Afroman

Born Joseph Edgar Foreman on July 28, 1974 in Los Angeles, rapper Afroman would have a music career punctuated by comedic and satirical viral hits. Growing up Afroman moved around the US but was raised primarily between Mississippi and southern California. In middle school he started writing and recording his own songs and distributing the tapes to classmates. His most popular songs were diss tracks criticizing teachers and other classmates that were seen as bullies. After high school, Afroman released a few unsuccessful albums before moving to Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1999 and meeting music producer Tim Ramenofsky (a.k.a. Headfridge). The change of scenery proved to be a good move as, shortly after, Afroman released his most popular album "Because I Got High" (2000). When Howard Stern played the humorous title song "Because I Got High", it grew into a viral sensation. In 2002 Afroman was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the song. He signed a deal with Universal Records and released "The Good Times" in 2001. Afroman continued to create music and self-release it to the internet including the satirical Christmas song "Jobe Bells" in 2004 and a remix of "Because I Got High" in 2014, highlighting the positive applications of cannabis and why it should be decriminalized. In August 2022, Afroman's home was raided on suspicions of drugs and kidnapping. Nothing was found and no charges were filed but there was damage to his property and money was reportedly stolen. In a flurry of quick wit, Afroman turned out the song "Will You Help Me Repair My Door" on YouTube in December 2022 using security footage from the raid on his home for the music video. Also in December 2022, Afroman announced he was running for president of the United States on a platform of legalizing marijuana, fighting police corruption and reducing inflation.