Juaquin Malphurs or Waka Flocka Flame may be the new rapper on the scene, but he isn’t backing out on saying what he feels on his debut record Flockaveli. The Crunk style Hip Hop artist has made a lot of enemies from what is seen by some as a ‘controversial’ album, nonetheless there is more to the young man and his style of music then meets the eye.

Initially, Waka Waka (name comes from the Muppets character Fozzie Bear) didn’t want to make music and tried to avoid it at a young age even though he lived near Ja Rule and LL Cool J’s family. Things changed when he was 18 as his mother started a career managing Gucci Mane. Flocka Flame made a mix tape and since then, his debut record has gone from strength to strength.

Working with some of the biggest names in the industry including Lil’ Jon, Lex Luger and Ice Cube, Waka’s rendition of slow and heavy rap brings out a mixture of anger, girls, money and his homies.

The name Flockaveli was inspired by rapping legend 2Pac as Waka was introduced to an Italian philosopher Machiavelli through the Hip Hop icon. Machiavelli’s views were shun by the public and he was constantly attacked verbally and physically because of them. Waka felt the exact same treatment on his end when recording the album. With the range of songs, I don’t see why.

The 17 track record is largely club friendly but does have a few not so friendly tracks that would separate Waka’s appeal from the club scene. The tracks ‘Hard in da Paint’ and ‘Live by the Gun’ portray the violent side of being a Hip Hop star whereas the rest were designed by producer Lil’ Jon and Waka for Hip Hop goers to have a good time.

The style of rapping used by Waka is nothing new in the slightest but with the array of featuring artists used including Gudda Gudda in ‘Bricksquad’, Kebo Gotti in ‘Grove St. Party’ and Cap in ‘O Let’s Do It’, the combination does nothing to dampen the cause, only heighten it.

The high point of Flockaveli has to be the US smash hit ‘No Hands’ which features Roscoe Dash and Wale. Not only has it got all the ingredients to be enjoyed universally, but it is also the clincher to what makes this album a memorable attempt as opposed to a decent effort.

Overall result sees the blend of Crunk rap and club bangers work surprising well with Flame’s style. With the US broken, the UK will follow suit for sure.

MOBO gives this record an impressive 4 Ms out of 5.

Flockaveli is out now.

Words by: @deanwoodhouse

Waka's Website: http://www.wakaflocka1017.com/