Edric Riley, who performed under the stage name Rockstar Riley, was fired last week from his job at a Waffle House in Sandy Springs, Georgia, after posting a rap video filmed in the restaurant's kitchen. The video, which garnered millions of views online and was featured on CBS News, showed Riley rapping favorably about his workplace.
In the viral footage, Riley, in his Waffle House uniform, rapped to a hip-hop beat about the eatery's menu, including the All-Star breakfast and waffles. He also highlighted the chain's reputation for staying open during emergencies, calling it "America's greatest diner." The video, reportedly filmed by a customer, also showed smiling staff and patrons.
Riley told TMZ that his termination was particularly difficult as Waffle House was his first job as a teenager and that he had worked there for 20 years. He stated in a GoFundMe campaign that he had given the company "years of loyalty, hard work, and dedication" and believed his video had brought the restaurant positive attention and sales.
According to reports, Riley had been previously warned by Waffle House to remove social media posts featuring him in uniform. He continued to create content, leading to his dismissal. Despite being fired, Riley expressed interest to TMZ in collaborating with the chain on an official commercial using his rap.
Riley's GoFundMe has raised over $1,700. Waffle House has not publicly commented on the firing and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.