In a fiery exchange that has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, former NBA player Stephen Jackson has publicly condemned Lil Yachty for using George Floyd’s name in a controversial lyric. Jackson, a close friend of Floyd, expressed his outrage during a recent livestream, asserting that Yachty’s attempt to leverage Floyd’s legacy for clout was “whack” and disrespectful. “You don’t know anything about G. Don’t ever say his name, bro,” Jackson declared, emphasizing the deep personal connection he has to Floyd’s memory.

The backlash comes after Yachty referenced Floyd in a bar while appearing on a podcast, prompting immediate backlash from fans and influencers alike. Jackson didn’t hold back, calling Yachty’s lyric “weak” and suggesting that he should consider the pain of losing a loved one before making jokes about such a tragic event.

However, in a surprising twist, Jackson later revealed that he and Yachty had spoken privately, and the rapper issued an apology for the lyric, acknowledging his mistake. “He’s a smart young man. He made a mistake. We moved on from it,” Jackson stated, urging the press to stop seeking conflict in the matter.

But the drama didn’t end there. Jackson also took aim at N.O.R.E., the host of the popular podcast “Drink Champs,” accusing him of clout chasing for allowing Kanye West to discuss Floyd in a previous episode. This ongoing feud has reignited tensions, with Jackson asserting that he will not engage in further interviews about the situation, insisting that the matter is closed.

As the hip-hop world watches closely, the fallout from this incident highlights the delicate balance between artistry and respect for those who have lost their lives, particularly in the context of social justice movements. Jackson’s passionate defense of Floyd’s legacy serves as a stark reminder of the impact words can have, both in music and beyond.