Juaquin Malphurs (born May 31, 1986), better known by his stage name Waka Flocka Flame or simply Waka Flocka, is an American hip hop recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Signing to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. Records in 2009, he became a mainstream artist with the release of his singles "O Let's Do It", "Hard in da Paint" and "No Hands", the latter of which peaked at #13 on the Bllboard Hot 100. His debut studio album Flockaveli, was later released in 2010. His second studio album Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family, preceded by the lead single "Round of Applause", was released on June 12, 2012. Biography: 1986-2008: Early life and career brginnings: Juaquin Malphurs was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, in 1986. His family eventually settled in Riverdale, Georgia, in the Atlanta area. He is the son of Debra Antney, Gucci Mane's former manager and CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment. The name "Waka" was given to him by his cousin, after the Muppets character Fozzie Bear's catch phrase, "Waka Waka". The name "Flocka Flame" was given to him by rapper Gucci Mane. Waka Flocka said that he has known Gucci Mane since he was 19. 2009-2010: Flockaveli: Waka Flocka came to fame with his breakthrough single "O Let's Do It" in 2009, which peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Waka Flocka is a member of the 1017 Brick Squad with Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Frenchie, and Wooh Da Kid. On January 19, 2010, Malphurs was shot and robbed at a car wash in Atlanta. The bullet went through his right arm. He is currently preparing multiple mixtapes with Brick Squad. His debut album, Flockaveli was released on October 5, 2010. He was featured on Lil Jon's album Crunk Rock on the track "Throw It Up, Pt. 2 (Remix)". The album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200. He was named the eighth hottest MC of 2010 by MTV. Gucci Mane fired Debra Antney as his manager. Despite rumors, there is no animosity between the two rappers due to this event. In an MTV interview, both he and Waka Flocka affirmed that their relationship is in good standing even though they no longer speak. In early September, Gucci Mane was seen at Flocka's Flockaveli listening party supporting the artist. 2011-2012: Ferrari Boyz and Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family: In 2011, Waka Flocka posed for a nude but unrevealing picture for the company PETA, to boycott killing animals and wearing fur. The picture says "Ink not Mink". Waka Flocka 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, titled Ferrari Boyz, was released. The first single was "She Be Puttin On", featuring the now deceased Slim Dunkin, who was shot at an Atlanta recording studio while shooting a music video. On October 13, 2011, "Round of Applause", the first single for Waka Flocka's second album, featuring Canadian rapper Drake, was released. It was produced by frequent collaborator, Lex Luger. His second album Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family, was released on June 12, 2012. 2013-present: Flockaveli 2: On January 22, 2013, Waka Flocka announced that he has completed his third studio album, titled Flockaveli 2. He revealed the album will feature guest appearances from Timbaland and Wyclef Jean. On February 5, 2013, Waka Flocka released his mixtape DuFlocka Rant 2 with guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, French Montana, Ace Hood and Young Scooter, among others. On May 9, 2013, he released a sequel, titled DuFlocka Rant: Halftime Show which features fellow Southern rapper T.I..

Source: Wikipedia

Text from this biography licensed under creative commons license