Juaquin James Malphurs, known to the world as Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper born on May 31, 1986, in South Jamaica, Queens, New York City.
Raised primarily in Riverdale, Georgia, by his mother, Debra Antney—a prominent talent manager and CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment—Waka Flocka grew up surrounded by the music industry.
His stage name, coined by his cousin after the Muppets character Fozzie Bear’s catchphrase “Wocka Wocka” and later expanded with “Flocka Flame” by mentor Gucci Mane, reflects his vibrant persona.
Initially uninterested in music, Waka Flocka pursued basketball before being drawn into rap through his mother’s connections and Gucci Mane’s influence.
Siblings
Waka Flocka Flame is the third of five children born to Debra Antney, raised in a tight-knit family marked by both creativity and profound loss.
He has four biological brothers—Wooh Da Kid, KayO Redd, Rahleek Malphurs, and Tyquam Alexander—and three adoptive sisters, though less is known about the latter.
Wooh Da Kid, born Nyquan Malphurs on February 23, 1985, is a rapper signed to Mizay Entertainment and a member of the 1017 Brick Squad, like his brother.
He has released tracks such as “Dope Head” and “Everything Bricksquad,” carving out his own space in the music industry.
KayO Redd, born Coades Scott, was an aspiring rapper who tragically died by suicide on December 29, 2013, at age 27.
His death, attributed to struggles with mental health and possibly the pressures of being in Waka’s shadow, deeply affected the family.
Rahleek Malphurs, the youngest brother, was born on November 13, 1989, and passed away on April 25, 2000, at age 10 after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle.
The losses of KayO Redd and Rahleek have left a lasting impact on Waka Flocka, who has spoken openly about his grief and dedication to mental health advocacy in their memory.
Also Read: Sadie Sink Siblings: Meet the Siblings Squad Behind the American Actress

Career
Waka Flocka Flame’s music career took off in 2009 with his debut single “O Let’s Do It,” which peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a nomination for Best Club Banger at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros.
Records, he released his debut album, Flockaveli, in 2010, named after philosopher Machiavelli.
The album, featuring hits like “Hard in da Paint” and “No Hands” (with Roscoe Dash and Wale), reached number six on the Billboard 200 and showcased his aggressive, high-energy trap style.
“No Hands” became a diamond-certified anthem, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
His second album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (2012), peaked at number ten and included collaborations with artists like Drake (“Round of Applause”) and Nicki Minaj (“Get Low”).
Waka Flocka also ventured into electronic music, collaborating with Steve Aoki and Flosstradamus, and explored reality television with Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka alongside his ex-wife, Tammy Rivera.
Despite a public falling-out with Gucci Mane in 2013, marked by lawsuits and diss tracks like “Ice Cream,” Waka Flocka has maintained a multifaceted career, balancing music, entrepreneurship with ventures like Vegan Flocka Crunch Popcorn, and philanthropy.
Accolades
Waka Flocka Flame’s debut single “O Let’s Do It” was nominated for Best Club Banger at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards, and he was named Rookie of the Year at the same ceremony.
In 2010, MTV ranked him eighth on its list of Hottest MCs, affirming his influence in the genre.
His single “No Hands” achieved diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, a rare milestone for any artist.
Beyond music, Waka Flocka received an honorary doctorate in philanthropy and humanitarianism from the Bible Institute of America Theological Seminary on October 3, 2020, for his charity work and mental health advocacy, particularly inspired by his brother KayO Redd’s death.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel

