Louisiana State University star Flau’jae Johnson is making headlines again, but this time, for all the wrong reasons. More than a month ago, her team had an incredible run that ended with the LSU Lady Tigers dispatching the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Tournament title game.
The 19-year-old guard, who doubles as a rapper, released a new song on Tuesday. She remixed Latto’s “Put It on Da Floor.” In Johnson’s controversial new track, she boasted about LSU’s recent acquisition of Louisville transfer guard Hailey Van Lith.
But while Johnson posted the music video to her social media accounts, it was quickly deleted after gaining traction instead for her nod to lighting up in a Porsche sports car, which included an ill-conceived play on words referencing the terrorist attacks on 9/11.
LSU basketball star Flau'Jae Johnson mocked 9/11 in a new rap song.
The song was deleted once the lyrics were noticed, and LSU claims she didn't mean to offend anyone.
What will the families of all those who died think?https://t.co/gTZAkmKEre
— OutKick (@Outkick) May 10, 2023
The line refers to the smoking of the Twin Towers before they collapsed, killing over 2,000 people nearly 22 years ago: “In this 911 / Blowing smoke just like them towers.”
LSU basketball star Flau'jae Johnson mocked 9/11 in a new rap song.
Thousands of innocent Americans were murdered September 11, 2001. Many more died in the wars that followed. Lives and families were destroyed.
Johnson apparently thinks it's funny. https://t.co/KASZNwuO3W
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) May 10, 2023
The university released a statement on Tuesday night after becoming aware of the controversial lyrics. After speaking with the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year about the remix, the school defended the hoop star in a statement, insisting she never meant offense in the now-deleted music video.
“We spoke with Flau’jae this evening, and while she never intended to offend or upset anyone with her lyrics, she expressed sincere remorse for any possibility of a misunderstanding and immediately took the video down. We will learn and grow from this experience together,” an LSU spokesperson told Fox News Digital/OutKick.
This probably should've stayed in the drafts https://t.co/kbOaQSKyRy
— Brotips (@brotips) May 10, 2023
Johnson, daughter of the late rapper Camoflauge, has rapped from a young age, even before reaching stardom on the court. Camouflage, famous for hit songs “Laying My Stunt Down” and “Cut Friends,” inspired Johnson’s early entrance onto the music scene.
The budding rapper — signed with rapper JAY-Z’s entertainment agency Roc Nation — appeared on The Rap Game, a Lifetime reality show, at 13 years old. At 14, she also performed on America’s Got Talent.
After the Tigers’ NCAA championship win just last month, the LSU star performed her song “BIG 4” in front of fans.
LSU basketball player Flau’Jae Johnson was droppin’ bars 🔥pic.twitter.com/7t5Jnb25bI
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) March 7, 2023
Johnson has also repeatedly shown off her ability to drop bars during postgame celebrations in the locker room.
LSU bumping Boosie in the locker room after last night’s game 🔥
Via- @Flaujae pic.twitter.com/kQHIRBKyMp
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) April 1, 2023
Since then, the up-and-coming musician has teased linking up with several hip-hop stars, including Lil Wayne, who recently said the duo would collaborate on music soon.
Lil Wayne Says he’s About to Hop on a Track with LSU’s Freshman & Star Flau’ Jae Johnson Real Soon🔥🤩 pic.twitter.com/098Pk171uh
— Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) April 4, 2023
While Johnson’s fame has increased in the wake of LSU’s national title, it’s not a new phenomenon for her. She ranks No. 36 in the On3 NIL100 and No. 2 in women’s college basketball. This past season, the 5′10″ guard averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Tigers.
It’s worth noting the LSU star wasn’t even alive when 9/11 happened. Johnson has remained silent on the topic, yet to release a statement.