Flau'jae Johnson Shines as Lil Wayne Cheers on WNBA Draft Day

A Star is Born: Flau'jae Johnson's Dual Career

Flau'jae Johnson soundtracks her own milestones. Literally. After Johnson and then-teammate Angel Reese led the LSU Tigers to their first NCAA national championship in April 2023, Johnson's song Big 4 blasted through the American Airlines Center speakers while confetti fell.

“The fact that I'm being recognized for my music as well as my basketball at the highest level, that was a breathtaking moment for me,” Johnson told UPROXX in June 2023. “Both of my lives crossed over how I wanted it to. It was an amazing feeling. It felt like a movie.” That movie got another scene on Monday.

Flau'jae Johnson celebrates her WNBA draft selection.

The Draft Day Celebration

Earlier in the day, Johnson released "WOAH," her single that was embraced as the WNBA's official draft-day song. By dusk, the Golden State Valkyries made her the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Golden State then traded Johnson's draft rights to the Seattle Storm.

"CONGRATULATIONS FLAUJAE!!!!" Lil Wayne posted on X. "THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE AND GREATLY DESERVED!! Get em FLO! 4'z up!!!!!" The iconic rapper has supported Johnson since early 2023, showing his commitment to their collaborative journey.

Lil Wayne's Support and Musical Ties

In March 2023, Wayne joined Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on ESPN's "The Bird & Taurasi Show" and stated, "Flau'jae's flow game is bananas." Johnson and Wayne finally met at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans that July, solidifying their partnership. By August 2024, Johnson and Lil Wayne released their collaborative single "Came Out A Beast," which has garnered over 3.1 million views on YouTube.

Lil Wayne and Flau'jae Johnson at the Essence Festival.

Career Aspirations and Future Goals

Before the draft officially began, Johnson engaged with the ESPN broadcast to articulate her career aspirations. Chiney Ogwumike confidently declared, "I have told many people that you're gonna be the first to be in the WNBA and win a Grammy." Johnson didn't flinch, responding with, "Oh, absolutely, and I'm glad you know." As a standout player, Johnson earned two AP All-American and three All-SEC selections during her four years at LSU, demonstrating her prowess on the court.

Last season, Johnson was a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the top shooting guard in the nation. The Savannah, Georgia native – the first person from Savannah to be drafted to the WNBA – started all 35 games for the 29-6 Tigers. On April 4, Johnson received a Key to the City of Baton Rouge, and April 4 will henceforth be recognized as Flau'jae "Big 4" Johnson Day in Baton Rouge.

What's Next for Flau'jae?

So what's next for Flau'jae Johnson? With her sights set on making waves in Seattle, I anticipate an electrifying career that bridges her love for basketball and music. As she embarks on this journey, fans have every reason to believe in her dual talents and the success that lies ahead. With her infectious energy and passion, Johnson is poised to leave her mark in both the WNBA and the world of music, a feat rarely witnessed in today's sports landscape.