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The $35 Viral Sensation: What Happened To IHeartMemphis After 'Hit The Quan'?

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The 'Hit The Quan' dance craze was a cultural phenomenon that dominated social media and airwaves in 2015, launching the Memphis rapper iHeartMemphis—now known as iLoveMemphis—into instant stardom. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the artist's journey, revealing how a $35 studio session created a global sensation, the personal and legal turmoil that followed, and his surprising resurgence with new music releases in 2024.

Richard Maurice Colbert, the man behind the music, became a household name almost overnight, but the path from viral sensation to sustained career has been anything but smooth. From battling 'one-hit wonder' labels to navigating serious personal challenges, his story is a definitive look at the volatile nature of internet fame and the enduring power of a catchy beat.

iHeartMemphis: Biography, Name Change, and Career Snapshot

The artist who burst onto the scene as iHeartMemphis is Richard Maurice Colbert. His career is a classic example of a social media phenomenon, leveraging the power of a viral dance challenge to achieve mainstream success.

  • Full Name: Richard Maurice Colbert
  • Also Known As: iHeartMemphis (original stage name), iLoveMemphis (current stage name)
  • Date of Birth: March 29, 1993
  • Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
  • Genre: Hip Hop, Trap, Dance
  • Breakout Hit: "Hit the Quan" (2015)
  • Peak Chart Position: No. 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100
  • Other Notable Tracks: "Lean and Dab"
  • Name Change Rationale: The change from iHeartMemphis to iLoveMemphis occurred after signing a record deal, as the former name was deemed too similar to the iHeartMedia brand.
  • Personal Life: Has a child with social media personality Coco Bliss.

The Viral Anatomy of 'Hit The Quan'

The success of "Hit the Quan" was not a planned, multi-million dollar marketing campaign; it was a perfect storm of organic social media growth, a simple beat, and a dance move with an interesting origin.

The True Origin of the Dance

Contrary to the song's title and its creator, the dance itself was not invented by iHeartMemphis. The move originated with Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan, who performed the distinctive steps in his 2015 music video for the song "Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)."

Richard Colbert, then an unknown rapper, saw the dance and immediately recognized its viral potential. He rushed to the studio to record a track specifically dedicated to the move, effectively creating a soundtrack for Rich Homie Quan's choreography. This strategic move is what propelled him to fame, making his song even more popular than the original track that inspired the dance.

The Shockingly Low Cost of a Global Hit

In an era where major label songs cost tens of thousands to produce, "Hit the Quan" proved that sometimes, all you need is a great idea. iHeartMemphis has revealed that he spent a mere $35 in the studio to record the track. This minimal investment yielded massive returns, demonstrating the power of grassroots marketing and the "social media monster" of the mid-2010s.

The song was released independently on July 4, 2015, and quickly became a global sensation. It spawned countless user-uploaded videos, was performed by celebrities and athletes, and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Where Is iHeartMemphis Now? The 2024-2025 Update

Following the peak of "Hit the Quan" and his subsequent track "Lean and Dab," the rapper faced the inevitable challenge of maintaining momentum. His career trajectory has been a mix of continued musical output and significant personal turmoil.

Active Music Releases and Rebranding

Despite the challenges, iLoveMemphis has not stopped creating music. He continues to release new singles, proving he is actively working to evolve past the "one-hit wonder" label. His current release schedule shows a surprising level of activity:

  • "BRAND NEW" (October 2024): A recent single release under the iLoveMemphis moniker, indicating his continued commitment to music production.
  • "POPPING" (2024): Another single released in the current year, often featuring collaborations.
  • "MEMPHIS" (April 2023): A track that pays homage to his hometown, reinforcing his identity.
  • "Jump & Slide (Toxic Mix)" (2024): Showing his willingness to experiment with different sounds and mixes.

These recent releases confirm that Richard Colbert is still actively engaged in the music industry, leveraging his established name while attempting to build a more diverse catalog beyond the viral dance songs.

Navigating Personal and Legal Turmoil

The rapper's life post-fame has been marked by personal struggles that have drawn media attention. In the years following his breakthrough, iHeartMemphis was charged with aggravated rape, a serious legal matter that could carry a significant sentence if convicted.

While the specifics and the final resolution of the legal case are not widely or recently reported in a definitive news narrative, the charge itself became a major part of his public narrative. This period highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by artists who achieve sudden, massive fame, often leading to personal and legal difficulties.

The Enduring Legacy of the Dance Challenge

While iLoveMemphis works to establish his new music, the cultural impact of "Hit the Quan" remains his most significant legacy. It is a key entity in the history of viral hip-hop dance crazes, sitting alongside other phenomena like the "Soulja Boy," "Whip/Nae Nae," and "Juju on That Beat." The song solidified the role of social media platforms as the primary launchpad for new artists and dance challenges, fundamentally changing how music industry success is measured.

For a generation, the song is a nostalgic reminder of the mid-2010s, ensuring that Richard Maurice Colbert’s work, whether as iHeartMemphis or iLoveMemphis, will forever be associated with one of the biggest global dance challenges of the decade.

hit the quan iheartmemphis
hit the quan iheartmemphis

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