Waka Flocka Flame
Biography
Juaquin James Malphurs, known professionally as Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper born on May 31, 1986, in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. At the age of nine, his family relocated to Riverdale, Georgia. His mother, Debra Antney, is the former manager for rapper Gucci Mane and CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment. The name "Waka" was given to him by a cousin, inspired by the Muppets character Fozzie Bear's catchphrase, while "Flocka Flame" was later added by Gucci Mane.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Waka Flocka Flame's career began to gain traction in 2009 with the release of his single "O Let's Do It," which peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to him signing with Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. Records. On January 19, 2010, he was shot and robbed at a car wash in Atlanta, with a bullet passing through his right arm. Later that year, he released his debut album, "Flockaveli," on October 5, 2010. The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Rise to Mainstream Success
"Flockaveli" featured several successful singles that propelled Waka Flocka Flame into the mainstream. "No Hands," featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. Other notable tracks from the album include "Hard in da Paint" and "Grove St. Party". In 2011, he released a collaborative album with Gucci Mane titled "Ferrari Boyz". His second studio album, "Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family," was released on June 8, 2012, and debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200. The album was preceded by the lead single "Round of Applause," featuring Drake.
Later Career and Other Ventures
Throughout his career, Waka Flocka Flame has released numerous mixtapes, including "Salute Me or Shoot Me 3," "Benjamin Flocka," and "Flockaveli 1.5". In 2014, he and his wife, Tammy Rivera, appeared on the VH1 reality show "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta". He has also collaborated with artists from different genres, including the EDM duo Flosstradamus and punk-pop band Good Charlotte. In a business venture outside of music, Waka Flocka Flame partnered with the beverage brand Big Sipz to release a cocktail called Purple Punch.