Happy Birthday Flavor Flav

“If anyone wants to know what the definition of 'dope' means, it's: 'Definition of Public Enemy'” - Flavor Flav

(Flavor Flav)

Flavor Flav was born as William Drayton Jr. on March 16th, 1959 in Roosevelt, New York, USA. At 5 years old Drayton learned to teach himself piano. He sang in the youth choir at his church and mastered the piano, drums, and guitar at an early age. Drayton is proficient in 15 instruments. By the time Drayton was in the 11th grade he had been in and out of jail for robbery and burglary. In 1978 Drayton graduated from culinary school and cooked in several restaurants. While attending Adelphi University he met Charles Ridenhour (Chuck D). While in college Drayton took on the name Flavor Flav. Flavor Flav and Chuck D began rapping together on Chuck D’s radio show.

(Flavor Flav (Left) and Chuck D (Right))

Flavor Flav then became a part of Chuck D’s rap group, Public Enemy. In 1984, the group released a track, "Public Enemy #1". In 1986 the group was signed to Def Jam Records. Flavor Flav served as the hype man of the group. The group gained much wider fame with their 1988 album, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”, which went double platinum. By 1989 the group became hip hop superstars.

(Public Enemy)

Flavor Flav’s attire of big hats and glasses and a normal sized clock dangling from his neck got fans excited and brought some comedy to the group. In 1990 Flavor Flav released his first solo single “911 Is A Joke”.

(Flavor Flav in 1990)

In 1991 Flavor Flav went to jail for 30 days for beating his girlfriend. In 1993 Flavor Flav went to jail for 90 days for shooting at his neighbor. Also in 1993 he was charged with domestic violence, cocaine and marijuana charges. Flavor Flav was then checked into a rehab center. In 1997 Flavor Flav re entered rehab after his father’s death. In 2002 Flavor Flav spent nine weeks in Rikers Island jail for driving with a suspended license, numerous parking tickets, and tardiness for probation appointments.

(Flavor Flav in 2002)

In 2003 Flavor Flav moved to Los Angeles, CA. In 2006 Flavor Flav released his 1st solo album, “Hollywood”. Also in 2006 Flavor Flav’ reality show Flavor of Love aired.

(Flavor Flav in 2006)

In 2007 The Comedy Central roast of Flavor Flav aired, which featured  Snoop Dogg, Brigitte Nielsen, Jimmy Kimmel, Carrot Top, Lisa Lampanelli, Ice-T, Jeff Ross, Katt Williams, Patton Oswalt, Greg Giraldo, and Sommore. Flavor of Love was cancelled in 2008. In 2011, Flav partnered with Nick Cimino to open Flav's Fried Chicken in Clinton, IA. The restaurant closed 4 months after opening. Also in 2011 Flavor Flav was arrested on four outstanding misdemeanor warrants for various driving offenses. Flavor Flav’s House of Flavor in Las Vegas,NV opened in March of 2012.

(Flavor Flav in 2012)

Flavor Flav opened a franchise known as Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs, which opened December 21st, 2012 in Sterling Heights, MI. Also in 2012 Flavor Flav was jailed in Las Vegas on felony charges. Flavor Flav’s restaurant then closed in 2013 due to payment issues. In 2013 Flavor Flav along with the rest of Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

(Public Enemy being inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

In 2015 Flavor Flav was arrested on charges including speeding and driving under the influence.

(Flavor Flav in 2015)

Today is his 58th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday Flavor Flav.

Albums by Flavor Flav

• “Hollywood” (2006)

Videos of Flavor Flav

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPNK0VspQ0M  “Public Enemy - 911 is a Joke (1990)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3iBlll7mfY  “Public Enemy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 legendado”  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBGuTwP7dM  “The Eric Andre Show - Flavor Flav Interview (S04E08)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBlMrGgpwXE  “Public Enemy - Can't Do Nuttin' For Ya Man”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfGPQIDxA1A  “Flavor Flav longest "Yeah boy" ever!”