Flavor Flav Net Worth; How Rich is Flavor Flav?

Flavor Flav is an American rapper, actor, comedian, and television personality who has been in the entertainment industry for more than three decades. He is best known for co-founding Public Enemy, one of the most influential rap groups in music history with 15 studio albums and more than 40 music videos. Flavor Flav is also known for popularizing the role of the hype man and for yelling “Yeah, boyeee!” But how much is Flavor Flav worth? And how did he earn his fortune?

Flavor Flav’s Early Life and Education

Flavor Flav was born as William Jonathan Drayton Jr. on March 16, 1959, in Roosevelt, New York. He grew up in Freeport, New York, with his mother Anna, a teacher, his father William, a restaurant owner, his brother Steven, and his sister Jean. He was a musical prodigy who taught himself to play piano at 5 years old and also learned to play guitar, drums, and 15 other instruments. He sang in the church choir and attended Freeport High School, but he dropped out during his junior year. He was arrested several times as a teenager for burglary and robbery and accidentally set his family’s house on fire while playing with a lighter. In 1978, he decided to go to culinary school and graduated from there.

Flavor Flav’s Career as a Rapper and TV Star

Flavor Flav met Carlton Ridenhour, who later became known as Chuck D, while attending Adelphi University on Long Island. They began rapping together and formed Public Enemy in 1985 with DJ Lord, Khari Wynn, and Professor Griff. They signed with Def Jam Records and released their debut album “Yo! Bum Rush the Show” in 1987. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and received critical acclaim. Their follow-up album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” (1988) went Platinum and reached #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Public Enemy then released “Fear of a Black Planet” (1990), which featured the hit songs “Fight the Power” and “911 Is a Joke”. The group has released 11 more albums since then, including “New Whirl Odor” (2005), “Rebirth of a Nation” (2006), and “The Evil Empire of Everything” (2012). Their 15th album “What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?” was released in 2020.

Flavor Flav is also known for his distinctive style of wearing a large clock around his neck, colorful outfits, sunglasses, and hats. He often serves as the hype man for Public Enemy, providing comic relief and catchy phrases. He has also appeared in several films, such as “Mo’ Money” (1992), “New Jack City” (1991), and “Death of a Dynasty” (2003).

Besides rapping, Flavor Flav has also been a staple of reality TV. He starred on VH1’s “The Surreal Life” (2004), where he developed a relationship with actress Brigitte Nielsen. They later had their own show called “Strange Love” (2005), which documented their romance. He also had his own dating show called “Flavor of Love” (2006-2008), where he looked for love among various female contestants. He also appeared on other shows such as “Celebrity Wife Swap” (2012), “Nite Tales: The Series” (2009), and “Under One Roof” (2008).

Flavor Flav’s Net Worth and Salary

Flavor Flav has a net worth of $2 million as of 2022. He reportedly makes $100,000 per season for his work on S.W.A.T., which amounts to around $2 million per season. His net worth is also derived from his previous earnings from Public Enemy and his other ventures in music, film, TV, and business.

Flavor Flav has also tried his hand at entrepreneurship. He opened several restaurants under the name Flavor Flav’s Chicken & Ribs in various locations such as Iowa, Nevada, Michigan, and New York. However, most of them were closed down due to financial issues or legal disputes.

Flavor Flav’s Personal Life

Flavor Flav has been involved with several women in the past and has fathered seven children with six different women. His children are Shaniq Drayton (born 1989), William Drayton III (born 1990), Dazyna Drayton (born 1991), Quanah Drayton (born 1993), Kayla Drayton (born 1996), Karma Drayton (born 2000), and Gibran Ali (born 2004). He has also been engaged to Liz Trujillo since 2008 and has a son with her named Karma Drayton (born 2011).

Flavor Flav has also faced several legal troubles in his life. He has been arrested for drug possession, domestic violence, driving under the influence, speeding, and unpaid child support. He has also struggled with addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol and has sought treatment for his issues.

Flavor Flav is also an avid fan of sports and music. He supports the New York Yankees, New York Knicks, and New York Giants. He also plays several instruments and has a collection of more than 100 clocks.