In a fiery exchange that has set the hip-hop community ablaze, former NBA player Stephen Jackson has lashed out at rapper Lil Yachty over controversial lyrics referencing George Floyd. During a recent livestream, Jackson vehemently condemned Yachty for using Floyd’s name in what he deemed a tasteless attempt to gain clout, stating, “Don’t ever say his name, bro. Y’all none of y’all knew G.” This outburst follows Yachty’s attempt to incorporate Floyd’s tragic death into his lyrics, which Jackson labeled as “weak” and disrespectful.

The tension escalated as Jackson made it clear that he stands firmly with Floyd’s legacy, expressing outrage over the perceived trivialization of his friend’s death. “Let somebody die in your family. We gonna do a whole skit about it and see how funny it is,” Jackson asserted, emphasizing the deep emotional impact of Floyd’s loss. However, in a surprising twist, Jackson later revealed that he and Yachty had a conversation where the rapper apologized for the lyrics, indicating a resolution to the conflict.

Jackson, who has been a vocal advocate for Floyd’s memory, also took aim at N.O.R.E. of the popular podcast “Drink Champs,” accusing him of clout-chasing after allowing controversial figures like Kanye West to speak on Floyd’s death. “I won’t be doing no interviews about it. He made a mistake. Let it go,” Jackson stated, urging media outlets to move past the drama.

This confrontation underscores a broader conversation within hip-hop about respect for the deceased and the ethics of using tragedy for artistic expression. As the fallout continues, fans and critics alike are left questioning the boundaries of lyrical content in an industry often driven by sensationalism. Jackson’s passionate defense of Floyd’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the weight that names and memories carry in the culture.