Written by ToneSwep
Images by: Ben Miller
Styled by: Ali Levine
Location: Mobli Beach House, Venice Beach, CA
He epitomizes the modern day Hip Hop star, an independent musician and self-made touring entrepreneur with undeniable talent, a relentless work ethic, and his own signature sound – even his own dance. In concert with these attributes are a fan-appreciated charisma and, perhaps most impressively, the mind to grind before signing on the dotted line. Yes, Rich Homie Quan is a man with his own machine.
Young, Fly and fearless in the face of recent controversy after self-shelved music was leaked without his consent, Quan faced an image-hurdle on his road to stardom when early material with rape references surfaced to the dismay of his listeners. However, no one was more saddened by the incident than Quan himself. He immediately issued a public apology, telling Billboard Magazine: “I would never condone rape”. The discerning 25-year-old then offered further explanation during several sincerely remorseful on-air interviews, saying the song “I Made It” was never intended to see the light of day due to its content. Lesson learned. Blessing earned. Move on. He has. So have we and his thousands of fans.
Quan is a hit-maker. Born Dequantes Lamar in Atlanta, Quan has consistently delivered chart-topping singles such as “Type of Way”, “Differences”, “Walk Thru” and “Flex”, the latter reaching #1 on urban radio earlier this summer. Also the most featured artist in rap, Quan is essentially a contemporary ATL version of Nate Dogg – if he’s on the hook or has a guest verse the tune is a bonafide smash. After bodying YG’s hit song “My N!99a”, Rich Gang’s “Lifestyle”, 2 Chainz “Extra”, and more recently “Like A Man” with Boosie Badazz, it is clear adding Quan to a single instantly makes it a radio-ready club smash.
The scary thing about Quan is the fact that each new song he releases is even more memorable than the last. He continues to grow as a songwriter, stage performer, lyricist, and collaborator.
With raps raspiest delivery, analogous to perfecting the artistic trifecta of a platinum garbage disposal, an eloquent singer on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and the impassioned tantrum-ranting of a “Try Me” era James Brown, Quan’s darkly introspective pitch brings a sometimes somber, in other instances wild party animal element, to any track he touches.
He’s good. Very good. So much so that every major label in America is sending well wishes while extending hello handshakes to the young millionaire in hopes of signing the hottest indie artist in Hip Hop to represent their imprint worldwide. It won’t happen, not until both the paper and paperwork are to Quan’s liking. “I’m looking for something long-term. Longevity,” Quan told DOPE MAG interviewer Hayley Delaine. “I would want to make sure the percentages were right. And maintain control over my situation.”
Earlier this year, Quan released “If You Ever Think I Will Stop Goin’ In Ask Double R”, his fifth solo mixtape. Organized as an album with in-house production and no featured guests, the stylish entertainer known for his multi-colored locks and flashy fashion selects showcased his growth as an artist and displayed solid creative range without sacrificing his turn-up tenacity on songs like “Take My Hand”, “Now I Know”, “Forever Millions”, and “Ran Off”. Easily one of the year’s best mixtapes, the project ranks with recent albums released by Quan’s contemporaries J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Boosie, and Big K.R.I.T. in terms of cohesiveness and impact.
While visiting Los Angeles for the BET Awards, Quan swung by the Mobli Beach House for his exclusive cover shoot and interview. Rich as in spirit. Homie as in brother. Quan as in there is only one RHQ.
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