Playboi Carti pays respects to Rich Homie during acceptance speech
Acceptance speeches have often yielded a certain sentimental quality that goes far beyond the glamour of the award itself. For artists, it’s often a moment to recognise the shoulders they stand on with tributes that remind everyone of the hidden bonds that connect one star to the next. Since Rich Homie Quan’s tragic passing on September 4th, rap and hip-hop legends from all over have been paying their respects, and Playboi Carti is no different.
Quan’s family recently confirmed that the rapper passed away at the age of 34 and that they felt “shattered and heartbroken by his sudden death.” As soon as the community caught wind of the news, tributes flooded in from all over.
For over a decade, Quan has been completely dedicated to music, proving that any long hiatus will be bookended by open arms from his industry peers and admirers. The artist initially gained traction for releasing various mixtapes before enjoying mainstream success with 2013’s ‘Type of Way’.
According to Quan himself, he credited his interest in music for saving his life, telling XXL, “I never saw myself going this far with music. Music was just a hobby at first. I never saw myself being on stage and rocking out shows. After I got out of jail, I started to take it more serious and that’s when my dream came true.”
Upon news of his passing, Playboi Carti chose to pay respects at Billboard‘s R&B Hip Hop Power Players ceremony after winning the ‘Artist of The Year’ award. “RIP Rich Homie Quan,” he said before praising Quan’s crew, which caused the audience to erupt in cheers.
Carti praised the late rapper on social media earlier in the day by posting a video of him on his Instagram to pay his respects. He also wasn’t the only one to do so—Quavo, Jacquees, Boosie, Ralo, and more decided to speak up about their admiration for Quan, with Boosie touching upon just how shocking the news impacts the broader community. “Never saw this being a part of our journey,” he wrote.
BadAzz, who suspected that Quan may have passed away due to a drug overdose, posted on X, “Just got word @RichHomieQuan just OD. Just talked to Wuan the other day.” He added: “Never go forget yo smile n the way talked n of course yo music.”
Despite many speculations, no cause of death has been officially revealed yet.