The celebration of life for Dequantes Devontay Lamar, famously known as Rich Homie Quan, was held on September 18, 2024, at the World Changers Church International, in College Park, Georgia. What was supposed to be a quick service for mainly family, the celebration started at 11:00 in the morning, and lasted several hours until family and friends had their final words.
“…we’re not burying a musician today, you’re burying a man. You’re burying a man…who was a student at Fort Valley. Who was a baseball player, who was a son to a mother and a father, who was a father to children, who was a loving companion…But the women gave him his children he treated with honor and respect,” said by Rich Homie Quan’s friend, Killer Mike, winner of the 2024 Best Rap Album.
“I didn’t know him intimately…I judged him, by the fruit he was, by the tree that he fell from, by his mother and his father…” With defending and representing their name, Killer Mike was certain that Rich Homie Quan had done a truly amazing job living up to the name of his parents, and wishes for more parents around the world to raise their children, to be just like Dequantes Devontay Lamar.
“He was an example of grace…mercy and forgiveness, not only at what he gave and what he was willing to receive, he didn’t let his pride and his ego and insecurity get in the way of being a good man…When he reemerged, he reemerged smiling…with song…forgiving and being accepted and being forgiven by those he had issue with. He emerged like a man.” Mike continued. Throughout the speech, Killer Mike took away everything that made Quan who he was, and applied it to the people around him, and around the world today. With constant wishes, Killer Mike praises the life that Tammy and Corey (Quan’s parents) had given to their beloved son, and how their ways of raising him, made him the man that he lived to be.
“…y’all [Rich Homie Quan’s family] gave us an icon, y’all gave us a legend…the things that he accomplished while he was here, we want to let y’all know that we’re going to continue on his legacy, and even through the small amount of time- it made a impact you understand.” said DC Young Fly, an American comedian, host and actor. “…with the first way of how we ask questions not why is this happening to me no we have to ask God what is the purpose, what is the lesson, how do I apply this to my future understanding because this is the end, he is at peace on day we too shall [pass away].” D.C. gives his speech to Rich Homie Quan’s family and provides words of wisdom and encouragement.
“He is still leading.. He [Quan] said I got to go to see what’s going on, I’m still leading, you shall follow. I understand the pain. This is a familiar pain and I am here to tell you as a soldier, I’m strapped up with you, I am ready to fight with you.” Considering D.C.’s wife recently passing on May 31, 2023, he understands the pain of losing a loved one and is committed to being with the family during this tough time.
Furthermore, Dequantes Devontay Lamar’s father Corey Lamer, had plenty of words and experiences to share about his son. “…I was praying, because something came over me. I was nervous and scared, because I was just thinking about- what if?…I got confirmation that my son had transitioned. Not only my son, but my best friend…now when I hear a Rich Homie Quan song, it sounds different to me…” Even as a parent, Corey Lamar expresses the feeling of loss in the eyes of a fan of Rich Homie Quan’s music.
“…he is an Atlanta icon…God, I thank you. Transition is inevitable for all of us, and I know that the day is going to come [that] I’ll see him again…this kid has accomplished a great deal at a young age, and to be honest, being in the trenches, you don’t realize that…I’m humble to be his dad…I wish I would’ve told my son, “You consider me to be your hero, but i wish I would’ve told you that you were my hero…I have one more favor to ask you son, I know you’re up there in heaven looking down on us, if you don’t mind, save a spot for me.” Corey was given a standing ovation to comfort his tears in mourning the loss of his beloved son, and reminds himself and his family that he’ll one day, see his son again.
Students from Rangeview High School have had several mixed opinions about the passing of Rich Homie Quan. Junior Philip Hatchett Jr said, “He hasn’t been that popular…I didn’t listen to his new music…I have plenty of his older songs on my playlist…it sounds different now when I hear them, but it gives me…[a] nostalgia feeling anytime I do hear them. Sad…condolences out to his family and friends…” Hatchett, along with several other students are saddened by Rich Homie Quan’s passing, and only wish the best for his family and friends.
Dequantes Devontay Lamar has been remembered by several famous names, and is mourned by his family. Having lived an amazing and inspiring life, Rich Homie Quan has left a great impact on the Rangeview community, rap industry, and the world as a whole.
