#NNPA BlackPress

Flavor Flav’s Viral National Anthem Performance Shakes the Internet

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Flavor Flav’s recent appearances have showcased his newfound positivity and love for life. He wowed audiences at a star-studded event in Los Angeles last week honoring Lyor Cohen and delighted fans and fellow passengers by passing out snacks and goodies on a recent airline flight.
The post Flavor Flav’s Viral National Anthem Performance Shakes the Internet first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2023

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

It’s not every day that a rap icon takes center stage to perform the national anthem at an NBA game, but Flavor Flav, whose real name is William Drayton, Jr., did just that, and he’s gone viral for it. The 64-year-old rapper and media personality delivered an unforgettable rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Milwaukee Bucks game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 29, and the internet is still buzzing. Flavor Flav, known for his signature clock necklace, sunglasses, and larger-than-life persona, stepped onto the court in a Bucks jersey, fulfilling a lifelong dream by singing the national anthem. “It’s been on my bucket list for a while,” Flavor Flav shared. “I’ve always wanted to do it, and I’m so glad I got the chance.”

The rapper’s appearance at the Bucks game was another milestone in his remarkable journey of redemption and resurgence. Flavor Flav has faced personal challenges and substance abuse battles in the past, but he’s come back stronger and more determined than ever. Even a public feud with Public Enemy’s Chuck D a few years ago couldn’t keep him down. The iconic duo, rap music’s quintessential Batman and Robin, have since quashed any perceived beef and continue to make music history.

Flavor Flav’s recent appearances have showcased his newfound positivity and love for life. He wowed audiences at a star-studded event in Los Angeles last week honoring Lyor Cohen and delighted fans and fellow passengers by passing out snacks and goodies on a recent airline flight. His presence at Taylor Swift concerts and the premiere of her latest movie have brought a smile to many faces, with Flavor proudly declaring himself a “Swiftie.” For his performance in Milwaukee, Flavor belted out the national anthem with his trademark energy and style, his clock necklace swinging as he sang. His performance took the internet by storm, with fans and viewers sharing their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter).

One user marveled at the unconventional choice of having Flavor Flav sing the national anthem, writing, “Flava Flav singing the national anthem at an NBA game just definitely convinced me I’m not dreaming big enough.” Another user playfully questioned the decision, asking, “I just wanna know, who in the meeting raised their hand and said ‘let’s book Flava Flav.’” Former football player turned sports journalist Shannon Sharpe offered a critical opinion of the performance, but fans rallied to support him. Rapper and podcaster Memphis Jelks fired back, “Flav has more talent in his pinky toe than Shannon has in his entire being!! Keep up the greatness Flav!!”

Flavor Flav’s performance even made its way to the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s morning show, “Let It Be Known,” where the rapper’s national anthem rendition received a dedicated segment alongside a 1983 clip of soul legend Marvin Gaye’s performance of the song at the NBA All-Star game. Flavor Flav gave Let It Be Known a thumbs up. Flavor Flav’s journey of redemption and his viral national anthem performance have proven that it’s never too late for a comeback. His larger-than-life personality, unique style, and undying passion for music continue to captivate audiences, and he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

The post Flavor Flav’s Viral National Anthem Performance Shakes the Internet first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

HEADLINES | Ebony Mcmorris, Joins the Conversation

Don't Miss

President Biden Takes Bold Action with Landmark Executive Order on AI Regulation

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Tiguan’s AI Touchscreen & Gear Shift: VW Just Changed the Game! #2

Explore the Tiguan’s cutting-edge 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and a new AI assistant. See how VW innovatively moved the gear shifter to the steering column, enhancing the center console and navigation system! #AutoNetwork #Tiguan #Infotainment #AppleCarPlay #AndroidAuto #AISystem #NavigationSystem #CarTech #TechReview #CarInnovation #Automotive

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0xUKM6U2Lpc&autoplay=0&cc_lang_pref=en&cc_load_policy=0&color=0&controls=1&fs=1&h1=en&loop=0&rel=0

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Newswire

Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82.

His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications.

Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.

In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup.

The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself.

Their album “Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.

As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.

Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary “Sly Lives!” earlier this year.

His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.

“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”

Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute.

“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.”

Sly Stone is survived by three children.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

PRESS ROOM: Clyburn on 10th Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting in Charleston

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

By Congressman James E. Clyburn

WATCH HERE

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10^th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.

“Over 6 years ago, the House first passed my Enhanced Background Checks Act to close the Charleston Loophole that allowed a white supremacist to obtain the gun he used to murder nine worshipers at Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015.

“I’ll never stop fighting to pass this law.”