Waka Flocka Flame Wants To Work At Wal-Mart And Other Musician's "Post-Music" Careers

posted in: Music News • Pop • Urban

Juaquin Malphurs, better known by his rap handle Waka Flocka Flame, sent the blogosphere into a tussle in early July when he first hinted at, then formally announced, that he was quitting music. Though it’s still not entirely clear as to why Flocka is quitting the game now”he’s historically been the target of choice for many rap fans unimpressed with his straight forward, hard-nosed style of rapping but has typically reacted nonchalantly to haters”he seems pretty serious about the decision. First came the tweet:

And then further confirmation came from his mother/manager Debra Antney during an interview with RumorFix. Now countless musicians have hinted at quitting the music biz when they’re seemingly at the top of their game. We get it, despite the riches, fame and stardom that can go along with being a popular musician, the music industry can be quite cutthroat. That said, Malphurs’s threats to quit are a little different then similar statements made by the likes of 50 Cent, Lupe Fiasco and Ryan Adams, all of whom are still very much active in the business. First, it’s the seriousness and the quantity of the statements he’s made that he’s done. Most performers might have one quote in an interview reprinted ad nauseam while we’ve heard from Waka Flocka and his mom repeatedly. The second part that makes Waka’s threats to quit different, and just so Waka, is his possible post-music plan.

Now, there’s no set career path for musicians to follow after they’re done performing. Some get involved in other parts of the business, like pop star Christina Aguilera making the move to judge on NBC’s The Voice or like British singer Lily Allen starting her own vanity label. Others get involved in fashion, like Victoria Beckham parlaying her Spice Girls fame into becoming a member of the fashion cognoscenti and the marketing of her own clothing line. Many more get involved in the acting world (with decidedly mixed results). All that said, there probably hasn’t been another that has considered making the move from Billboard Hot 100 rapper to become a Wal-Mart greeter.

Now, there’s something to be said for Waka Flocka getting out of the game while he’s still ahead. It might be better to quickly exit then to be the victim of burnout later in his career. And since Waka doesn’t seem to be devoted to the entertainment industry, he might be better off pursuing a more down-to-earth career path. But come on, how hilarious would it be for Waka to come out with his own line of urban apparel í  la Sean John? Or if he made the jump to television? If Xzibit can pimp your ride, maybe Waka Flocka can pimp your house? And if Ice-T can help solve a murder investigation on Law and Order: SVU, then why can’t Waka Flocka? Mr. Malphurs, the world is your oyster. Just don’t go all Vanilla Ice on us and go do reality television. It’s hard to come back from that. All kidding aside, we hope that you don’t give up on music just yet Waka Flocka and that you continue to go hard in the paint for many years to come.