a discrepancy that has been cleared up with Afrika Bambaataa and the young man Bee Stinger. It seems that the pedophile word that was being used, Bee Stinger is now saying that Afrika Bambaataa is not a pedophile.”
Flex added, “I don’t care whether or not Afrika Bambaataa prefers men or women or both. Yes, we do care if the word pedophile is used but obviously, according to AllHipHop that spoke to Bee Stinger, he’s saying that’s not the case.”
Ronald “Bee-Stinger” Savage walked back accusations against Afrika Bambaataa, who he accused of sexual abuse when he was 15 years old.
AllHipHop notes the two were pictured together at an event for the Zulu Nation, which Savage provided context to the moment. “Never underestimate the power of God when he intervenes in an affair he sets everything straight,” Savage said.
Savage stated Bambaataa sexually abused him when he was a teen. The 2016 statement was part of a series of bombshell statements against Bambaataa. Speaking with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmurk, Savage stated he doesn’t see the legend as a pedophile.
“Bambaataa is not a pedophile and, in my eyes, he was doing something that was consensual with someone that he thought was of age,” he said. “I wish, back in 2016, I remembered about the fake ID. I wasn’t thinking about that I had forgot about that I was in deep depression and still dealing with the trauma as an adult. I want to apologize for the little kid that didn’t know anybody and just wanted to be down with this thing called Hip-Hop so I pretended to be older.
“This is something that took place 35 to over 40 years ago. This man has never been convicted of anything. Let it go. I needed to set the record straight [and get] my closure.”
You can hear the full interview below and read more here.
Last year, Afrika Bambaataa and his role as the co-founder of the Universal Hip Hop Museum sparked some controversy, with an advocacy group demanding the defunding of the recently built museum because of the Hip Hop pioneer’s sexual abuse allegations.
This week, a group called Hip Hop Stands With Survivors released a letter calling NYC Mayor Eric Adams to halt all taxpayer funding funneled into the UHHM and fire the organization’s Executive Director, Rocky Bucano. The letter also calls for all companies, such as Microsoft, to end their financial relationship with the UHHM.
The letter says, “We expect his resignation or for the board to vote him out of the museum’s leadership and for the museum to sever all ties with Bucano, Bambaataa, and the Zulu Nation.”
In 2019, the State of New York donated a $3.5million grant to the museum. It’s scheduled to open sometime in 2023 or 2024 to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
The protest has been taken to the streets, with an immediate response coming from Mayor Adams.
“The Universal Hip Hop Museum assured the administration that they cut ties with the Universal Zulu Nation and that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016,” Adams said in a statement.
Executive Director Bucano also released a statement, denying that Bambaataa was ever a board member of the museum and that he was never a member of the Zulu Nation.
His statement says, “The Universal Hip Hop Museum and Mr. Bucano condemn all acts of acts of violence and abuse. I would like to make it clear that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016. I and the Universal Hip Hop Museum are not party to any activities affiliated with the Universal Zulu Nation I affirm that the Universal Hip Hop Museum is committed to its mission to empower, educate, and uplift communities.” It goes on saying, “While it is true that Afrika Bambaataa was a founding member of the museum, he was removed from any involvement with the museum as soon as the allegations surfaced. He has never been a board member, advisory board member or volunteer. I have never been a member of the Universal Zulu Nation nor am I an agent of the organization or Afrika Bambaataa. The assertion that UHHM is a financial front for the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa, or other Universal Zulu Nation members, is irresponsible, false, and misdirected.”
Bambaataa was hit with several sexual abuse allegations going back to the 1970s but has maintained his innocence.
His attorney, Vivian K. Tozaki, issued a statement in 2016 saying, “Recently, defamatory statements were published seeking to harm my client’s reputation so as to lower him in the estimation of the community while deterring others from associating or dealing with him. The statements show a reckless disregard for the truth, were published with knowledge of their falsity, and are being made by a lesser-known person seeking publicity. Valuable cultural resources, such as Afrika Bambaataa’s good name and time, should never be used to assist a mediocre person’s asinine quest for social media popularity and superficial gain.”
ICYMI, Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event included a behind-the-scenes look at theupcoming music video for The Weeknd’s latest single, “Dancing in the Flames,”shot entirely on the just announced iPhone 16 Pro. The music video, from director Anton Tammi and director of photography Erik Henrikkson, will premiere on Friday, September 13.
The all-new iPhone 16 Pro, the most advanced iPhone ever, features a larger display and the thinnest borders ever on any Apple product. The pro camera system brings all new creative features including the ability to record in 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for smooth slo-motion video capture — on perfect display in the forthcoming music video for “Dancing in the Flames.” Four new studio-quality mics preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background elements from speech, giving users three voice options: In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, and Cinematic Mix, and so much more. iPhone 16 Pro also features the powerful A18 Pro chip, a huge leap in battery life, and comes in four stunning titanium finishes: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium.
Last week, The Weeknd revealed the title of his forthcoming album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which marks the culmination of his acclaimed trilogy. Following “Dawn FM” and “After Hours,” this album is set to elevate his artistic narrative, encapsulating existential and self-referential themes that have captured the imagination of fans. The anticipation surrounding this final chapter is palpable, as it promises to be a powerful testament to The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist.
Launching September 12th (under embargo), BARCODE, a leader in performance hydration, is thrilled to announce their new limited-edition flavor, BLUEKISS, in collaboration with the Grammy-nominated rapper.
This exclusive release is the perfect union of flavor meets function, combining the refreshing and nostalgic flavors of blue raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry creating a beverage that not only fuels your body but also takes you on a flavorful trip down memory lane.
The release of BLUEKISS is celebrated by a series of immersive events, including the “Beat the Heat” Ice Installation at key locations in New York City. These installations feature ice sculptures encasing the BARCODE BLUEKISS bottles slowly melting offering passersby the chance to try. In addition, fans have had the opportunity to sample BLUEKISS at select Jadakiss concerts, providing concertgoers a firsthand experience of this unique drink.
Retailing for $28.99 per pack, BARCODE is available to shop online and in select retailers including Erewhon, Wegmans, Amazon, ShopRite, HEB, Central Market, and more.
in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
