Early life
Family background and upbringing
Quavious Keyate Marshall was born on April 2, 1991, in Athens, Georgia, to Edna Marshall, a hairdresser, and an unnamed father who died when Marshall was four or five years old.[9][10] As the youngest of three children and the only boy, he was raised primarily by his mother in a single-parent household in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, in the northern suburbs of Atlanta.[9][11] Edna Marshall also raised Marshall's nephew, Kirshnik Ball (known professionally as Takeoff), the son of one of Marshall's sisters, in the same small family home.[11][12] She likewise took in Marshall's close childhood friend, Kiari Cephus (Offset), who lived with them despite not being biologically related; the two were often referred to as cousins due to their longstanding familial association forged from growing up together.[13][14] This arrangement created a tight-knit extended family dynamic in modest circumstances, with the three future Migos members sharing the household and developing their early bonds there.[11][12]Entry into music and Migos formation
Quavious Keyate Marshall, known professionally as Quavo, developed an interest in hip-hop during his pre-teen years in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where he grew up alongside relatives Takeoff (Kirshnik Khari Ball) and Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus).[15] By the eighth grade, Quavo began recording early mixtapes under the alias Crunk Boy, experimenting with trap-influenced beats and lyrics reflective of local Atlanta street culture.[15] These initial efforts received little support from peers at Berkeley Lake Elementary School, but Offset, Quavo's cousin, recognized potential in the material and requested to join, marking the group's informal inception around 2006–2007.[16] The trio formalized as Migos in 2008 while still in high school, adopting the name as a shorthand for "amigos" to signify their close familial bonds—Quavo and Offset as first cousins, with Takeoff as Quavo's nephew, all raised primarily by Quavo's mother after family challenges.[17] Based in Lawrenceville, a suburb north of Atlanta, they honed a signature triplet flow and ad-lib heavy style inspired by regional trap pioneers like Gucci Mane and Zaytoven, practicing in home studios and performing at local venues.[15] Quavo emerged as the de facto leader, contributing hooks, production ideas, and business acumen, while the group prioritized independent releases over immediate label pursuits.[18] To commit fully, Quavo dropped out during his senior year at Berkmar High School, forgoing athletic scholarships in football—a path he had pursued seriously—to focus on music amid financial strains and the allure of rap's entrepreneurial potential.[1] Early demos circulated locally but faced rejection from Atlanta's established scene, compelling Migos to self-release their debut mixtape YRN (Young Rich Niggas) in 2012, which laid groundwork for their trap sound without external backing.[19] This period solidified their unit, with Quavo's versatility in rapping, singing, and producing distinguishing the group from solo aspirants.[15]Musical career
Rise with Migos (2009–2016)
Migos formed in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 2008, consisting of Quavo (Quavious Keyate Marshall), his nephew Takeoff (Kirshnik Khari Ball), and cousin Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus). Quavo, who emerged as the group's leader and primary hook composer, had begun recording mixtapes under the alias Crunk Boy during middle school, with the relatives collaborating informally before solidifying as a trio. Their sound, characterized by rapid triplet flows and ad-lib heavy delivery, developed through local performances and independent production.[15] The group released their debut mixtape Juug Season on August 25, 2011, establishing a local following in the Atlanta trap scene with tracks emphasizing street hustling themes. This was followed by No Label on June 1, 2012, which included the track "Bando," a regional hit that highlighted their synchronized rapping style and drew attention from Atlanta's music community. These early projects, distributed via platforms like LiveMixtapes, relied on self-production and garnered modest streams without major label support.[20][21][22] Breakthrough came with the June 13, 2013, mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), featuring "Versace," a Zaytoven-produced track boasting luxury bravado and the group's signature cadence. The song's music video, released September 30, 2013, amassed millions of views online, amplified by a July 2013 remix from Drake that introduced Migos to broader audiences. "Versace" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 99, signaling their viral potential and leading to a management and distribution deal with Quality Control Music, founded by Coach K and Pee Thomas. Quavo's melodic hooks on the track exemplified his role in crafting infectious choruses.[23][24][25][26] From 2014 to 2016, Migos sustained momentum with mixtapes Rich Nigga Timeline (November 2014) and No Label 2 (August 2014), the latter expanding their catalog to over 70 tracks across projects. Singles like "Fight Night" (April 2014) peaked at number 57 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while "Hannah Montana" from Y.R.N. remix iterations reinforced their party anthem appeal. Legal hurdles, including Offset's incarceration, temporarily disrupted but did not halt output; Back to the Bando followed in February 2015 under Quality Control. By 2016, their independent grind had cultivated a dedicated fanbase, with Quavo's versatile flows distinguishing Migos amid Atlanta's competitive rap landscape, paving the way for commercial dominance.[24][27][28]Migos mainstream success and peak (2017–2022)
Migos achieved mainstream breakthrough with their second studio album Culture, released on January 27, 2017, via Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart after generating 131,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 51,000 in pure album sales.[29] The album's lead single "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2017, marking Migos' first chart-topping hit and propelled by Quavo's distinctive ad-libs and hook delivery.[5] Other tracks like "T-Shirt" peaked at number 20 on the Hot 100, contributing to the group's Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in 2018.[5] Following the success of Culture, Migos supported Future on the Nobody Safe Tour in 2017, performing across multiple North American dates alongside Tory Lanez and Kodak Black on select shows.[30] In 2018, the group released Culture II on January 26, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 199,000 album-equivalent units, the largest opening week for a rap album that year, though criticized for its length and redundancy compared to its predecessor.[31] Singles from the album included "MotorSport" featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, peaking at number six on the Hot 100, and "Stir Fry" produced by Pharrell Williams, which reached number eight.[5] Quavo contributed to the album's production and featured prominently on hooks, while Migos co-headlined the Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour with Drake from August to November 2018, grossing over $103 million from 54 shows.[32] Between major albums, Migos maintained visibility through collaborations and singles, including "Walk It Talk It" with Drake in 2018, which peaked at number 10 on the Hot 100.[5] The group earned BET Awards for Best Group in 2017 and 2018, recognizing their commercial dominance.[33] In June 2021, they released Culture III, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 with features from artists like Pop Smoke and Drake, though it underperformed relative to prior entries amid internal tensions.[34] Quavo's role as the group's frontman, handling melodic elements and public-facing persona, solidified during this era, even as solo pursuits grew.[35] By 2022, following Takeoff's death on November 1, Migos entered an indefinite hiatus, capping their peak period of chart dominance and cultural influence in trap music.[5]Solo career and post-Migos developments (2023–present)
Following the death of Migos member Takeoff on November 1, 2022, Quavo declared the end of the group in his February 23, 2023, single "Greatness," stating that Migos was "gone" amid reflections on loss and personal direction.[36] Tensions with fellow Migos member Offset escalated, leading to a reported physical altercation backstage at the 2023 Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023, reportedly over disagreements regarding a Takeoff tribute performance.[37] By August 2025, Offset confirmed the two speak regularly and have resolved their differences, following a 2023 BET Awards reunion tribute to Takeoff.[38] Quavo's second solo album, Rocket Power, was released on August 18, 2023, via Quality Control Music and Motown Records, serving as a tribute to Takeoff with themes of turning tragedy into triumph.[39] The 18-track project featured appearances from artists including Future, Young Thug, and the late Takeoff on the single "Turn Yo Clic Up," and debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart with 32,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[40][41] In 2024, Quavo issued non-album singles such as "Georgia Ways" featuring Teddy Swims, "SLOW IT DOWN," and "5BRAZY," marking his return to solo output after the album.[42] The following year, he released "Legends" with Lil Baby on April 10, 2025, and "Trappa Rappa" on February 20, 2025.[43][44] On October 10, 2025, Quavo announced details of an upcoming solo album recorded in Paris at Louis Vuitton headquarters, following Rocket Power as his next full-length project, with SATCHAMO slated for release on October 30, 2025.[45][46]Other professional ventures
Acting and media appearances
Quavo began pursuing acting roles in the early 2020s, transitioning from his primary career in music to on-screen appearances in films and television. His feature film debut came in the 2022 action-thriller Savage Salvation, directed by Randall Emmett, in which he played the supporting role of Coyote, a member of a criminal crew.[47] In 2023, Quavo appeared as T.Y. Way, a choir member and performer, in the Peacock musical comedy Praise This, which follows a group of young singers preparing for a national competition; the film features a soundtrack with gospel and hip-hop influences.[48] He continued with roles in 2024 releases, portraying Anton, a key figure in a heist narrative, in the action film Cash Out, and Lil Zoo in The Waterboyz, a comedy about aspiring athletes, for which he also served as executive producer.[47] Upcoming projects include a voice acting role as Spike in the 2025 animated film Sneaks and an unspecified acting part in the comedy High Rollers, set for release the same year.[47] On television, Quavo has made cameo appearances as himself, including in the FX series Atlanta during its first season in 2016, specifically the episode "Go for Broke," and in episodes of black-ish, Narcos: Mexico, and Star.[49][50] These guest spots often leverage his celebrity status from Migos, blending music promotion with narrative integration.[51]Sports and entertainment league involvement
Quavo holds a co-ownership stake in the Glacier Boyz, a team in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league, which launched in 2020 as the first professional sports league allowing fans to control gameplay via mobile app votes on plays.[52][53] The FCF operates as a fast-paced, arena-style indoor football variant with games streamed live on platforms like Twitch, emphasizing digital fan engagement over traditional broadcasting models.[54] Quavo's involvement, announced publicly in September 2020, aligns with other celebrity co-owners such as former NFL player Marshawn Lynch, positioning the league as a hybrid of sports competition and interactive entertainment.[52][53] The Glacier Boyz, under Quavo's partial ownership shared with three others, competed in the FCF's inaugural season starting February 2021, with fans influencing real-time decisions like play calls, contributing to the league's novel format distinct from established leagues like the NFL.[53][54] This venture represents Quavo's primary direct investment in a sports league, leveraging his background as a former high school quarterback to promote fan-driven innovation in football entertainment.[52] No further expansions or additional league ownerships by Quavo in FCF have been reported as of 2025, though the league has pursued growth amid challenges in sustaining fan interest and operational scale.[54]Business and endorsement deals
Quavo has secured multiple endorsement deals leveraging his influence in music and sports culture. In 2018, he entered an endorsement agreement with Finish Line, capitalizing on his NBA crossover appeal.[55] In January 2019, he partnered with Mountain Dew for their "Do the Dew" campaign, co-creating a promotional song.[56] By December 2019, Quavo became a corporate ambassador for Lids, the sports apparel retailer, aligning with his interest in headwear and athletics.[57] In business ventures, Quavo launched Huncho Records in April 2020 as an independent record label, signing artists including 904 Reebok, PopOutBoyz, and Street Bud to develop new talent.[58] That November, he acquired a minority stake in Legends, a California-based athletic apparel brand for which he had previously served as a brand ambassador, marking his entry into apparel investment; the deal included exclusive merchandise collaborations distributed to associates like Justin Bieber and Post Malone.[59] These moves reflect Quavo's transition from promotional partnerships to equity ownership in complementary industries.[60]Personal life
Family relationships and losses
Quavo was raised primarily by his mother, Edna Marshall, after his father died when he was approximately four or five years old, leaving her to support Quavo and his two older sisters as a single parent working as a beautician.[61][62] Edna Marshall played a significant paternal role in the family, fostering Quavo's early interest in music alongside his relatives.[61] Quavo's older sister, Titania Davenport (also known as Mama Rocket), is the mother of his nephew Kirsnick Khari Ball, professionally known as Takeoff, who was born on June 18, 1994, making Quavo his uncle despite their close ages—Quavo born April 2, 1991.[63][64] The two grew up together in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and formed the rap group Migos in 2008 with Kiari Kendrell Cephus (Offset), whom Quavo and Takeoff regarded as family due to their shared upbringing, though Offset clarified in 2023 that he is not biologically related to either.[65][66] The most significant family loss for Quavo occurred on November 1, 2022, when Takeoff was fatally shot at age 28 outside a Houston bowling alley during a private party involving a dice game; Quavo was present but unharmed.[67][68] In the aftermath, Quavo publicly mourned Takeoff as his "angel," performed tributes including at the 2023 Grammy Awards, and described experiencing grief so profound that he sometimes cried himself to sleep.[69][70] This tragedy prompted Quavo to launch the Rocket Foundation in Takeoff's honor, focusing on gun violence prevention, including meetings with Vice President Kamala Harris and hosting events for affected families alongside Titania Davenport.[71][72]Romantic relationships and children
Quavo entered a public romantic relationship with rapper Saweetie in late 2018, after he initiated contact via Instagram direct messages.[73] The couple collaborated on tracks such as "My Type" and maintained a visible partnership until their breakup on March 19, 2021, when Saweetie confirmed the split via Twitter, stating it resulted from irreconcilable differences amid mutual cheating allegations.[74][75] Earlier, Quavo was romantically linked to rapper Iggy Azalea in early 2017, with the pair spotted together at events and collaborating on music, though the association ended shortly thereafter.[76] He was also briefly connected to model Karrueche Tran and influencer Bernice Burgos around 2017–2018, based on public appearances and social media interactions, but neither developed into a long-term commitment.[77][78] In subsequent years, Quavo has been the subject of dating rumors, including with singer Chloe Bailey in 2022 and rapper Doja Cat in 2023, primarily fueled by social media speculation and unverified sightings rather than public affirmations.[77] As of 2024, he has been rumored to be involved with influencer and former gymnast Erica Fontaine, with reports of joint travel and private interactions, but no official confirmation from either party has emerged.[79] Quavo has no publicly confirmed children as of 2025.[80] Rumors surfaced in October 2024 suggesting he fathered a child with Fontaine, prompted by unverified social media posts and audio clips purportedly capturing an infant's cries during a private jet trip, but Quavo has not addressed or substantiated these claims, and no birth records or announcements have been verified.[81][82]Philanthropy and social activism
Quavo established the Quavo Cares Foundation, which concentrates on enhancing youth opportunities via sports, education, and arts programs.[83] In 2022, following the death of his nephew and Migos bandmate Takeoff, he founded The Rocket Foundation to combat gun violence in the United States, honoring Takeoff's legacy through targeted community interventions.[84] The foundation has collaborated with local organizations to deliver back-to-school supplies, host sporting events, and organize annual community gatherings like the Huncho Day festival.[85] In March 2024, The Rocket Foundation initiated the Sparks Grants Program, allocating $100,000 across ten Atlanta-based nonprofits—$10,000 each—to support violence interruption, youth mentorship, and safe spaces aimed at reducing gun violence.[86] [87] This effort sought to identify and fund groups piloting or sustaining life-saving programs in high-risk areas.[88] Earlier that year, Quavo sold merchandise featuring Takeoff's image, directing all proceeds to the foundation for gun violence prevention initiatives.[89] Responding to a surge in Atlanta shootings that resulted in 49 injuries over a July 2025 weekend, Quavo and The Rocket Foundation launched an Emergency Trauma Therapy Fund to finance mental health services for survivors, including trauma-informed therapy and support for community violence interrupters.[90] [91] The fund prioritizes real-time aid for affected families and youth in violence-prone neighborhoods.[92] Quavo has engaged federal efforts, including consultations with the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, to advocate for policy measures addressing the crisis.[85] For his contributions, Quavo received the Humanitarian of the Year award at the 2024 Variety Hitmakers Brunch, recognizing his foundation's role in fostering safer communities through gun violence reduction.[93] [94] These activities reflect a shift toward activism centered on personal loss, emphasizing practical support over broad political advocacy.Controversies and criticisms
Legal troubles and arrests
In April 2015, Quavo, whose real name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, was arrested alongside Migos member Offset following a concert at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.[95] The charges included misdemeanor possession of marijuana, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substances (cocaine, OxyContin, and codeine), and felony possession of a firearm in a school safety zone.[96] Quavo posted a $10,000 bond and was released shortly after; in December 2015, he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor marijuana charge, receiving a 12-month suspended sentence conditioned on good behavior.[97] In April 2018, Quavo faced a misdemeanor battery charge in Las Vegas after allegedly slapping valet attendant Antonio Henry during an altercation at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas casino.[98] Henry filed a civil lawsuit claiming physical and emotional injuries, leading to a jury verdict in September 2024 ordering Quavo to pay $682,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.[99] The criminal battery charge appears to have been resolved without further public conviction details, with the civil case focusing on the slap's aftermath.[98] Quavo has also been named in civil litigation over an alleged assault on a limousine driver in Las Vegas around July 2021, where he and associates reportedly beat the driver for failing to pick up a group member before an outing.[100] The driver sought damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and disfigurement, but no criminal charges were filed, and the lawsuit's resolution remains unreported in public records.[101] On July 23, 2023, Quavo was briefly detained by Miami police during an investigation into a strong-arm robbery on a yacht along the Miami River, stemming from a payment dispute where two men allegedly threatened the captain at gunpoint.[102] Video showed Quavo with his hands zip-tied as a precaution, but he was not named as a suspect in the police report, faced no charges, and was released after cooperating; his attorney asserted video evidence cleared him of involvement.[103][104]Interpersonal feuds within Migos
Tensions within Migos emerged publicly in May 2022 when Offset and his wife Cardi B unfollowed Quavo and Takeoff on Instagram, amid reports of suppressed family conflicts involving Offset's solo pursuits and label disputes with Quality Control.[105][106] Quavo and Takeoff subsequently formed a duo called Unc & Phew, releasing the album Only Built for Infinity Links on October 7, 2022, without Offset's involvement; Quavo attributed the separation to loyalty concerns, stating, "We stand on real deal, real loyalty," while clarifying it was unrelated to Offset's legal actions against the label.[107][108] Following Takeoff's death on November 1, 2022, conflicts intensified. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023, Quavo performed a solo tribute to Takeoff but reportedly blocked Offset from joining onstage, leading to a backstage physical altercation; sources close to Offset claimed Quavo initiated the fight, though Offset publicly denied any scuffle occurred.[109][110][111] In April 2023, Quavo shaded Offset on social media over a large Takeoff tattoo Offset got on his back, questioning its sincerity amid their rift.[112] Speculation persisted into 2023 about underlying causes, including rumored backstage fights at awards shows tied to personal disputes involving women.[113] Quavo and Offset briefly reconciled in June 2023 to honor Takeoff's birthday, posting joint tributes.[110] By April 2024, Offset quashed ongoing beef rumors with a public 33rd birthday message to Quavo, and in August 2025, he confirmed they were on good terms, emphasizing no active feud.[114][115]Artistic and cultural critiques
Quavo's solo debut album Quavo Huncho, released on October 12, 2018, drew widespread criticism for its repetitive structure, uninspired production, and heavy reliance on guest features to mask lyrical shortcomings. Reviewers highlighted tracks like "Lamb Talk" and "WORKOUT" as emblematic of droning auto-tune and formulaic trap beats reminiscent of early 2000s styles, with production described as "cheap and repetitive" despite polished Migos-associated efforts elsewhere.[116][117][118] HipHopDX acknowledged the album was "not as bad as social media told you it is," yet conceded its failure to meet expectations set by Migos' group dynamics, resulting in underwhelming sales of under 100,000 first-week units.[119][120] Consequence of Sound critiqued it as a "half-and-half affair," undermined by filler tracks that prioritized quantity over quality, diluting Quavo's ad-lib-heavy style without the contrapuntal energy of Offset and Takeoff.[121] Critics attributed Quavo's solo struggles to his artistic dependence on Migos' trio format, where his hook-writing and ad-libs thrive in ensemble interplay but falter in isolation. Vulture noted the "open space" in Quavo Huncho exposed a lack of the "carnivals of sound" defining Migos tracks, with Quavo's pinball-like vocal bounces losing momentum without group synergy.[122] Amherst Wire described the album's trap-heavy instrumentals—featuring echoing flutes and bursting pads—as failing to elevate generic content, leading to listener fatigue and calls to "please make it stop."[123] This echoed broader sentiments on platforms like Reddit and YouTube, where fans and analysts argued Quavo's verses, often the weakest in Migos, revealed a stunted solo identity reliant on hype rather than substantive growth.[124][117] The Edge labeled the project a "culmination of the rapper's generic sound," grown stale through overexposure in Migos' polyrhythmic formula.[125] Subsequent solo efforts like Rocket Power (August 18, 2023), a tribute to late Migos member Takeoff, received more favorable but still tempered reviews for attempting creative risks amid persistent trap conventions. The Music Desk praised Quavo's "sharpened pen" and diversification via producers like BNYX, marking a "new creative plane" with poignant tracks like "Greatness."[126][127] Album of the Year user aggregates called it a "solid trap project" in a mainstream landscape of diluted styles, though critics noted it recycled Migos-era motifs without fully transcending solo limitations.[128] Culturally, Quavo's work via Migos has been credited with pioneering the triplet flow—a rapid, polyrhythmic rhyming pattern—that reshaped trap hip-hop, influencing artists from Drake to [Lil Uzi Vert](/page/Lil_Uzi Vert) and spawning widespread imitation.[29][129] Quavo himself acknowledged this in 2022, stating "everyone was taking our flow," viewing it as validation of innovation in expanding trap boundaries.[130] However, detractors argue this influence contributed to stylistic homogenization, with Vulture critiquing over-attribution of Migos' growth to external memes rather than internal evolution, potentially enabling a derivative wave that prioritized viral mimicry over depth.[131] Isolated critiques, such as in the "Stir Fry" video (2018), pointed to cultural appropriation through caricatured portrayals, though these remained marginal amid predominant focus on musical mechanics.[132] Overall, while Migos' *Culture* series (2017–2021) solidified their legacy in hyped-up, sumptuous production, Quavo's individual output has faced scrutiny for reinforcing materialism and bravado without commensurate artistic evolution.[129]Discography
Studio albums
Quavo's debut solo studio album, Quavo Huncho, was released on October 12, 2018, by Quality Control Music, Capitol Records, and Motown Records.[133] The 19-track project featured collaborations with artists including 21 Savage, Drake, Travis Scott, and Cardi B, and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart with 99,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[7] It was later certified gold by the RIAA on August 19, 2019, for 500,000 equivalent units.[134] His second studio album, Rocket Power, arrived on August 18, 2023, also via Quality Control and Motown, serving as a tribute to his late nephew and Migos bandmate Takeoff, who was killed in 2022.[39] The album debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200, moving 32,000 equivalent units in its opening week amid lower commercial expectations compared to his debut.[135]| Album | Release date | Label | Peak Billboard 200 | First-week units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quavo Huncho | October 12, 2018 | Quality Control, Capitol, Motown | 2 | 99,000 |
| Rocket Power | August 18, 2023 | Quality Control, Motown | 18 | 32,000 |
Mixtapes and EPs
Quavo has not released any official solo mixtapes or extended plays (EPs).[136] His early career contributions were primarily through Migos' independent mixtapes, such as Juug Season (2011) and No Label (2012), which featured his verses but were group efforts rather than solo projects.[137] Solo releases, beginning with Quavo Huncho in 2018, have been marketed and classified as studio albums by labels like Quality Control and Capitol Records.[138] This approach aligns with his transition to major-label distribution, prioritizing commercial albums over traditional mixtape formats common in trap rap's pre-streaming era.[139] Collaborative works, such as Only Built for Infinity Links with Takeoff (October 7, 2022), are similarly categorized as albums despite their promotional style evoking mixtape aesthetics.[136] As of October 2025, no solo mixtape or EP announcements have materialized, with focus remaining on full-length projects like the forthcoming SATCHAMO.[136]Notable singles and collaborations
Quavo's collaborations have frequently outperformed his solo efforts on the Billboard Hot 100, with features on multiple top-10 entries. His appearance on DJ Khaled's "I'm the One," alongside Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne, topped the Hot 100 for one week in May 2017, marking his first number-one single as a featured artist.[140] Similarly, his verse on Post Malone's "Congratulations" contributed to its peak at number eight in April 2017, bolstered by a remix featuring Cam'ron that extended its chart run.[141] Other high-profile features include Liam Payne's "Strip That Down," which reached number 10 in July 2017, and Drake's "Portland" with Travis Scott, peaking at number nine that same year.[140] As a lead artist, Quavo's solo singles have achieved moderate commercial success. The lead single from his debut album Quavo Huncho, "Workin Me," released on July 20, 2018, peaked at number 52 on the Hot 100 and received platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold in the United States.[7] Follow-up tracks from the album, such as "Flip the Switch" featuring Drake (peaking at number 48) and "Pass Out" with 21 Savage (number 61), also charted in the fall of 2018, reflecting the project's overall impact with seven entries on the Hot 100 upon release.[142] More recent solo releases include "Tough" with Lana Del Rey, issued on February 16, 2024, which garnered attention for its crossover appeal and charted on multiple Billboard lists.[137] From his 2023 album Rocket Power, singles like "Greatness" and "Mississippi" continued his pattern of trap-influenced output, though they did not replicate earlier peak positions. In 2024 and 2025, Quavo released standalone tracks such as "Georgia Ways" featuring Teddy Swims, "SLOW IT DOWN," and "What We Doing," maintaining his presence on streaming platforms and Billboard's year-end tallies.[42] These efforts underscore Quavo's versatility in blending hip-hop with pop and R&B elements across features and leads.[143]| Song | Lead Artist/Collaboration | Peak Position (Hot 100) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| I'm the One | DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne | 1 | 2017 |
| Congratulations | Post Malone ft. Quavo | 8 | 2017 |
| Portland | Drake ft. Quavo & Travis Scott | 9 | 2017 |
| Workin Me | Quavo | 52 | 2018 |
| Flip the Switch | Quavo ft. Drake | 48 | 2018 |
Filmography
Film and television roles
Quavo's acting career began with cameo appearances as himself on television series. He first appeared in the Fox comedy-drama Atlanta during its debut season in 2016.[144] That same year, he had a role in the musical drama Star, marking an early scripted part beyond self-portrayals.[144] Guest spots followed in 2019 on the ABC sitcom Black-ish and HBO's sports comedy Ballers.[145] In 2020, Quavo made his credited acting debut in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico, portraying the character Cuidado in a spin-off focused on the drug trade.[146] Transitioning to film, Quavo took on supporting roles starting in the early 2020s. His feature film debut came in 2022 with Savage Salvation, a crime thriller directed by Randall Emmett.[147] In 2023, he played T.Y. Way in the musical comedy Praise This, a Peacock original about a gospel choir competing in a national showcase.[148] Subsequent releases included Cash Out (2024), where he portrayed Anton, a character involved in a heist narrative.[148] Also in 2024, Quavo appeared as Lil Zoo in The Waterboyz, a comedy-drama, and in Big in Da Game.[148][49] Upcoming projects include High Rollers (2025), again as Anton, co-starring John Travolta in a gambling-themed story, and Sneaks (2025), a film centered on sneaker culture.[148][49] These roles represent Quavo's expansion into acting amid his primary career in music, though critics have noted limited depth in his performances to date, often attributing them to his celebrity status rather than dramatic range.[47]Music videos and cameos
Quavo has featured prominently in music videos as a performer, collaborator, and occasional director, often showcasing high-energy visuals aligned with trap aesthetics, luxury lifestyles, and street narratives. His solo video for "Tough," a collaboration with Lana Del Rey released on July 3, 2024, was directed by Quavo himself and portrays themes of resilience amid urban settings.[149] [150] Earlier, he directed Migos' "Narcos" in 2018, emphasizing drug trade motifs inspired by the Narcos television series.[150] In 2023, Quavo released the video for "Without You" on January 4, marking a tribute to his late nephew Takeoff with introspective lyrics over moody production, filmed in somber, reflective environments.[151] "Greatness," dropped February 22, 2023, features Quavo in opulent scenes underscoring personal triumph and legacy.[152] His 2024 solo effort "Himothy" includes dynamic footage highlighting bravado and party vibes.[153] More recently, "Trappa Rappa" premiered February 20, 2025, channeling raw trap energy with Quavo embodying a hustler archetype.[44] "Legends" with Lil Baby, released April 10, 2025, pairs triumphant bars with high-production visuals celebrating longevity in hip-hop.[43] Quavo has made cameo appearances in other artists' music videos, extending his presence beyond lead roles. He appeared briefly in Drake's "Nonstop" video in August 2018, filmed in London and featuring chaotic party sequences with French Montana also present.[154] In collaborative contexts, such as Lil Uzi Vert, Quavo, and Travis Scott's "Go Off" tied to The Fate of the Furious soundtrack in March 2017, he contributes verses amid action-oriented clips.[155] These appearances underscore his versatility in bridging solo projects with high-profile features.Awards and nominations
Music awards
Quavo has garnered several music award nominations, predominantly through his work with Migos and featured collaborations, with wins primarily in group or ensemble categories rather than solo efforts.[156] His contributions to DJ Khaled's "I'm the One" featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne earned the American Music Award for Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop in 2017.[157] As a member of Migos, Quavo shared in the group's victory for Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock at the 2018 American Music Awards, accepted by Quavo and Offset on behalf of the trio.[158] Migos also won Best Group at the 2018 BET Awards.[159] In recognition of songwriting, Quavo was named Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year at the 2018 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.[160] In duo work with Takeoff, their track "Hotel Lobby" from the album Only Built for Infinity Links won Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.[161]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | American Music Awards | Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop | "I'm the One" (DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne) | Won[157] |
| 2018 | American Music Awards | Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock | Migos | Won[158] |
| 2018 | BET Awards | Best Group | Migos | Won[159] |
| 2018 | ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards | Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year | Quavo | Won[160] |
| 2023 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song | "Hotel Lobby" (Quavo & Takeoff) | Won[161] |