On Colby College’s 2025 Parents Weekend, artist Waka Flocka Flame is booked to perform, and he’s coming hard in the paint. Students at the College have the opportunity to attend Waka Flocka’s performance for only $20. While Waka Flocka Flame is a talented artist, there is more to him than hype songs and drill anthems. This article will tell you all you need to know about Flocka.
Waka Flocka Flame was born in Queens, New York, and named Juaquin James Malphurs. His mother, Debra Antney, is CEO of a talent management firm based out of Atlanta, Georgia. The name ‘Waka’ was a childhood nickname, inspired by the Muppets’ Fozzie Bear’s catchphrase “waka waka.” Waka Flocka has a striking gold Fozzie Bear chain to commemorate the name. The ‘Flame’ component of his name was later added by famous rapper Gucci Mane. Most people know of Waka Flocka as a talented musician, however, he has also made himself a strong presence on social media. For example, in 2015, on April 20 — a day that symbolizes the normalization and acceptance of cannabis in society — he announced he would be running for president.
Waka Flocka is also an outspoken Donald Trump supporter. He endorsed Trump on X, saying “I’m [still] voting for Trump!!!! Let’s be clear!!!!!” In July of 2024, Waka Flocka had a concert in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he told the crowd, “all my Joe Biden voters, get out,” before dedicating his performance of the song “Grove St. Party” to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Waka Flocka Flame is no longer producing music. He announced in 2013 that he’d be retiring from rap, and focusing on his family. He still tours and performs on occasion, all while having a lasting influence on drill rappers even today. The song that brought him to fame, “O Let’s Do It,” was accompanied by a signature, aggressive trap beat that became a trademark of Waka’s songs.
Waka Flocka Flames most famous song is “No Hands” ft. Roscoe Dash. Many students admitted to only knowing this song of Waka’s. Ally Tecimer `29 said, “I’m excited for the concert, but to be completely honest, the only song I vaguely know is No Hands. Can’t say I’m a huge Waka Flocka Flame fan.” Heidi Alexandrian `29 agreed with Tecimer, adding, “I’m going in with an open mind, and a lot of energy.”
Katie Macdonald `28, and Yasmina Levitsky Karimova `28 are roommates, who have both been avidly listening to Waka Flocka Flame in preparation for the concert. While sitting in the backseat of Macdonald’s car, with Flocka’s song, “For My Dawgs,” playing in background, Macdonald commented that “with everyone’s unique work loads and varying weekend plans, I am excited to have time set aside where we can all come together, have a break from academics, and prioritize having fun with friends.”
Karimova, laughing, chimed in “My most listened to artist is the Beatles, but weirdly, I really like ‘Rooster in my Rari.’ The lyricism is kind of beautiful.” This goes to show that regardless of your favorite genre, you might find Waka Flocka Flame’s songs to be “beautiful.”
Waka Flocka Flame’s visit to the College will be interesting: a man known for party rap and political controversy, performing for one of the country’s smallest, liberal campuses. Whether students come out for the music, or the unique environment, it will no doubt be a parents’ weekend performance to remember. If you come to the performance this Saturday, be sure to bring the energy, No Hands required.
~ Molly Garvey `28
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