Afroman

Comedic rapper Afroman first gained widespread attention in 2000 thanks to his inescapable stoner anthem “Because I Got High,” which delivered his trademark blend of sharp humor, cannabis themes, and greasy funk grooves to a broad audience. The track proved remarkably durable, popping up across numerous movies and TV shows long after its initial run. Far from a fleeting novelty act, Afroman maintained a substantial catalog that stretches from the homemade cassettes and discs he issued in the late ’90s to later standouts such as the 2008 release Frobama and the 2016 project Crazy Rap.

Born Joseph Foreman in East Palmdale, Los Angeles, he drew early inspiration from Too $hort, Big Daddy Kane, and 2 Live Crew. His rap journey began in eighth grade when he started recording his own material on cassettes and handing them out at school. He first performed in church, initially handling drums before switching to guitar, and even spent time working as an airport baggage handler while hustling his music.

Still based in Los Angeles, he issued his debut album Sell Your Dope in 1999 and performed at parties, on sidewalks, and in local contests. Disenchanted with the city, he relocated to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he joined forces with drummer Jody Stallone and keyboardist/bassist Daryl Havard. In spring 2000 he cut his breakthrough LP Because I Got High alongside producer Tim Ramenofsky, then sold copies at shows through T-Bones Records. Growing buzz around his concerts increased demand for his material, and the rise of Napster’s file-sharing network helped spread the music further. A fan uploaded “Because I Got High” digitally, while Howard Stern amplified its reach by featuring it on his show. By the close of 2001 the single had become a major global success, earning a Best Rap Grammy nomination in 2002.

Universal Records soon took notice and offered a six-album contract. His first release for the label, The Good Times, compiled material from his earlier projects alongside several new cuts. The signature track also appeared on the soundtrack to Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, which starred Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. After leaving Universal, Afroman operated independently and issued a steady stream of self-released projects. He returned emphatically in 2004 with four albums, beginning with the double-disc Afroholic…The Even Better Times on April 20. Free from label constraints, he handled writing, production, and recording himself, promoted it primarily online, and toured with a live band. That same year he dropped 4RO:20, the holiday set Jobe Bells, and the fifth studio album The Hungry Hustlerz: Starvation Is Motivation, which included guest spots from Po Boy, Mr. Mixx, Strainj, and Blaq. Two further projects arrived in 2006: Drunk’n’High and the second holiday album A Colt .45 Christmas.

In 2008 he put out Waiting to Inhale, the concert collection Greatest Hitz Live, and Frobama: Head of State. Following that burst of activity he stayed relatively low-key until 2013, when he released the fittingly titled Marijuana Music, featuring his nephew on several tracks. The following year brought the G-funk-flavored album The Frorider, and 2015 saw a pair of EPs: the self-referential One Hit Wonder and the socially pointed The N-Word. In 2016 he delivered both the new album Happy to Be Alive and Crazy Rap, a set of alternate versions of well-known songs. Fresh material kept appearing, including the 2020 EP Don’t Sell Your Dope and the 2021 follow-up single “Cuz I’m High.”