Flau’jae Johnson is one of the biggest stars in all of college athletics, but that reality almost never came to fruition. The daughter of late Savannah, Georgia rapper Camoflauge, Flau’jae has been a star since she was a child on “America’s Got Talent” and Jermaine Dupri’s “The Rap Game.” She was already making money as a teenage artist and had plans to rap full-time after graduating from high school, despite being a special basketball talent. She said she shifted her focus to music because, on paper, it appeared to be a smarter business decision. Before the Name, Image and Likeness law went into effect in July 2021, Johnson would not have been eligible to play on a college scholarship if she was getting paid for her name, image and likeness. Beyond college, if Johnson made it to the pro level, she faces the reality the WNBA average salary is $113,295, according to Yahoo! However, the NIL law existed a year before Johnson graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia.
One year later, with Puma, Meta and Taco Bell under her belt, Johnson has reportedly accumulated $2 million in brand deals, according to Forbes. In addition to her off-the-court accolades and thriving rap career, which she’ll showcase at Jay-Z’s Made in America festival in September, Johnson helped led LSU to its first women’s basketball national championship after being named the SEC Freshman of the Year.
So how does she feel about choosing to continue her basketball endeavors now?
“The best decision I ever made in my life,” Johnson told rolling out. “I’m thankful. I had the right advisors in my corner, and made sure this whole situation played out like how it was supposed to.”
Johnson provided more perspective on how the year has gone for her at the 2023 BET Awards.
What has the last year been like for you?
Man, it’s been fast. It’s been moving fast, but I’m blessed to be in this situation.
Outside of yourself, who’s your favorite female rapper out right now?
Right now, I’m big on that Sexyy Red right now.
What is your favorite hip-hop moment?
Probably one time on BET when Nicki Minaj came out, Drake came out, I think? It was crazy. That was my favorite.
When Young Money performed “Bed Rock?”
Yeah! That was a classic. I was young, too, and I still remembered it, so yeah. That was it.
What do you have coming up?
My mixtape for my fans is about to drop. I’ve got a single with 2Rare that’s about to drop, the “BIG 4” anthem is out right now, so yeah. I’m moving, shaking and dropping, so just be on the lookout.
Imagine Winning A National Championship Your FRESHMAN Year! Then Getting A Lil Wayne Feature Right After ??!🔥🔥 What is life 😫 pic.twitter.com/38TinB05Ja
— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) April 4, 2023
What’s the update on the record with Wayne?
Ah, man. We’re waiting on the Wayne vocals haven’t come in yet, but as soon as they come in, it’s dropping for sure.
