Rivalries in sports are part of what makes them great. Players take the matchups more seriously, and fans have to tune in to see how it goes. While we have to wait another year for it to come to the WNBA, Caitlin Clark has a rivalry from her days at Iowa that just got revived — though in a much more friendly way.
Even though Clark isn't at Iowa anymore, plenty of players from LSU can't seem to keep her name out of their mouths. From Angel Reese to Hailey Van Lith — now WNBA rivals with the Chicago Sky — Clark is an ever-present topic of conversation.
Add current LSU star Flau'jae Johnson to the list.
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Johnson isn't only known for her play on the court but for also dropping bars in rap songs. She is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, and in her recently released song, "Help Me," she drops a lyric about Clark.
Here's more on what Johnson said, and her rivalry with Clark.
Flau'jae Johnson-Caitlin Clark rap lyric, explained
About midway through the preview clip for her song "Help Me," Johnson mentions Clark by name. The line she goes with is "Double-C on my jacket like Caitlin Clark."
@flaujaee Baby Can You Help Me 🔥🔥🔥?? #flaujae #freestyle #helpme #rap #CapCut ♬ original sound - FlaujaeThe line is likely a nod to the Chanel logo, but Johnson could have gone any direction she wanted to with it and instead chose to shout out Clark while simultaneously bragging about her expensive wardrobe. Even if it wasn't a diss lyric, it still feels notable given their history that the LSU star decided to name-drop Clark.
What has Flau'jae Johnson said about Caitlin Clark?
Rivalries take many shapes and sizes. The one between Johnson and Clark has largely been respectful, with both sides talking highly of the other. They matched up twice when Clark was in college. In the first, LSU beat Iowa for the national championship in 2023. Iowa and Clark got revenge in a 2024 Elite Eight win.
Here is what Johnson said about the matchups against Clark in an interview with Complex.
"I played Clark my freshman year and my sophomore year. I'm a junior, and so first year — freshman year — we got it. Second year, she got me. So me and Caitlin, we 1-1 right now. I got to wait until I get into the league to break that tie.
"She's definitely the hardest opponent I've ever had to play. She was able to just facilitate. She's like the best passer I think I’ve ever played against, ever in my life. Her and Georgia Amoore, they can really pass. I really respect the game, and I respect her skill. This is next level; it's not even close."
Flau'jae Johnson rap career
Plenty of athletes have attempted careers in music, but Johnson is one of the few who has actually been fairly successful.
Johnson initially appeared on "America's Got Talent" as a teenager as she tried to jumpstart her rap career. She didn't win, but she advanced to the quarterfinals and kept working away at her craft.
Johnson's rap career has gained traction right as her basketball stardom has grown. She released her first single in 2020 and released her debut album, "Best of Both Worlds," in 2024, even featuring Lil Wayne on one song. Johnson took the stage to perform at the ESPY Awards in July 2024.
Flau'jae was dropping bars on the ESPYS stage 👏 pic.twitter.com/SHl6ZuKaSQ
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024