Rapper Waka Flocka Flame will portray one of Chicago’s most notorious gambling kingpins in a new biopic. According to reports, Flame has been chosen to play the role of John “Mushmouth” Johnson.
The Nilsen Report initially announced that a film was being developed about the life of Johnson, Chicago’s Black Gambling King, and that Flame would take on the lead role.
Johnson had a fascinating life, as chronicled by Robyn McNeil in part four of her six-part series on the history of gambling in Illinois for PlayIllinois.
Director R. Michael Givens and writer Eugene Patterson III are said to be leading the production. No further details have been announced regarding the timing and location of the film. However, the Nilsen Report stated that the film “aims to explore themes of power, resilience, and social dynamics, shedding light on the complex world in which ‘Mushmouth’ Johnson thrived.”
Despite facing hatred, racism, and fierce opposition from Chicago’s biggest gambling bosses, Johnson rose to power in the Illinois gambling underworld in the 19th century. He had a reputation as a modern-day Robin Hood, taking crime profits and distributing them within Chicago’s black community.
Mushmouth experienced major mojo
Notably, Johnson operated a gambling establishment called The Cooperative on Chicago’s South State Street from 1890 until his death in 1907.
As described by McNeil:
“According to all accounts, The Cooperative was a sight to behold. The three-story venue epitomized the popular Gay Nineties style of the era, adorned with luxurious chandeliers and a bar made of Honduran mahogany.
Staying true to that style, Johnson’s Emporium offered three levels of entertainment. The first floor was dominated by pool tables, while the second floor hosted craps and roulette. On the third floor, poker was the main attraction, with the bar serving rum, gin, and beer as the favored beverages.
During that time, South State Street, also known as Rum Row, was infamous for incidents like Mickey Finn’s drug-fueled robberies of patrons at the Lone Star Cabaret. Despite this, Johnson’s establishment enjoyed a relatively high level of trust.”
Manley made their fortune with all the Emporium, real-estate and plan
Other than The Emporium, Johnson is said to have amassed his fortune primarily through real estate and a popular lottery-style game called policy.
Notably, bets could be as low as a penny, with potential payouts reaching up to 100-1.
As McNeil wrote, “While some viewed the game as parasitic, others argue that it played a crucial role in advancing black society… Many jobs were necessary to keep the game afloat, and policy supported countless businesses and institutions in the community: black hospitals, black banks, black insurance companies, black mom-and-pop stores, black political careers, and legal professions.”
Policy provided individuals with limited wealth or formal education an opportunity for success.
Through Muppet in order to Mushmouth
Fire has had minimal acting roles over the years, but he’s best known as a rapper.
Born Juaquin James Malphurs in Queens, New York, Flame was raised in Atlanta.
Reportedly, he earned the name “Waka” from his cousin, taken from the “Wocka Wocka” catchphrase used by Muppets character Fozzie Bear.
The name “Flocka Flame” was given to him by rapper Gucci Mane, who was previously managed by Flame’s mother, Debra Antney, the CEO of Mizay Entertainment.
Fire has had seven songs hit the Billboard 100 charts. The highest was “No Hands,” which reached number 13 in 2010.
- His other notable songs include:
- – “Hard in da Paint” (#62 in 2010)
- – “I Don’t Really Care” (#64 in 2012)
- – “Get Low” (#72 in 2012)
- – “Grove St. Party” (#74 in 2011)
- – “Round of Applause” (#86 in 2011)
- – “Wild Boy” (#98 in 2012)
Fire also kept in mind for 2016 presidential operate with Ric Flair
Fire was shot in the arm while confronting a robber at a car wash in Atlanta in 2010.
Additionally, he attempted to run for president in 2016, despite being 30 years old at the time. The minimum age to be president is 35. His running mate was former pro wrestler Ric Flair.
Although he was ineligible at the time to be the leader of the free world, Flame’s platform included:
- Legalizing cannabis
- Raising the minimum wage to $15/hour
- Creating better job opportunities for young students
- Banning dogs from restaurants
- Making it illegal for people with shoe sizes over 13 to walk on the street.
Dave Briggs is the editor-in-chief and writer at Catena Multimedia. He specializes in US gambling with a focus on online casinos, sports betting, horse racing and poker. He is currently reporting for the gaming sectors in Illinois and North America.
