LSU star guard Flau’Jae Johnson is temporarily setting aside her rap career and podcasting to focus entirely on the NCAA Tournament and leading the Tigers to another national championship.
“I’m not thinking about my music, my podcast, or any of that right now. My goal is to win the national championship,” Johnson said. “Once I’ve won, then I can shift my focus to everything else.”
Despite this focus, Johnson’s musical talent still shines off the court. She features in a Powerade ad campaign that’s been widely aired during March Madness.
Johnson rose to fame as a contestant on America’s Got Talent in 2018, reaching the quarterfinals. She released her debut album, Best of Both Worlds, last year and has also collaborated with rapper Lil Wayne on a track.
Flau’Jae Johnson has shared that she started her music career to honor her late father, rapper Camoflauge.
In addition to her music, Johnson hosts a podcast named Best of Both Worlds, where she chats with top athletes like USC’s JuJu Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from basketball to relationships, giving listeners an inside look at both her sports life and personal interests.
Flau’Jae Johnson and the LSU Tigers defeated N.C. State 80-73, securing their spot in the Elite Eight for the third year in a row. They’re set to face top-seeded UCLA on Sunday.
The two teams also met in last year’s NCAA Tournament, where UCLA head coach Cori Close witnessed Johnson’s impressive performance firsthand. Johnson scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, shooting 7 of 11 from the field.
While Close acknowledges Johnson’s talent on the court, she also praises her influence off the court. “She’s been fantastic for the game,” Close said. “I really admire how she balances all the different things she’s involved in, both in life and on the court. As someone who’s passionate about growing the game, I look up to her. She’s doing an amazing job, and our sport is better because of it.”
Flau’Jae Johnson has shared that she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by pressure, reflecting on her experience with America’s Got Talent.
“Pressure either breaks pipes or makes diamonds, and I prefer diamonds,” Johnson said before performing on a reunion episode of the show in 2023.
