Rich Homie Quan Apologizes For Hip Hop Honors Flub

Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan apologized Tuesday for flubbing the words to the late Notorious B.I.G. classic “Get Money” during VH1’s Hip Hop Honors.

And he went BIG for his mea culpa. Quan’s live performance with Lil’ Kim on Monday night set off some on Twitter, including criticism that a rapper from Smalls’ Brooklyn wasn’t chosen to perform it instead.

Photo: Brad Barket/Invision/AP

VH1’s Hip Hop Honors at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York.

“I assure you that I never intended to disrespect the memory of Biggie Smalls,” Quan said in an email released by a spokeswoman. “I have long respected his work and his contribution to the rap game. I greatly apologize not only to Biggie Smalls, but also to all of my fans, Biggie Smalls fans and to New York.”

The song was made famous by Junior M.A.F.I.A., a side group that was put together by Smalls and included Lil’ Kim. It was on the group’s 1995 debut album Conspiracy and included verses by the two. Smalls co-produced the official remix.

Smalls was slain in 1997. He’s revered as one of the all-time hip hop greats. Though he’s from Atlanta, Quan said he loves New York.

“The city of New York has been nothing but good to me. I felt honored to stand on stage with artists I grew up listening to. Once on stage I had some technical difficulties and must admit I got nervous,” he said. “I will forever be sorry New York, my fans, Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls fans, Lil’ Kim and all the hip hop community for my performance. I hope you can accept my apology. To Lil’ Kim, Thank you for the opportunity.”