Waka Flocka Flame

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.

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.

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.

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.

In 2011, Malphurs posed for a nude but not explicit promotional photo for PETA, to boycott killing animals and wearing fur.

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.

His second studio album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (2012) peaked at number ten on the chart 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).

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.

The album was released on June 8, 2012 and saw a critical and commercial decline from his debut.

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 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 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.