JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - After performing for a dozen years, Afroman got his first hit in 2001 with the marijuana anthem ''Because I Got High.'' The novelty song appealed both to supporters of marijuana and those who were against its use, Afroman told The Associated Press in a recent telephone interview from his home in Hattiesburg.

''It was just a song that everybody could relate to,'' he said.

The record was on a local label, getting some airplay for several years, said Sean Ross, vice president of music and programming at Edison Media Research, which surveys the radio industry. It found its way to mainstream radio after Afroman was signed to Universal Records.

''The right song finds its way and 'Because I Got High' was proof of that,'' Ross said.

The song was featured in Kevin Smith's movie ''Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back'' and on the soundtrack of ''Disturbia,'' starring Shia LaBeouf.

It has become a popular cell phone ring tone in recent years.

''I was just telling a story ... kind of like a slap your knee around the campfire having a good time,'' said Afroman, 32, whose real name is Joseph Foreman. ''I was just having fun. It is a stew. It's like a gumbo.''

Foreman said he's working on his first film, a spoof of 1995's ''Waiting to Exhale.''

''I am supplying the key ingredients'' for the movie, ''Waiting to Inhale,'' he told the AP.

''Waiting to Inhale'' is also the name of his latest album.

Foreman started the independent label Hungry Hustler Records after splitting with Universal in 2004. He hasn't been able to repeat his earlier success.

''It is hard to string two successful albums together these days for anybody much less somebody that had their one big hit six years ago,'' Ross said.

Foreman said he enjoys not having his life under scrutiny.

''One thing I like about being Afroman is that nobody really cares,'' he said. ''I'm not Paris Hilton or nobody. The benefits of being nobody.''

By KATHY HANRAHAN Associated Press Writer

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