WILKES-BARRE — As of press time, the music video for rapper iLoveMemphis’ song “Hit the Quan” is nearing 23 million views on YouTube. According to the song’s creator, its runaway success is a testament to the growing influence of social media. As for the song itself, it’s a roundabout testament to a friend.
“Social media in 2016 is crazy; it was crazy in 2015, but every year it gets more and more crazy, more and more viral, more and more fast because of technology,” iLoveMemphis said. “The song ‘Hit the Quan’ was … I had a friend and he’s a huge Rich Homie Quan fan. He used to listen to him every day and he dropped this song called ‘Flex’ and (my friend) used to do this dance so I called it ‘Hit the Quan’ and I made a song to it.”
On Friday, April 22, fans can see iLoveMemphis perform “Hit the Quan” and his other hit single “Lean and Dabb,” when he visits 219 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre’s Ali Baba Liquor Lounge. The event will also feature four DJs and full bar service for anyone over 21, but the age limit for the event has been lowered to 18 to account for iLoveMemphis’ popularity with the younger demographic.
“I felt iLoveMemphis would be a good fit for the venue,” said Ali Baba Liquor Lounge owner Ali Abualburak. “He’s an up-and-coming artist, he’s talented with his ability to dance and I feel like the college community will really like iLoveMemphis. Every time we play his song ‘Hit the Quan’ at the club everyone dances no matter how old they are.”
iLoveMemphis said concert goers can expect a lot of him “turning up, taking pictures with everybody.” The rapper is also aware of his popularity with the younger crowd; he remarked that he’s going to keep making music for the kids, and he’s hoping the positive vibes will come back around in the form of opened doors. Modeling, singing and making videos go on his résumé alongside rapping, and he’s hoping to add to that list of endeavors in the future.
“I have a huge youth fan base and I try to drive positivity their way by bringing dances and having an activity anybody can do and be happy,” iLoveMemphis said. “Music is definitely a very positive influence in this generation and I’m taking advantage of it. I plan on being in movies and all that kind of stuff later down the road, but right now I’m taking advantage of the music. It’s working for me.”
Tickets to see iLoveMemphis are $30 at the door. The event starts at 8 p.m. and will start with a DJ set from Kenton, followed by a performance from iLoveMemphis. Then DJs Rich Steele and E-Dub will close out the night. For more information, call Ali Baba Liquor Lounge at (570) 829-1403.
