Flau’jae Johnson views success as more than just her journey; it’s a mission for her whole family. Her father, who passed away, left behind an incomplete legacy in the hip-hop world. With her mother managing her career, Flau’jae has been able to shine in music and basketball. Now, as she aims for the WNBA, she carries her ancestors’ hopes and dreams.
Flau’Jae Johnson’s Dad’s Influence on the Southern Hip-Hop Scene
Jason Akeil Johnson, better known as Camouflage, was a rapper from Savannah, Georgia. He was born on December 9, 1981, and spent his childhood in the Hitch Village housing project, which significantly impacted his music. His lyrics frequently reflected the harsh truths of street life in Savannah, striking a chord with many locals.
He began his musical journey with the group Crime Affiliates and put out a record in 1999 under the name Crime Pay$. ‘I Represent’ was the first album to step into a solo career in 2000, and it became so successful that it climbed as high as number 58 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart.
He then went to Universal Records to record Strictly 4 da Streets: Sex, Drugs and Violence, Vol. 1 in 2001. After the album’s launch, he quickly left the label. In 2002, he went solo on “Keepin’ It Real” with the well-known track “Cut Friends,” helping him establish his name in Southern hip hop.
Flau’jae started rapping when she was young because she wanted to realize the dreams her dad always wanted to fulfill but never could.
Sadly, Jason was shot and killed on May 19, 2003, at the age of 21, while outside the Pure Pain Records studio with his young son, who fortunately was not hurt.
She said she has had a strong bond with her father’s dreams in music. “I feel like his legacy was cut short… That’s why I sometimes feel like it’s my duty to finish what he started.”
She decided to keep her late father’s music legacy alive. In the same vein as her song ‘Feel Yo Pain,’ she posted a heartfelt message that her dad had sung at the same age.
Johnson’s Mom Calls Herself “The NIL Momager” on Instagram
Kia Brooks is not only Flau’jae’s Mom but also her manager. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Kia took on the role of a single mother, raising Flau’jae and her siblings. To support Flau’jae’s growing careers in entertainment and sports, she started TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management.
She has played a key role in landing NIL deals for Flau’jae, helping boost her daughter’s NIL valuation to around $1.5 million. On her Instagram, she frequently posts about Flau’jae’s successes and endorsements, calling herself “The NIL Momager.”
On her YouTube channel, ‘Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae,’ she shares her life experiences and memorable moments with her Mom.
In a recent episode of Revolttv, she mentioned, “My mom was the one who believed in me and this whole process long before I ever believed in myself.”
She has appeared in various media, including a short film called “Court Moms” by TOGETHXR, which offers a close-up view of her life as she juggles work, family, and her support for Flau’jae’s sports endeavors.
Flau’jae gets a lot of support from her stepfather, Ameen Brooks, who helps her music group with their travel arrangements.
Johnson is a prominent guard for the LSU Tigers and is reflecting on her basketball career after the Tigers’ recent loss to UCLA in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
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She qualifies for the WNBA Draft because she’ll be 22 in November, which meets the age criteria even though she hasn’t played four college seasons. Over her college years, she has averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with a significant jump to 18.3 points per game during her junior year. Her three-point shooting percentage is 36.3%, and she has received All-American third-team recognition.
Johnson delivered a fantastic performance with 28 points and four assists, but she’s now at a crossroads. She’s deciding whether to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft or return for another year of college basketball. Before deciding, she plans to consult with her family and LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey.