Personal Details :
- Full Name: Juaquin James Malphurs
- Stage Name: Waka Flocka Flame
- Date of Birth: May 31, 1986
- Birthplace: South Jamaica, Queens, New York City, U.S.
- Raised In: Riverdale, Georgia, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African American (with Native American and Dominican heritage)
- Height: 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 214 lbs (97 kg)
- Parents: Debra Antney (mother), a prominent music manager and founder of Mizay Entertainment
- Siblings: One of eight children; his brother, KayO Redd, was also a rapper (deceased)
- Marital Status: Married to Tammy Rivera (since 2014)
- Children: Step-father to Tammy’s daughter, Charlie Rivera
- Religion: Christian (publicly speaks on spirituality and personal growth)
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @wakaflocka
- Twitter: @wakaflocka
- TikTok: @wakaflocka
- OnlyFans: @wakaflocka
- Facebook: Waka Flocka Flame
Career Overview :
Waka Flocka Flame, born Juaquin James Malphurs, is a dynamic figure in the Southern hip-hop scene. He burst onto the scene in 2009 with his hit “O Let’s Do It” and became known for his high-energy trap anthems and charismatic presence. His debut album, Flockaveli, released in 2010, was a commercial and critical success, helping define a new era of Atlanta rap.
Waka’s sound, heavily influenced by producers like Lex Luger and Southside, was raw, aggressive, and infectious. Songs like “Hard in da Paint” and “No Hands” became cultural staples. Though often labeled a “party rapper,” Waka’s lyrics also reflected real-life struggles and loyalty to family and friends.
He was formerly part of Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad but eventually pursued a solo path. Over the years, he has maintained his presence through mixtapes, independent albums, and reality TV appearances with his wife Tammy Rivera. Waka has also ventured into activism, health, and tech entrepreneurship.
Discography (Studio Albums)
Album | Release Date | Notable Tracks | Chart Peak (Billboard 200) |
---|---|---|---|
Flockaveli | October 5, 2010 | Hard in da Paint, No Hands | #6 |
Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family | June 12, 2012 | Round of Applause, I Don’t Really Care | #10 |
Flockaveli 2 (unreleased / delayed) | — | To Be Announced | — |
Timeline of Key Career Releases
- 2009: Released debut single “O Let’s Do It”
- 2010: Released debut album Flockaveli
- 2012: Released second album Triple F Life
- 2013–2017: Released multiple mixtapes and collaborations
- 2020: Starred in VH1’s Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka
- 2021–Present: Involved in motivational speaking, social justice, and business ventures
Personal Life & Interests :
Waka Flocka Flame, born Juaquin Malphurs, is known for being outspoken, charismatic, and surprisingly philosophical off-stage. While he made a name in hip-hop through aggressive trap music, his personal life reflects compassion, activism, and growth.
Family & Relationships
Waka married TV personality and fashion designer Tammy Rivera in 2014. The couple quickly became fan favorites on VH1’s reality show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, and later starred in their own series Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka, which explored their marriage, personal growth, and family challenges.
Though Tammy has a daughter, Charlie, from a previous relationship, Waka has raised her as his own and often refers to her as his daughter. The couple has gone through public ups and downs but remains close, often sharing their relationship journey with fans.
Mental Health & Personal Growth
Waka is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, especially following the tragic suicide of his younger brother, Kayo Redd, in 2013. Since then, Waka has been open about emotional well-being and the importance of mental strength, particularly among young Black men.
Veganism & Lifestyle
In a surprising shift, Waka adopted a vegan lifestyle in the mid-2010s, inspired by health concerns and a desire for longevity. He has spoken about losing weight, improving his mental clarity, and feeling more energized since the transition. He’s even joked that he’s a “real gangster gone green.”
Animal Rights Advocate
Waka is also a vocal animal rights supporter. He worked with PETA on campaigns to raise awareness about pet adoption and anti-fur fashion. His involvement helped introduce animal rights activism to hip-hop audiences in a new way.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Outside of music, Waka is a savvy businessman. He’s been involved in cannabis businesses, real estate, and tech startups. He has also shown interest in cryptocurrency and Web3 technology. In 2020, he even received an honorary doctorate in humanitarianism and philanthropy, highlighting his growing role as a leader beyond music.
Hobbies & Entertainment
Waka enjoys video games, sports, motivational speaking, and spending time with his family. He’s also known to engage with fans online regularly — often sharing unfiltered thoughts, humor, and inspiration.
Whether through music, activism, or entrepreneurship, Waka Flocka Flame continues to defy stereotypes, evolve personally, and use his platform to influence culture, mental health awareness, and positive change.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, Waka Flocka Flame boasts an estimated net worth ranging from $7 million to over $15 million, depending on the source and valuation method. This diverse wealth stems from his music career, entrepreneurial ventures, and significant online influence.
Music Career
Waka Flocka Flame first gained prominence in the late 2000s with hits like “O Let’s Do It” and “No Hands.” His debut album, Flockaveli (2010), was a commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200. Over the years, he has released several albums and mixtapes, contributing to his financial standing.
Television Appearances
Beyond music, Waka expanded his reach through reality television. He and his wife, Tammy Rivera, starred in VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and their own spinoff, Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka, which showcased their personal lives and further increased his public profile.
Business Ventures
Waka has diversified his income through various business ventures. He co-founded Flocka Farms, a cannabis company, and has invested in other entrepreneurial projects, including real estate and technology startups. These ventures have significantly contributed to his net worth.
Online Influence
With a substantial following on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, Waka Flocka Flame has become a notable influencer. His online presence allows him to earn through sponsored posts, advertisements, and brand partnerships, adding another revenue stream to his portfolio.
In summary, Waka Flocka Flame’s estimated net worth of $7 million to over $15 million reflects his successful career in music, television, business, and online influence.
Awards & Achievements :
Waka Flocka Flame has earned a variety of accolades throughout his career, reflecting both commercial success and cultural influence. From multi-platinum singles to humanitarian honors, he has built a reputation that extends far beyond music.
Music Certifications
- RIAA Diamond Certification: “No Hands” (feat. Wale & Roscoe Dash) – Over 10 million units sold (2023)
- RIAA Platinum Certification: “Hard in Da Paint” – Over 1 million units sold
- RIAA Gold Certification: Album Flockaveli
Awards & Honors
- BET Hip-Hop Awards Nominee (2010) – Rookie of the Year & Best Club Banger
- Ozone Awards Nominee – Best Breakthrough Artist
- 2015 YouTube Music Award Winner – Fan Favorite Viral Track
Honorary & Philanthropic Recognition
- Honorary Doctorate in Philanthropy and Humanitarianism from Bible Institute of America Theological Seminary (2020)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Trump Administration (2021) for his support of non-profit work, especially around youth empowerment and education
Cultural & Public Recognition
- VH1 Reality TV Star: Co-starred in Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka
- PETA Campaign Participant: Featured in anti-fur campaigns and pet adoption advocacy
While Waka Flocka Flame may not hold numerous industry trophies, his impact on hip-hop culture, public life, and youth empowerment is undeniable. His accolades reflect not only his success in music, but also his evolution as a businessman, activist, and public figure.
Fun Facts :
- He was named “Waka” by his cousin after Fozzie Bear from the Muppets — the bear’s catchphrase is “Waka Waka!”
- Flocka became a vegan after suffering health issues. He credits veganism for helping him lose over 30 pounds and feel “mentally sharper.”
- He received an honorary doctorate in 2020 for his humanitarian work — despite never graduating college.
- He is terrified of airplanes and used to drive between tour locations across the country whenever possible.
- Waka Flocka considers himself retired from rap and said he accomplished everything he wanted in music by age 34.
- He’s passionate about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and frequently speaks about financial literacy for young people.
- He was once mistaken for another rapper at a meet and greet, but he signed autographs and smiled anyway.
- He has appeared in multiple video games and animated shows, including cameos in adult cartoons and rap-themed games.
- He adopted a dog live on camera during a PETA campaign — the dog’s name is “Karma.”
- He jokingly ran for President in 2016, announcing his campaign on Twitter and gaining national media attention.