Waka Flocka Flame is full of surprises

Waka Flocka Flame just wants to entertain.

The tattooed, charismatic New York native with the long dreadlocks and the easy smile is a rare artist in a relatively faceless music scene.

“That’s right,” said Flame, who will perform in Wichita on Monday. “There are very few entertainers left. Everyone is so serious. I just like to entertain people. When Waka Flocka shows up, you know you’re going to be entertained. You’re going to hear good music. You’re going to laugh. It’s not that serious, everyone.”

That was evident when Flame, 28, struck with his 2010 debut, “Flockaveli,” a reference to Tupac Shakur, that is filled with hooks and humor. Listeners embraced such catchy singles as “O Let’s Do It,” “Hard in Da Paint” and “No Hands.” The hits were penned by the inventive and irreverent rapper.

“I can do some things on my own,” said Flame in a late-April phone interview from Columbia, Mo. “I don’t need anyone to hold my hand.”

His next album, 2012’s “Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family,” picks up where “Flockaveli” left off. The freewheelin’, bottle-poppin’, money-raining-down, never-say-relax attitude propels the project. The Atlanta-based entertainer takes it up a notch lyrically. The couplets are Flavor Flav quality funny.

It would be easy for a recording artist to get lost in the star-studded guest list with such sensations as Drake, Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz, who appeared on “Triple F,” but Flame is never overshadowed. He hit his zenith with the funny and anthemic “Candy Paint & Gold Teeth,” which features an inspired performance by Ludacris.

“I’m proud of my albums,” said Flame, whose real name is Juaquin Malphurs. “There’s nothing I would change.”

Expect a new album at some point in 2015. Flame, who is all about surprises, won’t reveal much. “I’ve evolved,” he said. “The next album is a reflection of how I’ve grown as an artist. I’ve been on the road for years now, touching fans and getting to know the people that really love my music. This album will sound like everything they love.”

When asked if there will be a number of guests on the forthcoming project, Flame was cagey. “There will be some, but I’m not ready to announce that yet.”

The word is that satellite talk show maverick Howard Stern, who loves Waka Flocka Flame, will be in the mix. “Howard Stern is my boy,” Flame said. “I love Howard Stern. He’s just like the guy you hear on the radio and see on TV. Same exact dude.”

However, Flame won’t reveal whether his humorist pal is part of the package. He was just as evasive when asked if he’ll preview tracks Monday at the Cotillion. “You never know,” Flame said. “I’m always trying out new music.”

Expect to hear the hits since Flame admitted that he loves playing favorites. “I never get tired of doing music fans love to hear,” Flame said. “My fans love ‘O Let’s Do It.’ I love performing it for them. I love doing all that I can for them. I love music.”

Flame also loves the spotlight. He recently announced that he’s running for president. “That’s right,” Flame said. “#Waka4Prez.”

The news dropped on 4/20, so guess what Flame would change as commander-in-chief. “What do you think?” Flame asked. “I would legalize marijuana.”

So Flame has a platform. The only problem is that you have to be 35 to run for president. “But no one knew that till Waka said he was running for president,” Flame said.

How could Flame have time for the White House anyway since his reality show “Meet the Flockas” is in the works? Can he top Bruce Jenner in terms of “shocking” reality plotlines? “Nope,” Flame said. “Bruce Jenner got Waka beat.”

Flame credits his mom for his success. “My mom is the reason I am who I am,” Flame said. “She raised five boys and turned us into men on her own. My mom’s the real gangster. She’s a hustler like no other. Without her, there would be no Waka.”

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Waka Flocka Flame is full of surprises."