Hip-hop legend Flavor Flav recently experienced a dream come true when he met music icon Paul Simon at a New York Yankees game. The 65-year-old Public Enemy rapper shared the heartwarming moment on social media, expressing his admiration for Simon, 82, and documenting their encounter with a video.
In the video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Flav, clad in a Yankees jersey and cap, approached Simon, and the two embraced warmly. “Oh my God, this is amazing,” Flav said as they hugged, clearly overwhelmed by meeting one of his childhood music heroes.
The two exchanged pleasantries, with Simon asking Flav if Public Enemy hailed from Brooklyn. Flav clarified he’s from Long Island before bowing in reverence to Simon, exclaiming, “Ever since I was a kid, bro. Always been a big fan.” Simon responded by affectionately touching Flav’s face, making the moment even more poignant.
The meeting culminated with a playful twist as Flav let Simon try on his signature white sunglasses. Flav later posted a photo of the moment on social media, adding a personal touch: “Hello Paul Simon, my old friend… You Can Call Me Al, and of course, you can wear my sunglasses!!!” Flav called Simon an “icon” and thanked him for his impact on music, both in America and worldwide.
On Instagram, Flav further shared that Simon himself had requested to wear the sunglasses, writing, “WOOWWW!!! What an honor to meet this icon… I can’t wait to come back and go to a Yankees game WITH him.”
Simon, equally touched, reposted Flav’s message on his Instagram Story, adding, “Great time running into @flavorflavofficial.”
This memorable encounter with Simon is just one of many recent celebrity interactions for Flav, who has been rubbing shoulders with stars like Guy Fieri, First Lady Jill Biden, Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.
The rapper also made headlines earlier in the week when he presented at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. Flav handed Taylor Swift and Post Malone their Moonman for Best Collaboration and surprised Olympian Jordan Chiles with her own special gift—a bronze clock necklace—after she lost her bronze medal in the gymnastics floor exercise final in August.
“I got you something that they can’t take away from you,” Flav told the 23-year-old gymnast, before revealing another surprise: “I got your prize money, too.”
Flav’s admiration for Paul Simon and his heartfelt gesture toward Chiles exemplify the rapper’s knack for making unforgettable, personal connections with people, both in and outside of the spotlight.