Waka Flocka Flame

Waka Flocka Flame
Waka Flocka performing in October 2016
Background information
Birth name Juaquin James Malphurs
Born (1986-05-31) May 31, 1986
South Jamaica, New York, United States
Origin Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s) Rapper
Years active 2009–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website wakaflocka.com

Juaquin James Malphurs[1] (born May 31, 1986), better known as Waka Flocka Flame or simply Waka Flocka, is an American rapper. Signing to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. Records in 2009, he became a mainstream artist with the release of his singles "O Let's Do It", "Hard in da Paint", and "No Hands", with the latter peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. His debut studio album Flockaveli was released in 2010. His second studio album Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family was released in 2012 and was preceded by the lead single "Round of Applause".

Biography

1986–2008: Early life and career beginnings

Malphurs was born in South Jamaica, New York. His family eventually settled in Riverdale, Georgia.[2] His mother, Debra Antney, is rapper Gucci Mane's former manager and the CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment.[3][4] The name "Waka" was given to him by his cousin, after the Muppets character Fozzie Bear's catchphrase, "Waka Waka". The name "Flocka Flame" was given to him by Gucci Mane,[5] whom he has known since he was 19.[6]

2009–2010: Flockaveli

Waka Flocka in 2010

Waka Flocka came to fame with his breakthrough single "O Let's Do It" in 2009,[7] which peaked at number 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[8] Waka Flocka is a member of 1017 Brick Squad with Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Frenchie, and Wooh Da Kid.[9] On January 19, 2010, Malphurs was shot and robbed at a car wash in Atlanta. The bullet went through his right arm.[10][11] His debut album, Flockaveli, was released on October 1, 2010.[12] The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200.[13] The album is titled after the Italian political theorist Machiavelli,[14] and inspired by Tupac Shakur, whose final stage name and pseudonym before his death was Makaveli.[15] He was named the eighth hottest MC of 2010 by MTV.[16]

Gucci Mane fired Waka Flocka's mother as his manager. There was initially no animosity between the two rappers due to this event. In an MTV interview, both he and Waka Flocka affirmed that their relationship was, at the time, in good standing even though they no longer spoke to one another.[17] In early September, Gucci Mane was seen at Flocka's Flockaveli listening party supporting the artist.[18]

2011–2012: Ferrari Boyz and Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family

In 2011, Waka Flocka posed for a nude but not revealing picture for PETA, to boycott killing animals and wearing fur. The picture says "ink not mink".[19] Waka Flocka released several mixtapes in 2011, including Salute Me or Shoot Me 3, Benjamin Flocka and his last Twin Towers 2 (No Fly Zone) with fellow rapper Slim Dunkin.[20][21][22] On August 9, 2011, his collaborative album with Gucci Mane, titled Ferrari Boyz, was released.[23] The first single was "She Be Puttin On", featuring the now deceased Slim Dunkin, who was shot at an Atlanta recording studio while shooting a music video.[24]

"Round of Applause", featuring Canadian rapper Drake, was released on October 14, 2011[25] as the first single from his second studio album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family. It was produced by frequent collaborator, Lex Luger. The album itself was released on June 8, 2012.[26]

2013–present: Flockaveli 2

Waka Flocka Flame in 2014

On January 22, 2013, Waka Flocka announced that he has completed his third studio album, titled Flockaveli 2. He revealed the album will feature guest appearances from Timbaland and Wyclef Jean. Also the album will be mainly produced by longtime producers of 808 Mafia, Lex Luger, Southside, TM88 and more.[27] On February 5, 2013, Waka Flocka released his mixtape DuFlocka Rant 2 with guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, French Montana, Ace Hood and Young Scooter, among others.[28] On May 9, 2013, he released a sequel, titled DuFlocka Rant: Halftime Show which features fellow Southern rapper T.I..[29] Flockaveli 2 was then rescheduled for release in early 2014,[30] and on October 4, 2013, Flocka released another mixtape From Roaches to Rollies.[31] On October 31, 2013, Waka Flocka confirmed that Ne-Yo and Drake would be featured on Flockaveli 2.[32]

On March 21, 2014, Waka Flocka released a mixtape entitled Re-Up.[33][34] In a July 2014 interview with XXL Waka Flocka confirmed producers on the album will include 808 Mafia, Lex Luger, Mike Will Made-It and Black Metaphor. He also announced a new EDM album titled Turn Up God to be released in late 2014.[35] On July 14, 2014 Waka Flocka would release a mixtape entitled I Can't Rap Vol. 1.[36][37] On November 10, 2014 Waka Flocka released the front cover art for Flockaveli 2.[38][39]

In 2014, Waka Flocka appeared in the third season of the VH1 show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. The show loosely follows events in the life of Waka Flocka and his wife, Tammy Rivera. On September 23, 2014, the couple announced that they would be starring in their own spin-off, Meet the Flockas.[40]

On March 2, 2015, Waka Flocka released a collaboration mixtape with DJ Whoo Kid entitled The Turn Up Godz Tour, with guest appearances from Future, Howard Stern, Machine Gun Kelly, Offset, Cash Out, Bobby V, Gucci Mane, Tony Yayo, and Watch The Duck.[41][42] On April 1, 2015 Waka Flocka released the mixtape Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5, with guest appearances from Future, Yo Gotti and Juvenile.[43][44][45] Waka Flock released another mixtape, titled Flockaveli 1.5, on November 25, 2015.[46]

On January 21, 2010, Waka Flocka was shot two times after a robbery attempt at an Atlanta car wash.[47][48][49]

On January 3, 2011, Waka Flocka turned himself in to authorities in Atlanta following a previous raid on his home. He was booked on possession of marijuana, hydrocodone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and violation of probation for driving on a suspended license.[50] On January 5, 2011, he was released after posting bail.[51]

On October 10, 2014, Waka Flocka was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when a security scan turned up a loaded handgun in his luggage. He was released two hours later.[52][53]

Controversy

On March 15, 2013, Gucci Mane announced that frequent collaborator and close friend Waka Flocka Flame was "dropped" from 1017 Brick Squad Records. The two rappers proceeded to throw insults back and forth on Twitter.[54] Though it was reported that Gucci's Twitter account was hacked, Waka stated, "Dont let da media fool u. This shit real Shawty."[55] On March 27, 2013, during an MTV Jams interview with Sway Calloway, Waka explained that he would never do music nor business with Gucci ever again. Neither of the rappers have explained where the controversy originated from. Waka has stated, "I guess we both be at the finish line we just going our own routes. That's all I can say. What's the reason? Sometimes it's none of your fuckin' business what's the reason. Just understand two men went they own ways but it's no problem."[56] In October 2013, Waka Flocka released a diss track towards Gucci Mane titled "Ice Cream".[57]

On November 19, 2013, it was revealed Gucci Mane had filed a lawsuit against Waka Flocka Flame, Waka's mother Debra Antney, OJ Da Juiceman, rapper Khia Stone and producer Zaytoven. The lawsuit accuses the parties of fraud, racketeering, and breach of contract. According to Gucci Mane, Waka's mother Antney took control of his 1017 Brick Squad Records, LLC., without permission, and used it to create three separate offshoot labels. Gucci also accused the parties in the lawsuit of withholding royalties and inflating the cost of label expenditures.[58] In his lawsuit, Gucci Mane also says that Antney took more than the typical 20 percent management fee. Gucci Mane also alleges that Antney's actions led to his having money and tax problems.[59]

Waka Flocka Flame would post a tweet on September 20, 2014 to his verified Twitter account that included an old picture of himself and Gucci Mane with the caption "… #NoBeef ", confirming that the two had buried the hatchet.[60]

In a February 2017 BBC Radio interview, Waka Flocka addressed his relationship with Gucci Mane, questioning his former mentor's street credibility and nixing the possibility of a Brick Squad reunion.[61] Several days later, Waka released "Was My Dawg", a diss track aimed at Gucci Mane, with cover art featuring the other rapper's silhouette.[62][63]

Personal life

Waka Flocka is of African American, Native American, European (including Italian) and Dominican descent.[64]

In December 2013, Waka Flocka's younger brother and fellow rapper KayO Redd committed suicide at his home in Henry County, Georgia.[65][66][67] On January 24, 2014, during an interview, Waka Flocka spoke on his brother's passing:

On May 25, 2014, Waka Flocka married Tammy Rivera.[70][71]

Discography

Filmography

Television
Year Film Role
2014 Black Dynamite Waka Blocka Blaow
2014; 2016–present Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Supporting Role
2017 FishCenter Live[73] Supporting Role

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Category Nominated work Result
2010 BET Hip Hop Awards Rookie of the Year — Nominated
Best Club Banger "O Let’s Do It" Nominated
2011 BET Awards Best Collaboration "No Hands" (with Roscoe Dash and Wale) Nominated
BET Hip Hop Awards Best Club Banger Won
2015 Much Music Video Awards EDM/Dance Video of the Year "Beast" (with Mia Martina) Nominated

References

  1. ↑ Waka Flocka Flame is a Product - Page. Interview Magazine. Retrieved on August 18, 2013.
  2. ↑ Birchmeier, Jason. "Waka Flocka Flame Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Debra Antney Net Worth". TheRichest.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  4. ↑ Julia Beverly (December 2009). "Scam Afta Scam" (PDF). Ozone. pp. 48, 52.
  5. ↑ Koroma, Salima (June 29, 2010). "Waka Flocka Flame Talks Mixtapes, His Stage Name | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  6. ↑ Graham, Nadine (July 30, 2011). "Waka Flocka Flame Says He's Crafting Rap Skills On "Ferrari Boyz" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Shot".
  8. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  9. ↑ Shaheem Reid. "OJ Da Juiceman Reveals Mixtape With Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame", MTV, November 10, 2009.
  10. ↑ "Exclusive: Waka Flocka Flame Nearly 'Gave Up' After Being Shot – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. February 4, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  11. ↑ Jacobs, Allen (January 21, 2010). "Waka Flocka Flame Shot During Robbery Attack | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  12. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Flockaveli (Deluxe Version) by Waka Flocka Flame". Itunes.apple.com. October 1, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Album Preview: Waka Flocka Flame's "Flockaveli" | Complex Blog". Complex.com. September 17, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  15. ↑ Cyrus Langhorne (September 17, 2010). "WAKA FLOCKA FLAME APOLOGIZES TO 2PAC FANS OVER "FLOCKAVELI" DEBUT TITLE". SOHH.com. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  16. ↑ "MTV Specials – Hottest – Mc". Mtv.com. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  17. ↑ Mawuse Ziegbe (August 2010). "Waka Flocka Flame Denies Beef With Gucci Mane". MTV.
  18. ↑ "Peep Waka Flocka & Gucci Mane At 'Flockaveli' Listening Session [Video". ThisIs50.com. September 1, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Bits: Waka Flocka Poses Naked for PETA, Selena Gomez Debuts New Track". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Waka Flocka & Slim Dunkin - Twin Towers 2: No Fly Zone Hosted by DJ Spinz, DJ Teknikz & DJ Kash // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Salute Me Or Shoot Me 3 Hosted by Trap-A-Holics & DJ Holiday // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. February 19, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Benjamin Flocka Hosted by DJ Teknikz & Love Dinero // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  23. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Ferrari Boyz (Deluxe Version) by Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame". Itunes.apple.com. August 5, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Rapper Slim Dunkin slain in music studio". Theage.com.au. December 19, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  25. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Round of Applause (feat. Drake) - Single by Waka Flocka Flame". Itunes.apple.com. October 14, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  26. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (Deluxe Version) by Waka Flocka Flame". Itunes.apple.com. June 8, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  27. ↑ Waka Flocka Reveals New Album Title | News Video. MTV (January 22, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-18.
  28. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J (February 6, 2013). "Waka Flocka Flame "DuFlocka Rant 2" Mixtape Download & Stream". HipHopDX. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  29. ↑ Waka Flocka - DuFlocka Rant: Halftime Show Hosted by DJ Love Dinero // Free Mixtape @. Datpiff.com. Retrieved on August 18, 2013.
  30. ↑ Paine, Jake (July 24, 2013). "Waka Flocka Flame Delays "Flockaveli 2" Until 2014, Confirms Producers | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  31. ↑ "Waka Flocka - From Roaches To Rollies Hosted by DJ Scream Mixtape - Stream & Download". Datpiff.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  32. ↑ Harling, Danielle (October 31, 2013). "Waka Flocka Flame Says Gucci Mane Uses Craziness As A Gimmick | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  33. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Re-up Mixtape - Stream & Download". Datpiff.com. March 21, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Re-Up | Download & Listen [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame's EDM Album Is Called 'Turn Up God'". XXL. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Waka Flocka - I Can't Rap Vol. 1 Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid Mixtape - Stream & Download". Datpiff.com. July 14, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Waka Flocka - I Can't Rap Vol. 1 | Download & Listen [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Waka Flocka Reveals "Flockaveli 2" Artwork". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  39. ↑ Paine, Jake (February 10, 2015). "Waka Flocka Flame "Flockaveli 2" Release Date, Cover Art & Tracklisting | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  40. ↑ "And Joseline Wept: Waka And Tammy Announce Spin-Off". MadameNoire .com. September 23, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Waka Flocka - The Turn Up Godz Tour Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid Mixtape - Stream & Download". Datpiff.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  42. ↑ "Waka Flocka - The Turn Up Godz Tour Feat. DJ Whoo Kid | Download & Listen [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5 Mixtape - Stream & Download". Datpiff.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  44. ↑ "Waka Flocka - Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5 | Download & Listen [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  45. ↑ Elliott, James (April 2, 2015). "Waka Flocka Flame and DJ Whoo Kid Release 'Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5'". Complex.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  46. ↑ Beauchemin, Molly (November 25, 2015). "Waka Flocka Flame and DJ Whoo Kid Release 'Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5'". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  47. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Shot During Robbery Attack | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX.com. January 21, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  48. ↑ "Exclusive: Waka Flocka Flame Talks About Shooting". MTV.com. February 3, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  49. ↑ "Exclusive: Waka Flocka Flame Nearly 'Gave Up' After Being Shot". MTV.com. February 3, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  50. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Arrested On Drug, Weapons Charges". MTV.com. January 3, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Released From Jail". MTV.com. January 5, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Rapper Waka Flocka Flame arrested after gun allegedly found in bag at airport". Foxnews.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Arrested For Bringing Gun to Atlanta Airport". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Gucci Mane Drops Waka Flocka Flame From Brick Squad". Rap-Up.com. March 15, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  55. ↑ "Gucci Mane Says Twitter Was Hacked, Waka Flocka Isn't Buying It". Rapfix.mtv.com. March 18, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  56. ↑ "Gucci Mane And Waka Flocka Will 'Never' Do Music Again - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. March 27, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  57. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Gucci Mane Diss "Ice Cream"". Complex. October 3, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Gucci Mane Is Suing Waka Flocka Flame and Waka's Mother For Fraud and Racketeering". Complex.com. November 19, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  59. ↑ Ju, Shirley (November 20, 2013). "Waka Flocka Flame's Mother Debra Antney Says Drugs, Greed & Women Ruined Gucci Mane | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  60. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame on Twitter". Twitter.com. September 20, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame Talks Relationship With Gucci Mane, Shuts Down Brick Squad Reunion". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  62. ↑ Josephs, Brian (7 February 2017). "Waka Flocka Flame Seems Kind of Bummed About No Longer Being Friends With Gucci Mane". Spin. Spin. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  63. ↑ Lamarre, Carl (9 February 2017). "Waka Flocka Flame Fires Off Subliminals on Alleged Gucci Mane Diss 'Was My Dawg': Listen". Spin. Spin. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  64. ↑ "Waka Flocka: I'm Not Black, I'm Red Foot Indian And Italian | iHeartRadio". iHeartRadio. Retrieved 2018-09-17.
  65. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame's Younger Brother Kayo Redd Dies Of Mysterious Causes". Hollywoodlife.com. December 30, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  66. ↑ Muhammad, Latifah. "Report: Waka Flocka Flame's Brother KayO Redd Dead | News". BET. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  67. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame's Younger Brother Kayo Redd Dead In Suspected Suicide". Contactmusic.com. December 31, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  68. ↑ Andres Tardio (January 24, 2014). "Waka Flocka Flame Details Coping With Brother Kayo Redd's Passing | HipHopDX Mobile". Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  69. ↑ "Waka Flocka Talks About Life After His Late Brother, Kayo Redd". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  70. ↑ "Just Hitched! Love & Hip Hop Atlanta's Tammy Rivera & Waka Flocka Secretly Elope". theJasmineBRAND. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  71. ↑ "Boo'd Up – 'Newlyweds' Waka Flocka Flame & Tammy Rivera Hit The Velvet Room… [PHOTOS]". Straightfromthea.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  72. ↑ "Waka Flocka Flame's 'Flockaveli 2' Has a New Release Date". XXL. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  73. ↑ Cortez, Kevin (17 April 2017). "Watch Waka Flocka's Fish Tank Play By Play". Mass Appeal. massappeal.com. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
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