Rapper and reality television star Flavor Flav was arrested Thursday while traveling to his mother's funeral, reportedly for speeding and driving without a license.
State police told the Associated Press that the rapper, whose real name is William Drayton, was released on an appearance ticket so he could attend the funeral.
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TMZ reported that the arrest occurred in Hempstead, N.Y. State police said that Flavor Flav was driving a vehicle 79 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. They arrested the rapper after learning he had 16 suspensions on his license.
Flavor Flav's numerous unpaid tickets triggered the suspensions, and authorities reportedly found a small amount of marijuana on him when he was pulled over. He is due to appear in court Jan. 28.
His mother, Anna Drayton, died on Dec. 31. Flavor Flav announced his mother's death on Twitter and then thanked fans for their support.
Flavor Flav was a member of the influential 1980s rap group Public Enemy, whose songs addressing social awareness of African-Americans in urban areas became anthems in inner cities. Flavor Flav and Public Enemy were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.
After time away from music, he entered the reality television world with VH1's "The Surreal Life" in 2004, where he developed a romantic relationship with former movie star Brigitte Nielsen. After the series and his relationship with Nielsen ended, he starred in three seasons of a "The Bachelor"-esque show, "Flavor of Love," on MTV beginning in 2006.
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