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

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."