The Queens-bred, Atlanta-based MC Waka Flocka Flame is always thinking outside of the box. When you hear Waka’s scratchy voice over electro beats by Neon Dreams or Steve Aoki, it’s his way of showing that trap music isn’t his only trick:

“I’m trying to open people’s brains up,” Waka says. “You don’t have to be stuck in a f*cking bubble. You don’t have to do this kind of music because people say you are this kind of artist. I do electronic music just to get out the bubble.”

Born Juaquin James Malphurs, the 28-year-old rapper rose to prominence as Gucci Mane’s protégé and his flagship artist of 1017 Brick Squad. In 2009, Waka released his breakout single “O Let’s Do it,” and that mixtape buzz allowed Waka to release his debut “Flockaveli” in October, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 100. Including the smash club hits “Hard in da Paint” and “No Hands.”

With 1.9 million followers on Instagram & 1.6 million followers on Twitter, he’s become one of the largest personas on social media, as well as one of the most searched names on Google. Waka Flocka Flame is also cultivating a steady EDM presence thanks to touring with Steve Aoki and appearing on songs by DJ-producer Borgore and Flosstradamus.