William Jonathan Drayton Jr., better known as Flavor Flav, is an American entertainer recognized for his distinctive style as a DJ, rapper, and hype man. His iconic catchphrase, "Yeah, boyeeeeee!," is synonymous with his energetic stage presence. As a founding member of the influential hip hop group Public Enemy alongside Chuck D, Flavor Flav contributed to the group's success, earning six Grammy nominations and a prestigious induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
March 16, 1959: Birth of William Jonathan Drayton Jr.
William Jonathan Drayton Jr., better known as Flavor Flav, was born on March 16, 1959.
1978: Flavor Flav Attends Culinary School
In 1978, Flavor Flav pursued his interest in culinary arts by attending culinary school.
1985: Formation of Public Enemy
Public Enemy was formed in 1985 by Flavor Flav and Chuck D, marking the start of their influential journey in the world of hip-hop.
1987: Release of "Yo! Bum Rush the Show"
Public Enemy released their debut album, "Yo! Bum Rush the Show," in 1987, introducing their unique blend of hip-hop and social commentary.
1988: Release of "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back"
Public Enemy achieved mainstream success with their second album, "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," released in 1988.
1989: Release of "Fight the Power"
Public Enemy solidified their status as superstars in 1989 with the release of their politically charged anthem, "Fight the Power."
1990: Flavor Flav's First Solo Hit
Flavor Flav scored his first solo hit in 1990 with the single "911 Is a Joke."
1991: Assault Conviction
Flavor Flav was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend Karen Ross in 1991 and served 30 days in jail, lost custody of his children, and battled addiction.
1993: Attempted Murder and Other Charges
Flavor Flav faced serious charges in 1993, including attempted murder for shooting at his neighbor, resulting in imprisonment for 90 days. He was also charged with domestic violence and drug-related offenses.
1997: Rehab and Recovery
Following his father's death from diabetes complications in 1997, Flavor Flav decided to seek help for his addiction and entered rehab at the Long Island Center for Recovery.
1999: Collaboration with DJ Tomekk and Grandmaster Flash
Flavor Flav collaborated with DJ Tomekk and Grandmaster Flash on the single "1, 2, 3, ... Rhymes Galore" in 1999, which became a top ten hit in Germany.
2000: Living with Beverly Johnson
By 2000, Flavor Flav was living in a small apartment in the Bronx with his girlfriend, Beverly Johnson, and her two children. To make ends meet, he resorted to scalping baseball tickets.
2002: Appearance in Taking Back Sunday's Music Video
Flavor Flav made a cameo appearance in Taking Back Sunday's music video for their song "You're So Last Summer" in 2002.
2002: Jail Time and Breakup
In 2002, Flavor Flav faced legal trouble and was incarcerated in Rikers Island jail for nine weeks. His offenses included driving with a suspended license, unpaid parking tickets, and neglecting probation appointments. Following his release, Flav and Johnson ended their relationship, and he moved in with his mother on Long Island.
2003: Move to Los Angeles and Reality TV
Concerned about Flav's well-being, Chuck D suggested he relocate to Los Angeles in late 2003. Flav moved in with a friend and was soon approached by the creators of the reality show "The Surreal Life." Initially hesitant, he was convinced by MC Hammer to participate.
2004: Appearance in "Def Jam: Fight for NY"
Flavor Flav was featured as a playable character in the 2004 fighting game "Def Jam: Fight for NY."
May 2005: Appearance on "The Farm"
Flavor Flav appeared on the UK reality TV show "The Farm" on Channel 5 in May 2005.
June 14, 2006: Flavor Flav Participates in National Safety Month Celebration
Flavor Flav's participation in the Lisa Tolliver Show's National Safety Month celebration on June 14, 2006, earned recognition from the Surgeon General.
2006: Release of Solo Album "Hollywood"
Flavor Flav released his debut solo album, "Hollywood," in 2006, coinciding with the second season of his reality TV show "Flavor of Love."
August 12, 2007: Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav
The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav aired on August 12, 2007, featuring roasts by Snoop Dogg, Brigitte Nielsen, and other notable figures.
November 18, 2009: Appearance in the Video Game "Pain"
Flavor Flav became a downloadable character in the PlayStation Network's video game "Pain" on November 18, 2009.
May 10, 2010: Guest Host on WWE Raw
Flavor Flav made a guest appearance as a host on the wrestling show WWE Raw on May 10, 2010.
May 2, 2011: Arrest for Driving Offenses
Flavor Flav was arrested on May 2, 2011, due to four outstanding misdemeanor warrants related to driving violations. These included driving without a license and insurance, as well as a parking citation.
June 2011: Openness about Drug Use
During an interview on the Australian radio show "The Kyle and Jackie O Show" in June 2011, Flavor Flav spoke candidly about his past struggles with drug addiction, revealing that at its peak, he was spending up to US$2,600 per day on crack cocaine.
August 14, 2011: Host at the Gathering of the Juggalos
Flavor Flav hosted the twelfth annual Gathering of the Juggalos on August 14, 2011.
2011: Opening of Flav's Fried Chicken
Flavor Flav partnered with Nick Cimino to open Flav's Fried Chicken in Clinton, Iowa, in 2011, hoping to launch a national franchise.
January 10, 2012: Appearance on "Celebrity Wife Swap"
Flavor Flav and his fiancée Liz appeared on ABC's "Celebrity Wife Swap" on January 10, 2012, switching places with Dee Snider and his wife.
February 5, 2012: Appearance in Pepsi Co. Super Bowl Ad
Flavor Flav appeared alongside Elton John in a Pepsi Co. Super Bowl XLVI commercial on February 5, 2012.
February 11, 2012: Appearance at UNLV Runnin' Rebels Game
Flavor Flav showed his support for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels as an honorary member during their victory over San Diego State on February 11, 2012.
March 2012: Opening of Flavor Flav's House of Flavor
Flavor Flav's House of Flavor opened in Las Vegas in March 2012, marking another venture in the restaurant industry.
September 2012: Co-Star in the Web Series "Dr. Fubalous"
Flavor Flav co-starred and showcased his rapping skills in the web series "Dr. Fubalous" from June to September 2012.
October 2012: Engagement to Elizabeth Trujillo
As of October 2012, Flavor Flav was engaged to Elizabeth Trujillo, the mother of his son Karma. They had been living together in Las Vegas for eight years.
October 17, 2012: Arrest for Domestic Dispute
On October 17, 2012, Flavor Flav was arrested in Las Vegas following a domestic dispute with his fiancée, Elizabeth Trujillo. The charges were serious, including felony counts, as he had allegedly threatened her teenage son with a knife.
December 21, 2012: Opening of Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs
Flavor Flav teamed up with Gino Harmon and Salvatore Bitonti to open Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on December 21, 2012.
July 2013: Closure of Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs
Flavor Flav's Chicken & Ribs in Sterling Heights, Michigan, closed in July 2013 due to unpaid rent.
December 31, 2013: Passing of Flavor Flav's Mother
Flavor Flav's mother, Anna Drayton, passed away on December 31, 2013.
January 9, 2014: Traffic Violations and Driving Charges
On January 9, 2014, Flavor Flav was pulled over for speeding while driving to his mother's funeral. This traffic stop led to additional charges, including possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license. It was revealed that he had 16 suspensions on his license.
May 21, 2015: Arrest for DUI and Speeding
On May 21, 2015, Flavor Flav was arrested near Las Vegas. The charges included speeding and driving under the influence.
July 21, 2019: Birth of Son, Jordan
Flavor Flav welcomed his youngest son, Jordan, on July 21, 2019, with Kate Gammell.
March 1, 2020: Public Enemy Announces Split with Flavor Flav
Public Enemy announced on March 1, 2020, that they would be "moving forward without Flavor Flav" following a disagreement over their endorsement of Bernie Sanders.
April 1, 2020: Chuck D Reveals Firing as a Hoax
Chuck D revealed on April 1, 2020, that Flavor Flav's firing was a publicity stunt, which Flavor Flav later stated he disapproved of.