Waka Flocka Flame facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Waka Flocka Flame
Waka Flocka Flame performing in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Juaquin James Malphurs
Born	(1986-05-31) May 31, 1986 (age 38) New York City, U.S.
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop trap
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter
Years active	2008–present
Labels	36 Brick House Dusk Til Dawn E1 Brick Squad Monopoly 1017 Brick Squad Asylum Warner Bros. RBC Mizay So Icey
Associated acts	Frenchie French Montana Gucci Mane Lex Luger Southside Travis Porter Young Scooter Zaytoven

Juaquin James Malphurs (born May 31, 1986), known professionally as Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He first became known for his 2009 single "O Let's Do It", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, an imprint of Warner Records that same year. His 2010 follow-up single, "No Hands" (featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale) reached number 13 on the chart and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Both songs, along with "Hard in da Paint" and "Grove St. Party" (featuring Kebo Gotti), preceded the release of his debut studio album Flockaveli (2010), which peaked at number six on the Billboard 200. His second studio album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (2012) peaked at number ten on the chart and was supported by the singles "Round of Applause" (featuring Drake), "I Don't Really Care" (featuring Trey Songz) and "Get Low" (featuring Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida).

Early life

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

Career

2009–2010: Flockaveli

Waka Flocka Flame in 2010

In January 2009, Malphurs released his debut mixtape, Salute Me or Shoot Me. The mixtape contained the song "O Let's Do It", which was released as a commercial single in April of that year. After which, the song was re-recorded and the guest performer was changed. The song was produced by L-Don Beatz. By November 2009, he was signed to Gucci Mane's record label 1017 Records, along with fellow Georgia-based rapper OJ Da Juiceman, his cousin Frenchie, and his brother Wooh Da Kid. On January 19, 2010, Malphurs was shot and robbed at a car wash in his Atlanta hometown; a bullet went through his right arm. Following this, "O Let's Do It" debuted at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2010, and peaked at number 62 on the chart by April. Throughout that year, he released the singles "Hard In Da Paint", "Grove St. Party", and "No Hands". The latter two entered the Billboard Hot 100—the latter at number 13—while each promoted the release of his debut studio album, Flockaveli on October 1, 2010. The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 and received positive critical reception. Its title was inspired by Tupac Shakur, whose final stage name and pseudonym before his death was Makaveli. Malphurs was listed at number eight on MTV's Hottest MCs in the Game Annual List in 2010.

Gucci Mane fired Malphurs' mother, Debra as his manager. There was initially no animosity between the two rappers due to this event. In an MTV interview, Malphurs affirmed that their relationship was, at the time, in good standing despite not being on speaking terms. In early September, Gucci Mane attended at Malphurs' Flockaveli listening party in support of the artist.

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

..... The picture reads "ink not mink". Malphurs 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. On August 9, 2011, his collaborative album with Gucci Mane, Ferrari Boyz was released. The first single was "She Be Puttin On", featuring the late Slim Dunkin, who was fatally shot the following year.

"Round of Applause", featuring Canadian rapper Drake, was released on October 14, 2011 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 was released on June 8, 2012 and saw a critical and commercial decline from his debut.

2013–present: Flockaveli 2

Waka Flocka Flame in 2014

On January 22, 2013, Malphurs announced that he had completed his third studio album, titled Flockaveli 2, featuring guest appearances by Timbaland and Wyclef Jean. On May 21, 2013, he gave a release date of October 5, 2013; in June, he gave a new date of January 2014. In July 2014, he named producers on the album; in November the front cover art was released. In January 2020, he announced that he'd release his last album that year; Flockaveli 2 was not released in 2020.

In February 2013, he released the mixtape DuFlocka Rant 2, with guest appearances by Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, French Montana, Ace Hood and Young Scooter. A sequel followed in May, DuFlocka Rant: Halftime Show, featuring fellow Southern rapper T.I. In October, he released a third mixtape, From Roaches to Rollies.

In 2014, he released two mixtapes, Re-Up in March and I Can't Rap Vol. 1 in July. Also in July, he announced an EDM album, Turn Up God, to be released later in the year; it was not.

In 2014, Malphurs 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 March 2, 2015, Malphurs released a collaboration mixtape with DJ Whoo Kid, 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. On April 1, 2015, Malphurs released the mixtape Salute Me Or Shoot Me 5, with guest appearances from Future, Yo Gotti and Juvenile. Malphurs released his Flockaveli 1.5 mixtape on November 25, 2015.

In April 2015, Malphurs hosted a collaborative campaign with Rolling Stone magazine in which he pretended to run for president. Although he was seven years too young to be considered president, the campaign, directed by Sam Lipman-Stern of Live from the Streets, went viral and was picked up by media outlets such as CNN, Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post, among others.

Artistry

Lyrically, Malphurs' music has been described as "celebratory, aggressive, hedonistic, rebellious [and] silly". The personality Malphurs employs has been described as "rowdy".

Despite it being his profession, Malphurs has frequently condemned his rapping ability. He has released a series of mixtapes titled I Can't Rap, and often discredits any form of esteem in his lyrics. .....

Personal life

Waka Flocka with his wife Tammy Rivera and their daughter Charlie

Malphurs is of African American, Native American, European (including Italian) and Dominican descent.

.....

On May 25, 2014, Malphurs married actress Tammy Rivera, also becoming the stepfather to her child. They separated in 2022.

Malphurs is a passionate supporter of Atlanta United FC, regularly attending games in Atlanta, traveling to away games, and serving as a team ambassador.

On October 3, 2020, Malphurs received an honorary doctorate in philanthropy and humanitarianism from the Bible Institute of America Theological Seminary, credited to his charity and mental health advocacy.

Politics

In April 2015, Malphurs announced that he was running for president, despite the fact he was below the constitutionally required age of 35, as he was only 30 by the time of the 2016 United States presidential election. ..... His other proposals included banning dogs from restaurants and making it illegal for people with shoe sizes above 13 to walk on the street. He also seemed to be dismissive of Congress, and had an anti-war stance. Former professional wrestler Ric Flair was his running mate.

Malphurs has received attention for his views on political and social issues. In addition to his humanitarianism, he has been awarded with an honorary professor degree from the Bible Institute of America. He expressed disdain for U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2016 United States presidential election but in 2020 praised Trump and expressed approval of his presidency. In 2021, the Trump Administration awarded Malphurs a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Chicago-based non-profit, Daughter of Destiny. He endorsed Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock for the 2022 United States Senate election in Georgia, and formally endorsed Trump for the 2024 United States presidential election. During a July 2024 concert in Salt Lake City, Utah, Malphurs told concertgoers to leave the venue if they supported Joe Biden.

Discography

Studio albums

• Flockaveli (2010)
• Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (2012)

Collaborative albums

• Ferrari Boyz (with Gucci Mane) (2011)

Filmography

Awards and nominations