LSU women’s basketball player Flau Jae Johnson has been in the headlines lately after a controversial lyric in a rap video she released on Tuesday sparked widespread criticism with the 9/11 lyrics now viral
The young athlete has since removed the video and issued an apology, but the incident has raised questions about the power and influence of social media, as well as the responsibilities of athletes as public figures.
LSU player Flau Jae Johnson rap song lyrics mocking 9/11 go viral
The video, a cover of Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor,” features Johnson rapping about her team’s ambitions to win back-to-back championships.
However, it was a single line that caught the attention of many listeners: “In this 911, blowing smoke just like them towers.” The lyric, which compares a Porsche 911 sports car to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, has been widely condemned for being insensitive and disrespectful.
LSU women’s basketball player Flau’jae Johnson facing backlash for 9/11 bar in her freestyle‼️😳
“In this 911 blowing smoke just like those towers” pic.twitter.com/2g5Fn1PQgO
— RapTV (@Rap) May 10, 2023
The controversy quickly spread on social media, with many users expressing outrage at Johnson’s lyric. Some called for her to be held accountable for her words, while others defended her right to free speech.
LSU issued a statement in response to the incident, saying that Johnson had expressed remorse for any offense caused and that the school would “learn and grow from this experience together.”
Flau Jae Johnson’s journey from signing with Roc Nation to helping LSU
Johnson, for her part, has remained silent on social media since taking down the video. However, this is not the first time she has courted controversy with her music. The young rapper, who signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation label in 2020, has been making music since middle school and is known for her bold and often controversial lyrics.
In fact, Johnson made her announcement that she was committing to LSU via a rap video featuring Southern rap legend Lil Boosie.
Despite the criticism she has faced, Johnson has a strong following among fans and has been a key player for the LSU women’s basketball team. The freshman guard averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 36 appearances this past season, helping the team win its first national championship. Johnson’s music was also played by deejays across the Tigers’ March Madness run.
Flau Jae Johnson’s personal tragedy
However, her rise to fame has been overshadowed by personal tragedy. Johnson’s father, Jason Johnson, was a local rap hero who went by the name of Camouflage. He was shot and killed five months before she was born, and his death has had a profound impact on her life and music. Johnson has often cited her father’s legacy as a source of inspiration and motivation, and has dedicated many of her songs to his memory.
The incident involving Johnson’s controversial lyric raises important questions about the role and responsibilities of athletes as public figures. As role models for young people, athletes have a responsibility to act in ways that promote respect and positive values. However, they also have a right to express themselves freely and to pursue their passions, whether that be in sports or music.
In the case of Flau Jae Johnson, it is clear that she has a talent for both basketball and music. Her success on the court and in the studio is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she has every right to express herself through her art. However, it is also important for her to understand the impact her words can have, particularly in a sensitive area like the 9/11 attacks.