Afroman

Afroman Artistfacts

  • July 28, 1974
  • Afroman makes laid-back, self-deprecating rap tunes with a particular focus on smoking marijuana. He's most famous for his 2001 hit "Because I Got High," but he also explores that genre in tracks like "420," "Let's Get High Tonight," and "I Smoke Weed."
  • His real name is Joseph Foreman. The name Afroman comes from his hairstyle, which he wore because he couldn't afford frequent trips to the barber. He didn't choose the name - a girl he knew started calling him Afroman and the name stuck.
  • He's from Southern California and attended Palmdale High School, but he later moved to Mississippi, and around 2007 he relocated to Winchester, Ohio, where low housing prices mean "I can live like a king."
  • "Because I Got High" was a #1 hit in many places you wouldn't expect. It topped the charts in the UK, Australia, Germany, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Denmark.
  • Afroman earned a Grammy nomination for "Because I Got High," which was up for Best Rap Solo Performance along with tracks by Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Nelly and DMX. The award went to Missy Elliott for "Get Ur Freak On."
  • He may be a one-hit wonder, but Afroman has endured as a successful touring musician, selling out many small venues and playing various cannabis-themed events. He uses backing tracks, which keeps his costs down. His shows are known for being fun and funny, with plenty of audience participation.
  • Unlike most rappers, he plays a guitar on stage, often a double-necked Epiphone. His songs are funny but his guitar playing is no joke - his solos get a great reaction.
  • In 2022, police raided his house on suspicion of drugs and kidnapping. They found no evidence of criminal activity but did discover a lemon pound cake. Afroman, who wasn't home during the raid, used surveillance footage to make some music videos about the incident (like "Will You Help Me Repair My Door"), which got millions of views after officers sued him for defamation. In 2026, after a trial that got Afroman a lot more attention, he won the lawsuit.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.