Flavor Flav facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flavor Flav
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Flav performing at New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Jonathan Drayton Jr. |
| Born | March 16, 1959 Roosevelt, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | East Coast hip-hop |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
William Jonathan Drayton Jr. (born March 16, 1959), better known by his stage name Flavor Flav, is an American rapper and television star. He is famous for his catchphrase "Yeah, boyeeeeee!" and for being a founding member of the rap group Public Enemy.
With Public Enemy, Flavor Flav earned six Grammy Award nominations. He is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After a break from music, Flav became a popular reality TV star on the channel VH1. He appeared in shows like The Surreal Life, Strange Love, and Flavor of Love.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Flavor Flav was born William Jonathan Drayton Jr. in Roosevelt, New York. He grew up in the nearby town of Freeport. His father, William Drayton Sr., owned a restaurant called The Soul Diner.
Drayton was a musical prodigy from a young age. He taught himself to play the piano when he was only five years old. He also played the drums and guitar and sang in his church's youth choir. According to his friend and bandmate Chuck D, Drayton can play fifteen different instruments.
As a young man, Drayton faced some challenges. He later attended culinary school in 1978 to become a chef. After that, he went to Adelphi University. It was there that he met Carlton Ridenhour, who would later be known as Chuck D. The two became friends and started making music together. Drayton chose the stage name Flavor Flav, which was originally his graffiti tag.
Music Career with Public Enemy
Flavor Flav became famous as a founding member of the rap group Public Enemy. He started the group with Chuck D in 1985. Flav was the group's hype man, which means his job was to get the crowd excited during performances.
In 1986, their song "Public Enemy #1" caught the attention of Rick Rubin, an executive at Def Jam Records. Rubin wanted to sign Chuck D as a solo artist, but Chuck D insisted that Flavor Flav be part of the deal. They were both signed to the label.
The group's first album, Yo! Bum Rush the Show, came out in 1987. Flav's energetic and funny personality was a great contrast to Chuck D's serious and political style. Public Enemy became even more famous with their 1988 album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.
By 1989, with the release of their song "Fight the Power", Public Enemy were superstars. Flavor Flav was known for his unique style. He often wore large hats, sunglasses, and a giant clock around his neck.
Although he was mostly the hype man, Flav also rapped on some tracks. His first big solo rap hit was the 1990 single "911 Is a Joke". In 2006, Flav released his first solo album, called Hollywood.
In March 2020, there was a misunderstanding about the group's future. Public Enemy announced they were moving on without Flav. However, a month later, Chuck D said the announcement was a hoax. Flav said he was not part of the prank and did not approve of it.
Television Stardom
After taking a break from music, Flavor Flav returned to the spotlight as a reality TV star. He was invited to be on the VH1 show The Surreal Life. On the show, he formed a close friendship with actress Brigitte Nielsen.
Their friendship was so popular that VH1 gave them their own show called Strange Love. The show followed their adventures together. After Strange Love, Nielsen decided to return to her fiancé.
Next, Flav starred in his own dating show, Flavor of Love, which was a huge success and ran for three seasons. The show led to spin-offs like I Love New York.
In 2007, Flav was the guest of honor at a Comedy Central roast. Many famous comedians and celebrities, like Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Kimmel, came to poke fun at him. He also acted in the comedy series Under One Roof.
Supporting Sports and Athletes
Flavor Flav is a big supporter of sports, especially women's sports. In 2023, he sang the national anthem at a Milwaukee Bucks basketball game. He said it was something he always wanted to do and a tribute to military veterans.
He has also helped many athletes. He became the official "hype man" for the United States women's national water polo team and supported them during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He even traveled to France to watch them play.
Flav is known for his kindness to athletes. He gave a custom bronze clock necklace to U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles. He also helped raise money for the family of Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh so they could travel to Paris. He also helped Olympic discus thrower Veronica Fraley with her rent during the games.
He is often seen at WNBA games. In September 2024, he performed a tribute to the late Fatman Scoop at a New York Liberty game.
Personal Style
Flavor Flav is famous for wearing a large clock around his neck. When asked why he wears it, he explained that time is the most important thing in life. He said, "when we stop, time keeps going."
He also has a habit of talking about himself in the third person, which is known as Illeism. For example, he might say "Flavor Flav is in the house!" instead of "I am in the house!"
Discography
- Solo albums
- Hollywood (2006)
- Guest appearances
- De La Soul, "Come on Down", The Grind Date,
2004 - DJ Tomekk, "1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore" (w/ Grandmaster Flash, MC Rene & Afrob), Return of Hip Hop,
1999 - George Clinton, "Paint The White House Black" (w/ Chuck D, Ice Cube, MC Breed, Kam, Yo-Yo & Dr. Dre), Hey, Man, Smell My Finger,
1993 - Ice Cube, "I'm Only Out for One Thang", AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted,
1990 - Living Colour, "Funny Vibe" (w/ Chuck D), Vivid,
1988 - Stop the Violence Movement, "Self Destruction",
1989 - Wu-Tang Clan, "Soul Power", Iron Flag,
2001
Images for kids
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Flav at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, January 2012.
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See also
In Spanish: Flavor Flav para niños
