Born William Jonathan Drayton, Jr. on March 16, 1959,
Flavor Flav is primarily a rapper and member of the politically conscious hip-hop group Public Enemy. Perhaps he is better known for the large clock that hangs from his neck. Everything started in 1987 when Flavor Flav, along with three others, formed Public Enemy and released their debut album. In the group, he provides the vocals, occasional drum beats, as well as comedic breaks from the group's political musings.
Apart from his career in music, the rapper has also made a name for himself in reality television, mainly on VH1, such as The Farm and the starring role in
Flavor of Love . The first season finale of Flavor of Love, an apparent Bachelor spoof, was among the highest-rated shows in VH1 history.
In 2004, Flavor Flav was cast yet again in another VH1 show
The Surreal Life season 3. The show features celebrities who are said to be past their primes and puts them in a Hollywood Hills mansion for two weeks. As if this is not enough, unforgiving cameras also follow their every move. In this season, Flavor Flav had to face challenges, such as taking surfing lessons and recording a group single. A season highlight was the rapper's relationship with actress
Brigitte Nielsen . Several episodes showed them in intimate settings, such as hot tubs and pools. In fact, it was so successful it inspired a spin-off Strange Love. In March, 2005, however, Nielsen ended their relationship and opted instead to go for her other boyfriend, causing the show's abrupt end.
The other members of the cast, though, weren't as happy with Flavor Flav's stubbornness. For instance, he insisted on driving the RV despite not having a license. He also had a tiff with the cast when it was revealed that he hit the Surreal
Life puppy.
(Photo courtesy of VH1)