'Hit the Quan' rapper navigates success, personal troubles
LOS ANGELES (AP
LOS ANGELES (AP) — You may not know the name iLoveMemphis, but you've likely heard the rapper's catchy track "Hit the Quan" or watched one of the viral videos featuring the song's playful dance. The song marked a breakthrough for the 22-year-old, who achieved a Top 20 pop hit with the tune and also performed on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
iLoveMemphis' career is rising, but he's facing legal charges in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. According to a police affidavit, the performer, whose real name is Richard Colbert, and several others, are accused of having non-consensual sexual contact with an intoxicated woman at a party on May 30.
"Never would ever do such a thing," Colbert told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I love women to death. My mom has eight kids, so I've grown up with five sisters, including my mom. So, you know, yeah, that's the last thing that I would ever, ever, ever get myself into."
In a statement to the AP, Colbert added that his lawyer is working to clear his name, and that he is positive that he will be vindicated of the "viciously false allegations."
Colbert's case is now on hold, pending consideration by a grand jury. If convicted of aggravated rape, he would face 15 to 60 years in prison. Vince Higgins, communications director for the Shelby County district attorney general, said in an email, "We can make no comment on any of the facts of the case."
prison. Vince Higgins, communications director for the Shelby County district attorney general, said in an email, "We can make no comment on any of the facts of the case."
email, "We can make no comment on any of the facts of the case."
Colbert plans to drop more dance singles and hopes to inspire young people with his own brand of individuality.