Last Friday, women’s college basketball fans witnessed a clash of titans as No. 5 LSU faced No. 2 South Carolina in a high-stakes matchup. While South Carolina emerged victorious with a 66-56 win, ending LSU’s unbeaten streak, the game itself wasn’t the main focus of the weekend buzz. Instead, a controversial moment involving the Gamecocks’ in-arena DJ and LSU star Flau’jae Johnson stole the spotlight.
During the game, South Carolina’s DJ played “Cut Friends,” a song by Flau’jae’s late father, rapper Camoflauge. The choice of music caused an uproar, rekindling tensions between these two heated rivals. This isn’t the first time emotions have flared—last season, the teams had a physical altercation during the SEC championship game, leading to multiple ejections. Although Friday’s incident didn’t escalate to physical conflict, the controversy has added another layer to their rivalry, one that will undoubtedly resurface if they meet again.
The Flau’jae Johnson-South Carolina DJ controversy
Following the game, Flau’jae took to social media to express her frustration, calling the DJ’s decision “nasty behavior” and emphasizing that there was nothing humorous about the situation. By Saturday night, DJ T.O. issued a public apology, explaining that his intent was never to disrespect or offend anyone. He acknowledged playing the song at various events over the years, given his connection to the Lowcountry region where Camoflauge’s music remains influential. However, he admitted the timing and context were inappropriate, taking full responsibility for his actions.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey stood firmly by her player, condemning the incident, while South Carolina’s Athletics Department released its own statement addressing the matter.
Who was Camoflauge, Flau’jae’s father?
Flau’jae Johnson is the daughter of the late rapper Camoflauge, whose real name was Jason Akeil Johnson. Camoflauge was known for songs like “Cut Friends” and “Laying My Stunt Down.” His debut album, I Represent, peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart and earned him a record deal with Universal Records. Despite the gritty, street-oriented themes in his music, Camoflauge was seen as a role model in his Savannah, Georgia, community. He often spoke at local high schools and donated Christmas gifts to children in public housing.
Tragically, Camoflauge’s rising career was cut short in 2003 when he was murdered outside a recording studio in Savannah. He was 21 years old at the time, walking with his young son, who was unharmed. His death remains unsolved. Kia Jones, Flau’jae’s mother, was pregnant with her when the rapper was killed, meaning the father and daughter never got to meet.
Flau’jae Johnson’s journey in music and sports
While Flau’jae is a standout junior basketball player for LSU, averaging 19.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season, she is also carving out her own path in the music industry. Inspired by her father’s legacy, she pursued rap under the name “Flau’Jae.” In 2024, she signed a distribution deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and released her debut album, Best of Both Worlds, which features hits like “Came Out a Beast,” a track with nearly 1.8 million streams on Spotify.
Flau’jae’s talent isn’t limited to basketball or her father’s influence. She gained national attention at just 14 years old on America’s Got Talent, where her original song about Camoflauge’s murder earned her the Golden Buzzer and a standing ovation. Since then, she’s continued to make waves both on and off the court, solidifying herself as a force in two worlds—music and sports.
As LSU and South Carolina’s rivalry intensifies, the spotlight on Flau’jae’s unique story only grows brighter. Whether on the court or in the recording studio, she’s proving that her father’s legacy lives on through her talent and resilience.