Lil Yachty Sparks Backlash with Controversial George Floyd Reference: Family, Stephen Jackson React

Atlanta artist Lil Yachty has drawn widespread backlash after previewing an unreleased track during a livestream with PlaqueBoyMax on August 14, which contained the lyric:

“Put my knee up on her neck, I went George Floyd.”

The line was widely interpreted as sexualizing the circumstances of Floyd’s tragic killing—sparking immediate outrage online.

Community Response: Outrage & Cultural Reckoning

Social media erupted in backlash. Many users condemned the lyric as tone-deaf and disrespectful, with some drawing parallels to past controversial hip-hop references—like those by Lil Wayne toward Emmett Till or Rodney King—that similarly sparked debate.

Industry voices echoed the frustration. Some questioned whether platforms, labels, or peers should intervene before such lyrics are made public—especially when they touch on real-world trauma and social movements.

Stephen Jackson Slams the Line as “Weak Ass Sh*t”

For many, no critique carried more emotional weight than Stephen Jackson, former NBA player and longtime friend of George Floyd. He expressed his disdain in a fiery live video response:

“Lil Yachty, bro. You been wack, my na… You think saying George Floyd’s name in a bar is gonna make people like your wack-ass music… That s weak! Y’all the only era that feels like demeaning the dead is cool. It ain’t.”

Jackson continued:

“Don’t ever say his name, bro… none of y’all knew G, nothing about him. But y’all wanna say his name for clout. That’s weak-ass s***, Yachty. Let somebody die in your family, we gon’ do a whole skit about it and see how funny it is. Cut that s*** out!”

Terrence Floyd: “It’s Inconsiderate … I Want the Line Changed”

George Floyd’s brother, Terrence Floyd, weighed in on the matter through a statement shared via The Shade Room:

“I believe it’s inconsiderate.

Sometimes this generation doesn’t pay attention to what they say… it may make sense to you but think about the impact to others. People are sending the clip to me. I want the line changed. Let my brother rest in peace. It disturbs the family’s peace. There has to be a better message behind any mention of George Floyd’s name. So his legacy can live on beyond what Chauvin did to him.”

An Apology Emerges

In the wake of mounting criticism, Lil Yachty issued an apology directed toward Stephen Jackson and the Floyd family:

“I recognize now that the lyric was deeply hurtful, especially to those closest to George’s legacy. That was never my intent. I apologize—especially to Stephen Jackson—for disrespecting his friend and for the pain it caused. I’ll be reworking that line and ensuring this doesn’t happen again.”