History of Flavor Flav in Timeline

Flavor Flav, born William Jonathan Drayton Jr., is an American rapper and hype man best known as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Public Enemy. He is known for his eccentric persona, his signature clock necklace, and his energetic stage presence, often punctuated by his signature catchphrase "Yeah, boyeeeeee!". Public Enemy, with Flavor Flav's contribution, has received six Grammy nominations and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

March 16, 1959: William Jonathan Drayton Jr. Born

On March 16, 1959, William Jonathan Drayton Jr., who is known professionally as Flavor Flav, was born. He is an American hip hop artist and a founding member of Public Enemy.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Attended Culinary School

In 1978, Flavor Flav attended culinary school. Afterwards, he attended Adelphi University where he met Chuck D and began collaborating on hip-hop music.

1985: Co-founded Public Enemy

In 1985, Flavor Flav co-founded the rap group Public Enemy with Chuck D, rising to prominence as the group's hype man.

1987: Debut Album Release

In 1987, Public Enemy released their first album, 'Yo! Bum Rush the Show'. Flav served as a comic foil to Chuck D's serious style.

1988: Released 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back'

In 1988, Public Enemy released 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back', which achieved double platinum status.

1989: Released "Fight the Power"

In 1989, Public Enemy released the political single "Fight the Power," achieving mainstream superstardom. Flavor Flav became known for his flamboyant appearance and hype man role.

1990: First Solo Hit

In 1990, Flavor Flav had his first hit rapping solo with the single "911 Is a Joke."

1991: Assault charge and jail time

In 1991, Flavor Flav pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Karen Ross, resulting in 30 days in jail, loss of child custody, and deepened addiction.

1993: Attempted murder charge and imprisonment

In 1993, Flavor Flav was charged with attempted murder and imprisoned for 90 days for shooting at his neighbor, followed by domestic violence and drug charges.

1997: Re-entered rehabilitation after father's death

After his father's death from diabetes complications in 1997, Flavor Flav re-entered rehabilitation at the Long Island Center for Recovery.

1999: Recorded "1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore" with DJ Tomekk and Grandmaster Flash

In 1999, Flavor Flav recorded the single "1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore" with DJ Tomekk and Grandmaster Flash, which was very successful in Germany.

2000: Lived with Beverly Johnson

By 2000, Flavor Flav was in a relationship with Beverly Johnson and lived in a small apartment in the Bronx with her and her children, making money scalping baseball tickets.

2002: Appeared in Taking Back Sunday's music video

In 2002, Flavor Flav appeared in Taking Back Sunday's music video for their song 'You're So Last Summer'.

2002: Jailed in Rikers Island

In 2002, Flavor Flav spent nine weeks in Rikers Island jail for driving with a suspended license and other violations, leading to a breakup with Beverly Johnson.

2003: Moved to Los Angeles and was cast in The Surreal Life

Toward the end of 2003, Flavor Flav moved to Los Angeles, where he was approached and eventually convinced to join the reality television series The Surreal Life.

2004: Playable Fighter in Def Jam: Fight for NY

In 2004, Flavor Flav appeared as a playable fighter in the video game Def Jam: Fight for NY.

May 2005: Participated in UK reality TV show 'The Farm'

In May 2005, Flavor Flav took part in the UK reality TV show 'The Farm' on Channel 5.

June 14, 2006: Recognized by Surgeon General for Safety Month Participation

On June 14, 2006, Flavor Flav's participation in National Safety Month earned recognition from Surgeon General Richard Carmona.

2006: Released Solo Album 'Hollywood'

In 2006, Flavor Flav released his first solo album, 'Hollywood,' which coincided with the second season of his reality TV show, 'Flavor of Love'.

August 12, 2007: Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav aired

On August 12, 2007, the Comedy Central roast of Flavor Flav aired with guests including Snoop Dogg, Brigitte Nielsen, and Jimmy Kimmel.

November 18, 2009: Downloadable Character in Pain

On November 18, 2009, Flavor Flav became a downloadable character in the PlayStation Network video game Pain.

May 10, 2010: Guest Hosted WWE Raw

On May 10, 2010, Flavor Flav guest hosted the wrestling show WWE Raw.

May 2, 2011: Arrested on outstanding warrants

On May 2, 2011, Flavor Flav was arrested on four outstanding misdemeanor warrants related to driving offenses.

June 2011: Disclosed spending on crack cocaine

In June 2011, Flavor Flav revealed that he used to spend up to $2,600 a day on crack cocaine during his worst period of addiction.

August 14, 2011: Hosted Gathering of the Juggalos

On August 14, 2011, Flavor Flav appeared as a host at the twelfth annual Gathering of the Juggalos.

2011: Opened Flav's Fried Chicken

In 2011, Flavor Flav partnered to open Flav's Fried Chicken in Clinton, Iowa, which closed after four months due to business issues.

January 10, 2012: Appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap

On January 10, 2012, Flavor Flav appeared with his fiancee Liz on ABC's Celebrity Wife Swap.

February 5, 2012: Appeared in Pepsi Ad during Super Bowl XLVI

On February 5, 2012, Flavor Flav appeared with Elton John in a Pepsi Co. ad during Super Bowl XLVI.

February 11, 2012: Honorary Member of UNLV Rebellion

On February 11, 2012, Flavor Flav appeared as an honorary member of the UNLV Rebellion during a UNLV Runnin' Rebels victory.

March 2012: Opened Flavor Flav's House of Flavor in Las Vegas

In March 2012, Flavor Flav's House of Flavor opened in Las Vegas on his birthday.

September 2012: Co-starred in Web Series Dr. Fubalous

From June to September 2012, Flavor Flav co-starred and rapped in the web series 'Dr. Fubalous'.

October 2012: Elizabeth Trujillo lived with Flavor Flav in Las Vegas

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.

October 17, 2012: Jailed on Felony Charges After Domestic Argument

On October 17, 2012, Flavor Flav was jailed in Las Vegas on felony charges stemming from a domestic argument with his fiancee Elizabeth Trujillo and threats to attack her son.

December 21, 2012: Opened Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs in Michigan

On December 21, 2012, Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs opened in Sterling Heights, Michigan, as a casual dining experience.

July 2013: Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs Closed

In July 2013, Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs in Michigan closed after being evicted for unpaid rent.

December 31, 2013: Death of Anna Drayton

On December 31, 2013, Flavor Flav's mother, Anna Drayton, passed away.

January 9, 2014: Arrested for speeding and marijuana possession

On January 9, 2014, Flavor Flav was arrested for speeding and marijuana possession while en route to his mother's funeral.

May 21, 2015: Arrested for DUI

On May 21, 2015, Flavor Flav was arrested near Las Vegas on charges including speeding and driving under the influence.

July 21, 2019: Birth of Jordan Gammell

On July 21, 2019, Flavor Flav had his youngest son, Jordan, with Kate Gammell.

March 1, 2020: Public Enemy released statement about moving forward without Flavor Flav

On March 1, 2020, Public Enemy announced they would be "moving forward without Flavor Flav" after a disagreement over endorsing Bernie Sanders. Flav disputed the firing.

April 1, 2020: Firing announced as a hoax

On April 1, 2020, Chuck D announced that Flavor Flav's firing from Public Enemy was a hoax, which Flavor Flav claimed he was not part of.

2023: Sang Star Spangled Banner at Basketball game

In 2023, Flavor Flav sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Milwaukee Bucks/Atlanta Hawks game, which he called a bucket list item and a tribute to military veterans.

September 2024: Notable Guest at WNBA games

In September 2024, Flavor Flav was a notable guest at WNBA games, including performing a call and response tribute to the late Fatman Scoop at a New York Liberty game.

2024: Supported women's water polo team

In 2024, Flavor Flav helped financially support athletes of the United States women's national water polo team, signing a five-year sponsorship deal as the team's official hype man and traveling to France to watch them play.

2024: Supported Olympic athletes

In 2024, Flavor Flav made a custom bronze clock necklace for US Gymnast Jordan Chiles and helped raise money for the family of Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh and paid rent for Olympic Discus Thrower Veronica Fraley.