The “Type of Way” rapper died in Atlanta on Sept. 5 at age 34

Rich Homie Quan. Photo: 

Courtesy of the Lamar Family

Rich Homie Quan’s family is speaking out for the first time in the wake of the rapper’s tragic death.

The hip-hop star (né Dequantes Devontay Lamar) died in Atlanta on Sept. 5 at age 34. A cause of death remains pending investigation.

In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE, Lamar’s family reflected on their heartbreak at losing him, while also promising to ensure his legacy lives on.

“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,” the statement read.

Rich Homie Quan.Courtesy of the Lamar Family

It continued, “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.”

Lamar — who was known for hits like “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” — was a proud father of five; sons Devin, Royal, Khosen and Layor, as well as a daughter Alayna.

The Fulton County medical examiner confirmed, saying in a statement that they were notified by Grady Memorial Hospital of the death of Dequantes Devontay Lamar. An autopsy was completed on Friday.

Lamar’s cause of death is unknown at this time, with the medical examiner saying the “cause and manner of death are pending the completion of laboratory studies and microscopic examination of tissue slides.”

Shortly after news broke of Lamar’s death, the rapper received tributes from multiple fellow artists online. Boosie, 41, wrote “JUST TALKED TO YOU BRA #tipQUAN Never go forget yo smile n the way talked n of course yo music.”

The performer, born Oct. 4, 1989, started officially releasing music in 2012 before earning his first major hits the following year with the “Type of Way” as well as a feature on YG’s “My N—-” with Jeezy. “Type of Way” was the second single off his third mixtape Still Goin In: Reloaded. The song hit No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold.

He also had memorable features on fellow rapper’s hit songs like “Lifestyles” with Young Thug and “Save Dat Money” with Lil Dicky and Fetty Wap.

His debut album, Rich as in Spirit, was released in March 2018 and peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard 200 chart.