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{{Short description|American rapper (born 1959)}}
{{Short description|American hip hop artist (born 1959)}}
{{About|the New York musician|the musician's self-titled album|Flavor Flav (album)|the Bay Area rapper named Flav|Armani Depaul}}
{{About|the New York musician|the musician's self-titled album|Flavor Flav (album)|the Bay Area rapper named Flav|Armani Depaul}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
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| website =
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'''William Jonathan Drayton Jr.''' (born March 16, 1959),<ref name="Anken">{{cite web|last = Ankeny|first = Jason|url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p76462/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Flavor Flav: Biography|work = [[Allmusic]]|access-date = March 5, 2008}}</ref> known by his stage name '''Flavor Flav'''{{efn|The correct spelling is Flavor, and he dislikes being referred to as Flava<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-08-02|title=Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/flavorflavofficial/p/C-E_dXftDLm/|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>https://x.com/FlavorFlav/status/1794861334271766717</ref>}}({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|l|eɪ|v|ər|_|ˌ|f|l|eɪ|v}} {{respell|FLAY|vər|_|FLAYV}}), is an American rapper. Known for his yells of "''Yeah, boyeeeeee!''" when performing,<ref name="TMB082208">{{cite web |last=Rowland |first=Marijke |date=August 22, 2008 |title=Flavor Flav's Modesto block party |url=http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/401836.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204122142/http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/401836.html |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=January 13, 2009 |publisher=The Modesto Bee |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TG061806">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Johnny |date=June 18, 2006 |title=Hip-hop, you don't stop |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jun/18/urban |access-date=January 13, 2009}}</ref> he is a founding member, alongside [[Chuck D]], of [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], a rap group that has earned six [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nominations,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flavor Flav |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/flavor-flav/2549 |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=GRAMMY.com}}</ref> and has been inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Enemy {{!}} Rock & Roll Hall of Fame |url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/public-enemy |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.rockhall.com}}</ref>
'''William Jonathan Drayton Jr.''' (born March 16, 1959),<ref name="Anken">{{cite web|last = Ankeny|first = Jason|url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p76462/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Flavor Flav: Biography|work = [[Allmusic]]|access-date = March 5, 2008}}</ref> known by his stage name '''Flavor Flav'''{{efn|The correct spelling is Flavor, and he dislikes being referred to as Flava<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-08-02|title=Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/flavorflavofficial/p/C-E_dXftDLm/|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>https://x.com/FlavorFlav/status/1794861334271766717 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|l|eɪ|v|ər|_|ˌ|f|l|eɪ|v}} {{respell|FLAY|vər|_|FLAYV}}), is an American [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] artist. Known for his yells of "''Yeah, boyeeeeee!''" when performing,<ref name="TMB082208">{{cite web |last=Rowland |first=Marijke |date=August 22, 2008 |title=Flavor Flav's Modesto block party |url=http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/401836.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204122142/http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/401836.html |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=January 13, 2009 |publisher=The Modesto Bee |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TG061806">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Johnny |date=June 18, 2006 |title=Hip-hop, you don't stop |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jun/18/urban |access-date=January 13, 2009}}</ref> he is a founding member, alongside [[Chuck D]], of [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], a rap group that has earned six [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] nominations,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flavor Flav |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/flavor-flav/2549 |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=GRAMMY.com}}</ref> and has been inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Enemy {{!}} Rock & Roll Hall of Fame |url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/public-enemy |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.rockhall.com}}</ref>


After spending several years out of the limelight, Flav starred in multiple [[VH1]] reality series, including ''[[The Surreal Life]]'', ''[[Strange Love]]'', and ''[[Flavor of Love]]''.
After spending several years out of the limelight, Flav starred in multiple [[VH1]] reality series, including ''[[The Surreal Life]]'', ''[[Strange Love]]'', and ''[[Flavor of Love]]''.
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===Restaurant owner===
===Restaurant owner===
In 2011, Flav partnered with Nick Cimino to open [[Flav's Fried Chicken]] in Cimino's hometown of [[Clinton, Iowa]]. The two had met through Cimino's brother Peter, who runs Mama Cimino's in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] and Castle Rock Bar and Pizzeria in [[Kingman, Arizona]]. After enjoying the rapper's homemade fried chicken,{{r|fassler20110127}} Peter Cimino began selling chicken wings using Flav's recipe.<ref name="clintonherald">{{cite news|url=http://clintonherald.com/local/x530798204/Reality-TV-star-takes-chance-on-Clinton|title=Reality TV star takes chance on Clinton|publisher=[[Clinton Herald]]|date=January 11, 2011|access-date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> The founders hoped to start a national [[Chain store#Restaurant chains|restaurant franchise]].<ref name=fassler20110127>{{cite news|last=Fassler|first=Joe|title=Flavor Flav vs. KFC: A Dispatch From Flav's Fried Chicken|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2011/01/flavor-flav-vs-kfc-a-dispatch-from-flavs-fried-chicken/70313/2/|access-date=January 30, 2011|newspaper=The Atlantic|date=January 27, 2011}}</ref> A mix of squabbling owners, bounced checks, and bad business decisions led to Flavor Flav's Chicken shutting down barely four months after it opened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flavor-flav-closes-fried-chicken-restaurant-in-iowa-99441/|title=Flavor Flav Closes Fried Chicken Restaurant in Iowa|first=Matthew|last=Perpetua|website=Rollingstone.com|date=April 25, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/25/flavor-flav-ditches-his-fried-chicken-restaurant/|title=AOL Food - Recipes, Cooking and Entertaining|last=AOL|website=AOL.com|access-date=July 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730024408/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/25/flavor-flav-ditches-his-fried-chicken-restaurant|archive-date=July 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Flavor Flav was not involved in the restaurant's day-to-day operations; Nick Cimino simply paid for Flavor Flav's license.
In 2011, Flav partnered with Nick Cimino to open [[Flav's Fried Chicken]] in Cimino's hometown of [[Clinton, Iowa]]. The two had met through Cimino's brother Peter, who runs Mama Cimino's in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] and Castle Rock Bar and Pizzeria in [[Kingman, Arizona]]. After enjoying Flav's homemade fried chicken,{{r|fassler20110127}} Peter Cimino began selling chicken wings using Flav's recipe.<ref name="clintonherald">{{cite news|url=http://clintonherald.com/local/x530798204/Reality-TV-star-takes-chance-on-Clinton|title=Reality TV star takes chance on Clinton|publisher=[[Clinton Herald]]|date=January 11, 2011|access-date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> The founders hoped to start a national [[Chain store#Restaurant chains|restaurant franchise]].<ref name=fassler20110127>{{cite news|last=Fassler|first=Joe|title=Flavor Flav vs. KFC: A Dispatch From Flav's Fried Chicken|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2011/01/flavor-flav-vs-kfc-a-dispatch-from-flavs-fried-chicken/70313/2/|access-date=January 30, 2011|newspaper=The Atlantic|date=January 27, 2011}}</ref> A mix of squabbling owners, bounced checks, and bad business decisions led to Flavor Flav's Chicken shutting down barely four months after it opened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flavor-flav-closes-fried-chicken-restaurant-in-iowa-99441/|title=Flavor Flav Closes Fried Chicken Restaurant in Iowa|first=Matthew|last=Perpetua|website=Rollingstone.com|date=April 25, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/25/flavor-flav-ditches-his-fried-chicken-restaurant/|title=AOL Food - Recipes, Cooking and Entertaining|last=AOL|website=AOL.com|access-date=July 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730024408/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/25/flavor-flav-ditches-his-fried-chicken-restaurant|archive-date=July 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Flavor Flav was not involved in the restaurant's day-to-day operations; Nick Cimino simply paid for Flavor Flav's license.


Flavor Flav's House of Flavor in Las Vegas opened on the rapper's birthday in March 2012.<ref name="The Inquistir">{{cite news|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/206380/flavor-flav-opens-fried-chicken-restaurant-in-las-vegas/|title=Flavor Flav Opens Fried Chicken Restaurant In Las Vegas |access-date=March 16, 2012|work=The Inquistir|date=March 16, 2012}}</ref> Flavor Flav teamed up with Gino Harmon and Salvatore Bitonti to start a national franchise known as Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs, which opened December 21, 2012 in [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]]. The business was not affiliated with the previous two ventures Flavor Flav has had in the restaurant business. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs was a casual dining experience with a [[fast-food restaurant|quick serve]] attitude. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs closed in July 2013 after being evicted by its landlord for failure to pay rent.<ref>{{citation |title=The very last Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs location has closed |url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-very-last-flavor-flavs-chicken-ribs-restaurant,100826/ |first=Marah |last=Eakin |date=July 26, 2013 |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=July 26, 2013}}.</ref>
Flavor Flav's House of Flavor in Las Vegas opened on Flav's birthday in March 2012.<ref name="The Inquistir">{{cite news|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/206380/flavor-flav-opens-fried-chicken-restaurant-in-las-vegas/|title=Flavor Flav Opens Fried Chicken Restaurant In Las Vegas |access-date=March 16, 2012|work=The Inquistir|date=March 16, 2012}}</ref> Flavor Flav teamed up with Gino Harmon and Salvatore Bitonti to start a national franchise known as Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs, which opened December 21, 2012 in [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]]. The business was not affiliated with the previous two ventures Flavor Flav has had in the restaurant business. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs was a casual dining experience with a [[fast-food restaurant|quick serve]] attitude. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs closed in July 2013 after being evicted by its landlord for failure to pay rent.<ref>{{citation |title=The very last Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs location has closed |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-very-last-flavor-flavs-chicken-ribs-location-has-1798239546 |first=Marah |last=Eakin |date=July 26, 2013 |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=July 26, 2013}}.</ref>


===Other TV and media appearances===
===Other TV and media appearances===
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On November 18, 2009, Flav became a downloadable character in the [[PlayStation Network]]'s video game ''[[Pain (video game)|Pain]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.painthegame.com/Characters/FLAVOR.html|title=Bio Flavor Flav|access-date=March 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083023/http://www.painthegame.com/Characters/FLAVOR.html|archive-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Flav stars in [[Deon Taylor]]'s horror anthology ''[[Nite Tales: The Movie|Nite Tales]]'' and ''Dark Christmas''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/34751/exit-humanity-dvd/|title=Exit Humanity (DVD)|website=Dreadcentral.com|date=June 20, 2012|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> On May 10, 2010, Flav guest hosted the wrestling show ''[[WWE Raw]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/allspecialguesthosts/upcomingguesthosts |title=TV Shows > Raw > Special Guest Hosts > Upcoming Raw guest hosts |publisher=WWE |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2010}}</ref> On August 14, 2011, Flav appeared as a host at the twelfth annual [[Gathering of the Juggalos]].<ref>{{cite video |people=[[Violent J|Fats Pepper]] (presenter), [[Shaggy 2 Dope|Guy Gorfey]] |date=April 11, 2009 |title=Weekly Freekly Weekly Special 2011 Gathering Edition |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_uj82xKKI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/dy_uj82xKKI |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|format=internet news |publisher=[[Psychopathic Records]] |location=[[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]] |access-date=April 12, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
On November 18, 2009, Flav became a downloadable character in the [[PlayStation Network]]'s video game ''[[Pain (video game)|Pain]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.painthegame.com/Characters/FLAVOR.html|title=Bio Flavor Flav|access-date=March 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083023/http://www.painthegame.com/Characters/FLAVOR.html|archive-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Flav stars in [[Deon Taylor]]'s horror anthology ''[[Nite Tales: The Movie|Nite Tales]]'' and ''Dark Christmas''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/34751/exit-humanity-dvd/|title=Exit Humanity (DVD)|website=Dreadcentral.com|date=June 20, 2012|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> On May 10, 2010, Flav guest hosted the wrestling show ''[[WWE Raw]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/allspecialguesthosts/upcomingguesthosts |title=TV Shows > Raw > Special Guest Hosts > Upcoming Raw guest hosts |publisher=WWE |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2010}}</ref> On August 14, 2011, Flav appeared as a host at the twelfth annual [[Gathering of the Juggalos]].<ref>{{cite video |people=[[Violent J|Fats Pepper]] (presenter), [[Shaggy 2 Dope|Guy Gorfey]] |date=April 11, 2009 |title=Weekly Freekly Weekly Special 2011 Gathering Edition |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_uj82xKKI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/dy_uj82xKKI |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|format=internet news |publisher=[[Psychopathic Records]] |location=[[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]] |access-date=April 12, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>


On January 10, 2012, Flav appeared with his longtime fiancée Liz on ABC's ''[[Wife Swap (U.S. TV series)|Celebrity Wife Swap]]''. His fiancée traded places with Suzette, the wife of [[Twisted Sister]] front-man [[Dee Snider]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/celebrity-wife-swap |title=TV Shows |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=January 10, 2012}}</ref> On February 5, 2012, Flav appeared along with [[Elton John]] in a Pepsi Co. ad during [[Super Bowl XLVI]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/flavor-flav-hugs-tom-coughlin|title=Flavor Flav hugs Tom Coughlin/|website=Sportsgris.com|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507210637/http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/flavor-flav-hugs-tom-coughlin/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 11, 2012, Flav appeared as an honorary member of the UNLV Rebellion during the [[UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball|UNLV Runnin' Rebels]] victory over San Diego State, 65-63. From June to September 2012, Flav co-starred and rapped in the web series ''Dr. Fubalous''.<ref>[http://drfubalous.com/cast/#flavor-flav Favor Flav] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617063615/http://drfubalous.com/cast/#flavor-flav |date=June 17, 2012 }}, 2012, cast bio for ''Dr. Fubalous''</ref> Flav has also appeared in ''[[YooHoo & Friends (2012 TV series)|YooHoo & Friends]]'' as Father Time.
On January 10, 2012, Flav appeared with his longtime fiancée Liz on ABC's ''[[Wife Swap (U.S. TV series)|Celebrity Wife Swap]]''. His fiancée traded places with Suzette, the wife of [[Twisted Sister]] front-man [[Dee Snider]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/celebrity-wife-swap |title=TV Shows |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=January 10, 2012}}</ref> On February 5, 2012, Flav appeared along with [[Elton John]] in a Pepsi Co. ad during [[Super Bowl XLVI]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/flavor-flav-hugs-tom-coughlin|title=Flavor Flav hugs Tom Coughlin/|website=Sportsgris.com|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507210637/http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/flavor-flav-hugs-tom-coughlin/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 11, 2012, Flav appeared as an honorary member of the UNLV Rebellion during the [[UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball|UNLV Runnin' Rebels]] victory over San Diego State, 65-63. From June to September 2012, Flav co-starred and rapped in the web series ''Dr. Fubalous''.<ref>[http://drfubalous.com/cast/#flavor-flav Favor Flav] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617063615/http://drfubalous.com/cast/#flavor-flav |date=June 17, 2012 }}, 2012, cast bio for ''Dr. Fubalous''</ref> Flav has also appeared in ''[[YooHoo & Friends (2012 TV series)|YooHoo & Friends]]'' as Father Time, and the animated feature ''[[Hitpig!]]'', both under the direction of animator [[David Feiss]].


=== Sports ===
⚫
Flav helped financially support athletes of the [[United States women's national water polo team]] amidst their preparations for the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] in Paris. He travelled to France to personally watch the team play.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=How Flavor Flav and Maggie Steffens found a new kind of Olympic synergy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/of-interest/2024/07/29/flavor-flav-water-polo-maggie-steffens-olympics/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>
Flavor Flav sang a widely noted performance of the Star Spangled Banner at the Milwaukee Bucks/Atlanta Hawks game in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Medium |first=Seattle |date=2023-11-01 |title=Flavor Flav's Viral National Anthem Performance Shakes The Internet |url=https://seattlemedium.com/flavor-flavs-viral-national-anthem-performance-shakes-the-internet/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=The Seattle Medium |language=en-US}}</ref> His performance was confusing to some,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Flavor Flav delivers viral national anthem performance at Bucks-Hawks game |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/flavor-flav-delivers-viral-national-anthem-performance-bucks-hawks-gam-rcna122797 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> but Flavor Flav described the performance as a bucket list item, and a tribute to military veterans.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=2023-10-31 |title=Flavor Flav Defends National Anthem Performance, Says He Was Honoring Family in Military |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/flavor-flav-defends-national-anthem-performance-1235459130/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guy |first=Zoe |date=2023-10-30 |title=God Bless Whoever Booked Flavor Flav for the National Anthem |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/flavor-flav-national-anthem-milwaukee-bucks.html |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title=Flavor Flav's national anthem is a viral hit. It was also a 'long time bucket list item' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-10-31/flavor-flav-national-anthem-milwaukee-bucks-viral |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫
He frequently engages in philanthropy to help struggling Olympic athletes.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Women's water polo: Flavor Flav to sponsor team for 2024 Paris Olympics &#124; NBC Olympics |url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/flavor-flav-hyped-sponsor-us-womens-water-polo-team-paris-olympics-bigger-me}}</ref> Flav helped financially support athletes of the [[United States women's national water polo team]] amidst their preparations for the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] in Paris, signing a five-year sponsorship deal as the team's official hype man. He travelled to France to personally watch the team play.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-29 |title=How Flavor Flav and Maggie Steffens found a new kind of Olympic synergy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/of-interest/2024/07/29/flavor-flav-water-polo-maggie-steffens-olympics/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>

Flavor Flav made a custom bronze clock necklace for US Gymnast Jordan Chiles when her Bronze medal was controversially rescinded at the Paris 2024 games. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Stumbaugh |first=Julia |title=Video: Flavor Flav Shows Off Bronze Clock Made for Jordan Chiles Amid Medal Dispute |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131780-video-flavor-flav-shows-off-bronze-clock-made-for-jordan-chiles-amid-medal-dispute |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> He also helped raise money for the family of Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh to travel to Paris to see their relative play, and paid rent for the Olympic Discus Thrower Veronica Fraley during the Olympic games.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Penelope |last2=CNN |date=2024-08-16 |title=Flavor Flav helps Paralympic athlete raise money to have parents watch him compete in Paris |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/16/sport/nick-mayhugh-flavor-flav-paris-paralympic-games/index.html |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Flavor Flav and Ellie The Elephant.png|thumb|Flavor Flav with WNBA New York Liberty Mascot [[Ellie the Elephant|Ellie The Elephant]]]]
Flavor Flav is a long time fan of women's sports.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |date=2024-07-26 |title=How 'girl dad' Flavor Flav became hype man for the US women's water polo team |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/26/how-girl-dad-flavor-flav-became-hype-man-for-the-us-womens-water-polo-team |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Flavor Flav has been a notable guest at WNBA games, including performing a call and response tribute to the late Fatman Scoop at a New York Liberty game in September 2024.<ref>https://x.com/ClassicJpow/status/1831851358066286856</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-06 |title=Laney-Hamilton returns to starting lineup, helps Liberty to 77-70 win over Storm |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wnba/2024/09/05/wnba-liberty-storm-score/89729d3c-6beb-11ef-86b4-58b1d68922fb_story.html |access-date=2024-09-06 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>


==Personal life and legal issues ==
==Personal life and legal issues ==
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Chuck D became concerned about his friend's well-being and, toward the end of 2003, suggested Flav move to [[Los Angeles]]. Flav moved into his friend Princess' apartment, and within months met [[Cris Abrego]] and [[Mark Cronin]], the creators and executive producers of the reality television series ''[[The Surreal Life]]''. The pair sought him out as soon as they heard Flav had moved to Los Angeles. Seeing that he had remained free from his previous addictions, they wanted to cast him. Initially Flav refused, feeling the show was for celebrities past their prime. He was eventually convinced to join by previous participant [[MC Hammer]].<ref name=EWbio/>
Chuck D became concerned about his friend's well-being and, toward the end of 2003, suggested Flav move to [[Los Angeles]]. Flav moved into his friend Princess' apartment, and within months met [[Cris Abrego]] and [[Mark Cronin]], the creators and executive producers of the reality television series ''[[The Surreal Life]]''. The pair sought him out as soon as they heard Flav had moved to Los Angeles. Seeing that he had remained free from his previous addictions, they wanted to cast him. Initially Flav refused, feeling the show was for celebrities past their prime. He was eventually convinced to join by previous participant [[MC Hammer]].<ref name=EWbio/>


On May 2, 2011, Flav was arrested on four outstanding misdemeanor warrants for various driving offenses.<ref name="Edecio Martinez">{{cite news|title=Rapper Flavor Flav arrested in Las Vegas on misdemeanor warrants|author= Martinez, Edecio|date=May 2, 2011|access-date=May 3, 2011|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-flavor-flav-arrested-in-las-vegas-on-misdemeanor-warrants/|work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref> Police said the rapper had two outstanding arrest warrants for driving without a license, one for driving without insurance, and one related to a parking citation.<ref name="Edecio Martinez"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Flavor Flav arrested after traffic stop in Vegas|date=May 2, 2011 |url=https://www.today.com/news/flavor-flav-arrested-after-traffic-stop-vegas-wbna42863639|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508001925/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42863639/ns/today-entertainment/t/flavor-flav-arrested-after-traffic-stop-vegas/|url-status=live|archive-date=May 8, 2011}}</ref> Flav has since been released.<ref name="Edecio Martinez"/> In June 2011, Flav said on the [[Australia]]n radio show ''[[The Kyle and Jackie O Show]]'' that when his drug problem was at its worst, he would spend up to US$2,600 a day on [[crack cocaine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austereo.castmetrix.net/podcast/378302368699185950/1/TheKyleandJackieOShow.mp3|title=このURLのページは表示することが出来ませんでした。 IP分散サーバーならIQサーバー｜クラスCの完全分散が月額139円～|website=austereo.castmetrix.net}}</ref>
On May 2, 2011, Flav was arrested on four outstanding misdemeanor warrants for various driving offenses.<ref name="Edecio Martinez">{{cite news|title=Rapper Flavor Flav arrested in Las Vegas on misdemeanor warrants|author= Martinez, Edecio|date=May 2, 2011|access-date=May 3, 2011|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-flavor-flav-arrested-in-las-vegas-on-misdemeanor-warrants/|work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref> Police said Flav had two outstanding arrest warrants for driving without a license, one for driving without insurance, and one related to a parking citation.<ref name="Edecio Martinez"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Flavor Flav arrested after traffic stop in Vegas|date=May 2, 2011 |url=https://www.today.com/news/flavor-flav-arrested-after-traffic-stop-vegas-wbna42863639|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508001925/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42863639/ns/today-entertainment/t/flavor-flav-arrested-after-traffic-stop-vegas/|url-status=live|archive-date=May 8, 2011}}</ref> Flav has since been released.<ref name="Edecio Martinez"/> In June 2011, Flav said on the [[Australia]]n radio show ''[[The Kyle and Jackie O Show]]'' that when his drug problem was at its worst, he would spend up to US$2,600 a day on [[crack cocaine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austereo.castmetrix.net/podcast/378302368699185950/1/TheKyleandJackieOShow.mp3|title=このURLのページは表示することが出来ませんでした。 IP分散サーバーならIQサーバー｜クラスCの完全分散が月額139円～|website=austereo.castmetrix.net}}</ref>


As of October 2012, Elizabeth Trujillo, the mother of Flav's son, Karma, lived with Flav in Las Vegas and had been his fiancée for eight years.<ref name=cnn2012>{{cite web | url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/17/showbiz/flavor-flav-arrest/ | title=Flavor Flav arrested on assault, battery charges | publisher =[[CNN]] | date= October 18, 2012 | access-date= April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2007/12/13/meet-flavor-flavs-youngest-son|title=Flavor Fav and newborn 7th kid in Hawaii|website=Blackcelebkids.com|access-date=June 22, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2008/06/12/flavor-flav-fiancee-liz-and-baby-karma-take-in-a-concert-in-vegas/ |title=Black Celebrity Kids, babies, and their Parents » Flavof Flav fiancee Liz and baby Karma take in a concert in Vegas |website=Blackcelebkids.com |date=June 12, 2008 |access-date=April 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404172517/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2008/06/12/flavor-flav-fiancee-liz-and-baby-karma-take-in-a-concert-in-vegas/ |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
As of October 2012, Elizabeth Trujillo, the mother of Flav's son, Karma, lived with Flav in Las Vegas and had been his fiancée for eight years.<ref name=cnn2012>{{cite web | url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/17/showbiz/flavor-flav-arrest/ | title=Flavor Flav arrested on assault, battery charges | publisher =[[CNN]] | date= October 18, 2012 | access-date= April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2007/12/13/meet-flavor-flavs-youngest-son|title=Flavor Fav and newborn 7th kid in Hawaii|website=Blackcelebkids.com|access-date=June 22, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2008/06/12/flavor-flav-fiancee-liz-and-baby-karma-take-in-a-concert-in-vegas/ |title=Black Celebrity Kids, babies, and their Parents » Flavof Flav fiancee Liz and baby Karma take in a concert in Vegas |website=Blackcelebkids.com |date=June 12, 2008 |access-date=April 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404172517/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2008/06/12/flavor-flav-fiancee-liz-and-baby-karma-take-in-a-concert-in-vegas/ |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Line 89: Line 96:


On July 21, 2019, Flav had his youngest son Jordan with Kate Gammell.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-27|title=Paternity Test Confirms Flavor Flav IS The Father Of 3-Month-Old Boy|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.53117/title.flavor-flav-named-in-new-paternity-suit|access-date=2021-04-26|website=HipHopDX}}</ref>
On July 21, 2019, Flav had his youngest son Jordan with Kate Gammell.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-27|title=Paternity Test Confirms Flavor Flav IS The Father Of 3-Month-Old Boy|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.53117/title.flavor-flav-named-in-new-paternity-suit|access-date=2021-04-26|website=HipHopDX}}</ref>

On May 4, 2024, Flavor Flav announced that he would be traveling with the [[United States women's national water polo team]] to the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] in Paris; he frequently engages in philanthropy to help struggling Olympic athletes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/flavor-flav-hyped-sponsor-us-womens-water-polo-team-paris-olympics-bigger-me | title=U.S. Women's water polo: Flavor Flav to sponsor team for 2024 Paris Olympics &#124; NBC Olympics }}</ref>


===Idiosyncrasies===
===Idiosyncrasies===
When asked about the significance of his trademark clock necklaces, Flav responded: "The reason why I wear this clock is because, you know, time is the most important element, and when we stop, time keeps going."<ref>{{cite web |title=Pawn Stars: Flavor Flav's O.J. Simpson Statue (Season 14) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3KWioKAJA |website=YouTube | date=October 23, 2017 |publisher=History |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>
When asked about the significance of his trademark clock necklaces, Flav responded: "The reason why I wear this clock is because, you know, time is the most important element, and when we stop, time keeps going."<ref>{{cite web |title=Pawn Stars: Flavor Flav's O.J. Simpson Statue (Season 14) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3KWioKAJA |website=YouTube | date=October 23, 2017 |publisher=History |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>


Flavor Flav has a penchant for [[Illeism|speaking about himself in the third person]].
Flavor Flav has a penchant for [[Illeism|speaking about himself in the third person]].{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 102: Line 107:
* ''[[Hollywood (Flavor Flav album)|Hollywood]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Hollywood (Flavor Flav album)|Hollywood]]'' (2006)
;Guest appearances
;Guest appearances
* [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], "[[Bring the Noise]]" <small>(w/ [[Chuck D]])</small>
* Barshem, "Where's My $5 At?"
* Barshem, "Where's My $5 At?"
* Bumpy Knuckles & DJ Premier, "Shake the Room", [[Kolexxxion]], <code>2012</code>
* [[Chad Muska]], "Flavor Man"
* [[De La Soul]], "Come On Down"
* [[De La Soul]], "Come on Down", [[The Grind Date]], <code>2004</code>
* [[DJ Hurricane]], "Freeze The Frame" <small>(w/ Chuck D & [[Money Mark]])</small>
* [[DJ Tomekk]], "[[1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore]]" <small>(w/ [[Grandmaster Flash]], [[MC Rene]] & [[Afrob]]),</small> [[Return of Hip Hop]], <code>1999</code>
⚫
* [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]], "Paint The White House Black" <small>(w/ Chuck D, [[Ice Cube]], [[MC Breed]], [[Kam (rapper)|Kam]], [[Yo-Yo (rapper)|Yo-Yo]] & [[Dr. Dre]]),</small> [[Hey, Man, Smell My Finger]], <code>1993;</code>"Tweakin'" <small>(w/ Chuck D)</small>, [[The Cinderella Theory]], <code>1989</code>
* [[DJ Tomekk]], "[[1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore]]" <small>(w/ [[Grandmaster Flash]], [[MC Rene]] & [[Afrob]])</small>
⚫
* [[Heavy D|Heavy D and The Boyz]], "You Can't See What I Can See", ''B-Side'' to "Don't Curse", <code>1992</code>
⚫
* [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]], "Paint The White House Black" <small>(w/ Chuck D, [[Ice Cube]], [[MC Breed]], [[Kam (rapper)|Kam]], [[Yo-Yo (rapper)|Yo-Yo]] & [[Dr. Dre]])</small>, "Tweakin" <small>(w/ Chuck D)</small>
⚫
* [[Ice Cube]], "I'm Only Out for One Thang", [[AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted]], <code>1990</code>
⚫
* [[Heavy D|Heavy D and The Boyz]], "You Can't See What I Can See"
* [[Living Colour]], "[[Funny Vibe]]" <small>(w/ Chuck D),</small> [[Vivid (Living Colour album)|Vivid]], <code>1988</code>
⚫
* [[Ice Cube]], "I'm Only Out For One Thang"
* [[Living Colour]], "[[Funny Vibe]]" <small>(w/ Chuck D)</small>
* [[Material (band)|Material]], "Burnin" <small>(w/ [[Grand Mixer DXT|DXT]]),</small> [[Intonarumori]], <code>1999</code>
⚫
* [[Nigo]], "From New York to Tokyo", <code>2001</code>
* [[Material (band)|Material]], "Burnin" <small>(w/ [[Grand Mixer DXT|DXT]])</small>
* [[Nikki D]], "Lettin' Off Steam (Club Mix)", [[Daddy's Little Girl (album)|Daddy's Little Girl]], <code>1991</code>
* [[Moby]], "MKLVFKWR" <small>(w/ Chuck D)</small>
⚫
* Prince Akeem, "Only We Can Do This", Coming Down Like Babylon, <code>1991</code>
⚫
* [[Nigo]], "From New York To Tokyo"
* Stop the Violence Movement, "[[Self Destruction (song)|Self Destruction]]", <code>1989</code>
* [[Paris (rapper)|Paris]], "Freedom (Remix)" <small>(w/ Chuck D & [[Dead Prez]])</small>
⚫
* [[Wu-Tang Clan]], "Soul Power", [[Iron Flag]], <code>2001</code>
⚫
* Prince Akeem, "Only We Can Do This"
* [[Will Smith]] featuring [[Biz Markie]] and [[Slick Rick]]. "[[So Fresh]]" (Music Video)
* [[Eric B. & Rakim]], "[[I Ain't No Joke]]" <u>(Music Video Cameo)</u>
⚫
* [[Xzibit]], "[[What U See Is What U Get]]" <u>(Music Video Cameo)</u>
* [[Snoop Dogg]], "Bad Bitch"
⚫
* [[Sean Combs|P. Diddy]], "P.E. 2000" <u>(Music Video Cameo)</u>
* Various, "Self Destruction" <small>(Public Enemy, [[Heavy D]], [[Stetsasonic]], [[MC Lyte]], [[KRS-One]], [[Kool Moe Dee]], and others)</small>
⚫
* [[Taking Back Sunday]], "You're So Last Summer" <u>(Music Video Cameo)</u>
⚫
* [[Wu-Tang Clan]], "Soul Power"
* [[Will Smith]], "[[So Fresh]]" <small>(w/ [[Biz Markie]] & [[Slick Rick]])</small> <u>(Music Video Cameo)</u>
⚫
* [[Sean Combs|P. Diddy]], music video for "P.E. 2000"
⚫
* Micayla de Ette, "Write a Song", <code>2019</code><ref>{{cite web |title=Micayla De Ette & Flavor Flav - Write a Song [Music Video Review] |url=https://www.laonlock.com/reviews/11/9/2019/micayla-de-ette-amp-flavor-flav-write-a-song-music-video-review |website=LA On Lock |access-date=March 1, 2020 |date=November 9, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Taking Back Sunday]], music video for "You're So Last Summer"
* [[Eric B. & Rakim]], music video for "[[I Ain't No Joke]]"
* [[Melanie Amaro]], music video for "[[Respect (song)|Respect]]"
⚫
* [[Xzibit]], music video for "[[What U See Is What U Get]]"
⚫
* Micayla de Ette, "Write a Song" and music video for "Write a Song"<ref>{{cite web |title=Micayla De Ette & Flavor Flav - Write a Song [Music Video Review] |url=https://www.laonlock.com/reviews/11/9/2019/micayla-de-ette-amp-flavor-flav-write-a-song-music-video-review |website=LA On Lock |access-date=March 1, 2020 |date=November 9, 2019}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 20:58, 13 November 2024

This article is about the New York musician. For the musician's self-titled album, see Flavor Flav (album). For the Bay Area rapper named Flav, see Armani Depaul.

Flavor Flav
Flav performing at New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2014
Flav performing at New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2014
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Jonathan Drayton Jr.
Born (1959-03-16) March 16, 1959 (age 65)
Roosevelt, New York, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
Years active1985–present
Member ofPublic Enemy

William Jonathan Drayton Jr. (born March 16, 1959),[1] known by his stage name Flavor Flav[a] (/ˈfleɪvər ˌfleɪv/ FLAY-vər FLAYV), is an American hip hop artist. Known for his yells of "Yeah, boyeeeeee!" when performing,[4][5] he is a founding member, alongside Chuck D, of Public Enemy, a rap group that has earned six Grammy Award nominations,[6] and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[7]

After spending several years out of the limelight, Flav starred in multiple VH1 reality series, including The Surreal Life, Strange Love, and Flavor of Love.

Early life and education

[edit]

Drayton was born in Roosevelt, New York, and grew up in nearby Freeport, two communities within the Town of Hempstead. Drayton is the cousin of former Penn State basketball player Shep Garner,[8] and of Brooklyn MC Timbo King of Royal Fam.[9] He is also a cousin of rappers Ol' Dirty Bastard, RZA, and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan.[10][11]

He began teaching himself piano at the age of five,[12] and mastered piano, drums and guitar at an early age, while also singing in the youth choir at his church.[13] According to Chuck D, Drayton is proficient in fifteen instruments.[5]

By the time he dropped out of Freeport High School in the 11th grade, he had been in and out of jail for robbery and burglary.[13][14]

Drayton attended culinary school in 1978.[5] Later, he attended Adelphi University on Long Island, where he met Carlton Ridenhour (who later became known as Chuck D).[4] They first collaborated on Chuck D's hip-hop college radio show, then began rapping together.[13] Drayton's stage name Flavor Flav was originally his graffiti tag.[5]

Career

[edit]

Music

[edit]
Main article: Public Enemy

Flavor Flav (often referred to as "Flav") came to prominence as a founding member and hype man of the rap group Public Enemy, which he co-founded in 1985 with Chuck D.[15] A year later, the group released "Public Enemy #1", which brought them to the attention of Def Jam Records executive Rick Rubin. Rubin initially did not understand Flav's role in the act and wanted to sign Chuck D as a solo act; however, Chuck D insisted that Flav be signed with them and the two were signed to Def Jam.[12]

Flavor Flav and helicopter pilot Ray McCort on an MTV shoot in New York City

The group's first album Yo! Bum Rush the Show was released in 1987. Flav served as the comic foil to Chuck D's serious, politically charged style.[13]

The group gained much wider fame with their following release, 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, which went double platinum. By the time the political single "Fight the Power" was released in 1989, the group had become mainstream superstars. Along with Chuck D, the showman of the group and its promotional voice, Flav stood out among the members of Public Enemy as he often got the fans excited, appearing on stage and in public wearing big hats and glasses, and a large clock dangling from his neck.

Flav performing at "The Slaughterhouse" in Malmö, Sweden 1991

The first released track on which Flav rapped solo was "Life of a Nigerian" on Goat Ju JU,[citation needed] although the first hit on which he rapped solo would not come until the 1990 single "911 Is a Joke". During Public Enemy's first years of existence, Flav experienced tensions with group-mate Professor Griff, who never liked Flav's flamboyant stance in what Griff felt should be a serious, politically-challenging group. In 1999, Flavor Flav recorded with DJ Tomekk and Grandmaster Flash the single "1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore". The single stayed for 17 weeks in the top ten of the German charts.[16]

Flav performing in 2009

In 2006, Flav put out his first solo album, titled Hollywood. It was released during the second season of the reality TV dating show Flavor of Love.

On March 1, 2020, Public Enemy released a statement saying that the group would be "moving forward without Flavor Flav," following a disagreement over the group's decision to endorse Bernie Sanders and perform at his Los Angeles rally.[15][17] Flavor Flav denounced the firing, maintaining that he was Chuck D's partner in Public Enemy and could therefore not be fired from it. On April 1, 2020, Chuck D announced that the firing was a hoax.[18] Flavor Flav stated shortly thereafter that he was not a part of the hoax and disapproved of the stunt.[19]

Television

[edit]

After a hiatus from the music scene, Flavor Flav was invited to participate on VH1 reality show The Surreal Life. During this show, he developed a relationship with actress Brigitte Nielsen.[20] Following the conclusion of The Surreal Life, VH1 gave Flav and Nielsen a show titled Strange Love, which detailed their globetrotting adventure in love. At the end of Strange Love, Nielsen decided to return to her fiancé, Mattia Dessi.

Flavor of Love, which aired for three seasons, is a reality show where Flavor Flav looks for love. The show's success led to spin-offs titled I Love New York and I Love Money. During the third season reunion of Flavor of Love, Flav proposed to Liz, the mother of his youngest son, Karma.[5] The Comedy Central roast of Flavor Flav aired on August 12, 2007.[21] Guests appearing at the roast included: Snoop Dogg, Brigitte Nielsen, Jimmy Kimmel, Carrot Top, Lisa Lampanelli, Ice-T, Jeff Ross, Katt Williams, Patton Oswalt, Greg Giraldo, and Sommore.

Flav played Calvester Hill on the MyNetworkTV comedy series Under One Roof, starring alongside Kelly Perine.[22]

Restaurant owner

[edit]

In 2011, Flav partnered with Nick Cimino to open Flav's Fried Chicken in Cimino's hometown of Clinton, Iowa. The two had met through Cimino's brother Peter, who runs Mama Cimino's in Las Vegas and Castle Rock Bar and Pizzeria in Kingman, Arizona. After enjoying Flav's homemade fried chicken,[23] Peter Cimino began selling chicken wings using Flav's recipe.[24] The founders hoped to start a national restaurant franchise.[23] A mix of squabbling owners, bounced checks, and bad business decisions led to Flavor Flav's Chicken shutting down barely four months after it opened.[25][26] Flavor Flav was not involved in the restaurant's day-to-day operations; Nick Cimino simply paid for Flavor Flav's license.

Flavor Flav's House of Flavor in Las Vegas opened on Flav's birthday in March 2012.[27] Flavor Flav teamed up with Gino Harmon and Salvatore Bitonti to start a national franchise known as Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs, which opened December 21, 2012 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The business was not affiliated with the previous two ventures Flavor Flav has had in the restaurant business. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs was a casual dining experience with a quick serve attitude. Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs closed in July 2013 after being evicted by its landlord for failure to pay rent.[28]

Other TV and media appearances

[edit]
Flav in 2012

In 2002, Flav appeared in Taking Back Sunday's music video for their song You're So Last Summer. Flav has appeared as a playable fighter in the 2004 fighting game; Def Jam: Fight for NY. In May 2005, Flav took part in the UK reality TV show The Farm on Channel 5.[29] Also in 2005, Flavor Flav made a guest appearance in the MTV2 surreal black comedy show Wonder Showzen as himself, in the debut episode "Birth". On June 14, 2006, Flav's participation, with WEVR-MRC,[30] in the Lisa Tolliver Show celebration of National Safety Month,[31] earned kudos from Surgeon General of the United States Richard Carmona.[32][33][34]

On November 18, 2009, Flav became a downloadable character in the PlayStation Network's video game Pain.[35] Flav stars in Deon Taylor's horror anthology Nite Tales and Dark Christmas.[36] On May 10, 2010, Flav guest hosted the wrestling show WWE Raw.[37] On August 14, 2011, Flav appeared as a host at the twelfth annual Gathering of the Juggalos.[38]

On January 10, 2012, Flav appeared with his longtime fiancée Liz on ABC's Celebrity Wife Swap. His fiancée traded places with Suzette, the wife of Twisted Sister front-man Dee Snider.[39] On February 5, 2012, Flav appeared along with Elton John in a Pepsi Co. ad during Super Bowl XLVI.[40] On February 11, 2012, Flav appeared as an honorary member of the UNLV Rebellion during the UNLV Runnin' Rebels victory over San Diego State, 65-63. From June to September 2012, Flav co-starred and rapped in the web series Dr. Fubalous.[41] Flav has also appeared in YooHoo & Friends as Father Time, and the animated feature Hitpig!, both under the direction of animator David Feiss.

Sports

[edit]

Flavor Flav sang a widely noted performance of the Star Spangled Banner at the Milwaukee Bucks/Atlanta Hawks game in 2023.[42] His performance was confusing to some,[43] but Flavor Flav described the performance as a bucket list item, and a tribute to military veterans.[44][45][46]

He frequently engages in philanthropy to help struggling Olympic athletes.[47] Flav helped financially support athletes of the United States women's national water polo team amidst their preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, signing a five-year sponsorship deal as the team's official hype man. He travelled to France to personally watch the team play.[48]

Flavor Flav made a custom bronze clock necklace for US Gymnast Jordan Chiles when her Bronze medal was controversially rescinded at the Paris 2024 games. [49] He also helped raise money for the family of Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh to travel to Paris to see their relative play, and paid rent for the Olympic Discus Thrower Veronica Fraley during the Olympic games.[50]

Flavor Flav with WNBA New York Liberty Mascot Ellie The Elephant

Flavor Flav is a long time fan of women's sports.[51] Flavor Flav has been a notable guest at WNBA games, including performing a call and response tribute to the late Fatman Scoop at a New York Liberty game in September 2024.[52][53]

[edit]

Flavor Flav had his first three children with Karen Ross,[citation needed] three more with Angie Parker,[citation needed] a son with Elizabeth Trujillo, and another child with Kate Gammell.

In 1991, Flav pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Karen Ross and served 30 days in jail, lost custody of his children, and fell deeper into addiction.[13] In 1993, Flav was charged with attempted murder and imprisoned for 90 days for shooting at his neighbor.[5] Later that year, Flav was charged with domestic violence, and cocaine and marijuana charges. His family performed an intervention, and he checked into the Betty Ford Center for an addiction to crack cocaine.[5][13] After Flav's father died of complications from diabetes in 1997, Flav decided to re-enter rehabilitation, this time at the Long Island Center for Recovery. At one point, he broke both arms in a motorcycle crash.[5]

Flavor Flav dated Beverly Johnson, and by 2000, he lived in a small apartment in the Bronx with her and her two children from a previous marriage, while making money scalping baseball tickets.[13] In 2002, Flav spent nine weeks in Rikers Island jail for driving with a suspended license, numerous parking tickets, and tardiness for probation appointments.[5] Following his release from jail, Flav broke up with Johnson and moved in with his mother on Long Island.

Chuck D became concerned about his friend's well-being and, toward the end of 2003, suggested Flav move to Los Angeles. Flav moved into his friend Princess' apartment, and within months met Cris Abrego and Mark Cronin, the creators and executive producers of the reality television series The Surreal Life. The pair sought him out as soon as they heard Flav had moved to Los Angeles. Seeing that he had remained free from his previous addictions, they wanted to cast him. Initially Flav refused, feeling the show was for celebrities past their prime. He was eventually convinced to join by previous participant MC Hammer.[13]

On May 2, 2011, Flav was arrested on four outstanding misdemeanor warrants for various driving offenses.[54] Police said Flav had two outstanding arrest warrants for driving without a license, one for driving without insurance, and one related to a parking citation.[54][55] Flav has since been released.[54] In June 2011, Flav said on the Australian radio show The Kyle and Jackie O Show that when his drug problem was at its worst, he would spend up to US$2,600 a day on crack cocaine.[56]

As of October 2012, Elizabeth Trujillo, the mother of Flav's son, Karma, lived with Flav in Las Vegas and had been his fiancée for eight years.[57][58][59] On October 17, 2012, Flav was jailed in Las Vegas on felony charges stemming from a domestic argument with Trujillo and his threats to attack her teenage son, Gibran, with a knife.[57][60]

Flav's mother, Anna Drayton, died on December 31, 2013.[61] On January 9, 2014, Flav was pulled over on Long Island's Meadowbrook Parkway for driving 79 miles per hour (127 km/h) in a 55 mph (89 km/h) zone, and was additionally charged with possession of marijuana and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Authorities discovered Flav had 16 suspensions on his license. He was en route to his mother's funeral.[62]

Flav was arrested near Las Vegas on May 21, 2015. The charges included speeding and driving under the influence.[63]

On July 21, 2019, Flav had his youngest son Jordan with Kate Gammell.[64]

Idiosyncrasies

[edit]

When asked about the significance of his trademark clock necklaces, Flav responded: "The reason why I wear this clock is because, you know, time is the most important element, and when we stop, time keeps going."[65]

Flavor Flav has a penchant for speaking about himself in the third person.[citation needed]

Discography

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See also: Public Enemy discography
Solo albums
Guest appearances

Notes

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  1. ^ The correct spelling is Flavor, and he dislikes being referred to as Flava[2][3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ankeny, Jason. "Flavor Flav: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved March 5, 2008.
  2. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  3. ^ https://x.com/FlavorFlav/status/1794861334271766717 [bare URL]
  4. ^ a b Rowland, Marijke (August 22, 2008). "Flavor Flav's Modesto block party". The Modesto Bee. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Davis, Johnny (June 18, 2006). "Hip-hop, you don't stop". The Guardian. London. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  6. ^ "Flavor Flav". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  7. ^ "Public Enemy | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame". www.rockhall.com. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  8. ^ "Inside the bond that has made Flavor Flav Penn State's Number 1 fan". February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  9. ^ @FlavorFlav (December 1, 2012). "Timbo King Y'all ,!!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Flavor Flav Reveals Ol' Dirty Bastard Is His Cousin + Prepping New Show". Thejasminebrand.com. November 15, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  11. ^ "Flava Flav Spilled the Tea About ODB Being His Blood Cousin". Krnb.com. November 15, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  12. ^ a b Hughes, Mike (April 15, 2008). "Flavor Flav, sitcom-style". Gannett News Service. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h Watson, Margeaux (August 4, 2006). "Flavor Flav: Totally Cuckoo?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  14. ^ "Flavor Flav Opening a Fried Chicken Restaurant in Iowa". eater.com. January 24, 2011.
  15. ^ a b "Public Enemy is 'moving forward without Flavor Flav' after Bernie Sanders rally dispute". USA Today. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  16. ^ "DJ TOMEKK "1,2,3 RHYMES GALORE" NEW YORK TO GERMANY HI QUALITY". YouTube. February 11, 2009. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  17. ^ Kreps, Daniel (March 1, 2020). "Public Enemy Fires Flavor Flav After Bernie Sanders Rally Spat". Rolling Stone.
  18. ^ Christie D'Zurilla (April 1, 2020). "On April Fools' Day, Public Enemy reveals Flavor Flav's firing was a hoax". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  19. ^ Lisa Respers France (April 2, 2020). "Chuck D says Flavor Flav firing was a stunt, but Flav disagrees". CNN. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  20. ^ Baz Dreisinger (January 9, 2005). "Can This Hook Up Survive?". The New York Times. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  21. ^ "Comedy Central Press Release - Roast of Flavor Flav". Comedycentral.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  22. ^ Anna Dimond (April 16, 2008). "Flavor Flav Raises Da Roof in New Sitcom". TV Guide. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  23. ^ a b Fassler, Joe (January 27, 2011). "Flavor Flav vs. KFC: A Dispatch From Flav's Fried Chicken". The Atlantic. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  24. ^ "Reality TV star takes chance on Clinton". Clinton Herald. January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  25. ^ Perpetua, Matthew (April 25, 2011). "Flavor Flav Closes Fried Chicken Restaurant in Iowa". Rollingstone.com. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  26. ^ AOL. "AOL Food - Recipes, Cooking and Entertaining". AOL.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  27. ^ "Flavor Flav Opens Fried Chicken Restaurant In Las Vegas". The Inquistir. March 16, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  28. ^ Eakin, Marah (July 26, 2013), "The very last Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs location has closed", The A.V. Club, retrieved July 26, 2013.
  29. ^ Iain Hepburn (2005). "Did you see?: The Farm". MEN Media. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  30. ^ "Westchester Emergency Volunteer Reserves-Medical Reserves Corps (WEVR-MRC)". Volunteer-center.org. Archived from the original on February 5, 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  31. ^ "National Safety Month". Nsc.org. Archived from the original on June 16, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  32. ^ Tolliver, Lisa. "Flavor Flav Celebrates National Safety Month". Blogcritics. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009.
  33. ^ "Lisa Tolliver Show notes". tolliveretips blog. Emergency Preparedness and Safety Tips On Air and Online.
  34. ^ "How my radio shows, publications and PSAs in June 2006 - the 10th anniversary of National Safety Month - will help make the world a safer place". Lisa Tolliver On Air and Online. May 28, 2006.
  35. ^ "Bio Flavor Flav". Archived from the original on April 25, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  36. ^ "Exit Humanity (DVD)". Dreadcentral.com. June 20, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  37. ^ "TV Shows > Raw > Special Guest Hosts > Upcoming Raw guest hosts". WWE. March 28, 2010. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  38. ^ Fats Pepper (presenter), Guy Gorfey (April 11, 2009). Weekly Freekly Weekly Special 2011 Gathering Edition (internet news). Detroit, Michigan: Psychopathic Records. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  39. ^ "TV Shows". March 28, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  40. ^ "Flavor Flav hugs Tom Coughlin/". Sportsgris.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  41. ^ Favor Flav Archived June 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, 2012, cast bio for Dr. Fubalous
  42. ^ Medium, Seattle (November 1, 2023). "Flavor Flav's Viral National Anthem Performance Shakes The Internet". The Seattle Medium. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  43. ^ "Flavor Flav delivers viral national anthem performance at Bucks-Hawks game". NBC News. October 30, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  44. ^ Aniftos, Rania (October 31, 2023). "Flavor Flav Defends National Anthem Performance, Says He Was Honoring Family in Military". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  45. ^ Guy, Zoe (October 30, 2023). "God Bless Whoever Booked Flavor Flav for the National Anthem". Vulture. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  46. ^ "Flavor Flav's national anthem is a viral hit. It was also a 'long time bucket list item'". Los Angeles Times. October 31, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  47. ^ "U.S. Women's water polo: Flavor Flav to sponsor team for 2024 Paris Olympics | NBC Olympics".
  48. ^ "How Flavor Flav and Maggie Steffens found a new kind of Olympic synergy". Washington Post. July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  49. ^ Stumbaugh, Julia. "Video: Flavor Flav Shows Off Bronze Clock Made for Jordan Chiles Amid Medal Dispute". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  50. ^ Jennings, Penelope; CNN (August 16, 2024). "Flavor Flav helps Paralympic athlete raise money to have parents watch him compete in Paris". CNN. Retrieved September 6, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  51. ^ Graham, Bryan Armen (July 26, 2024). "How 'girl dad' Flavor Flav became hype man for the US women's water polo team". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  52. ^ https://x.com/ClassicJpow/status/1831851358066286856
  53. ^ "Laney-Hamilton returns to starting lineup, helps Liberty to 77-70 win over Storm". Washington Post. September 6, 2024. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  54. ^ a b c Martinez, Edecio (May 2, 2011). "Rapper Flavor Flav arrested in Las Vegas on misdemeanor warrants". CBS News. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  55. ^ "Flavor Flav arrested after traffic stop in Vegas". May 2, 2011. Archived from the original on May 8, 2011.
  56. ^ "このURLのページは表示することが出来ませんでした。 IP分散サーバーならIQサーバー｜クラスCの完全分散が月額139円～". austereo.castmetrix.net.
  57. ^ a b "Flavor Flav arrested on assault, battery charges". CNN. October 18, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  58. ^ "Flavor Fav and newborn 7th kid in Hawaii". Blackcelebkids.com. Retrieved June 22, 2021.[permanent dead link‍]
  59. ^ "Black Celebrity Kids, babies, and their Parents » Flavof Flav fiancee Liz and baby Karma take in a concert in Vegas". Blackcelebkids.com. June 12, 2008. Archived from the original on April 4, 2010. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  60. ^ "Flavor Flav Arrested In Las Vegas For Assault With A Deadly Weapon". VH1 Insider. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  61. ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (January 2, 2014). "Flavor Flav's Mother Anna Drayton Dies". The Boombox.
  62. ^ Simon, Darran; Valenti, John (January 28, 2014). "Flavor Flav pleads not guilty in speeding case". Newsday. New York City / Long Island. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  63. ^ "Flavor Flav arrested in Vegas, suspected of impaired driving". Las Vegas, Nevada: KLAS-TV. Associated Press. May 21, 2015. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  64. ^ "Paternity Test Confirms Flavor Flav IS The Father Of 3-Month-Old Boy". HipHopDX. October 27, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  65. ^ "Pawn Stars: Flavor Flav's O.J. Simpson Statue (Season 14)". YouTube. History. October 23, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  66. ^ "Micayla De Ette & Flavor Flav - Write a Song [Music Video Review]". LA On Lock. November 9, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
[edit]
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