death in a new track — and Terrence Floyd, George’s brother, says the rapper needs to get educated fast.
On Friday’s episode of “TMZ Live“, Terrence didn’t hold back when asked about the controversial lyric from Yachty’s latest song:
“Put my knee up on her neck, I went George Floyd.”
According to Terrence, those words crossed a line — reopening deep wounds for a family still grieving and a community still fighting for justice.
“It Still Hurts”
Speaking candidly, Terrence said Yachty and other artists must think twice before invoking George Floyd’s name, especially in casual or comedic ways.
“His death remains a sensitive topic, and it still hurts,” Terrence explained. “It upsets the family when people throw his name around without understanding what it means.”
Terrence also questioned whether Yachty truly understands the gravity of Floyd’s death and the global movement it sparked, adding that the lyric shows a lack of cultural awareness.
The Global Impact of George Floyd’s Death
George Floyd’s killing in May 2020 became a defining moment in modern history. Video footage showed then–Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly saying he couldn’t breathe.
The harrowing footage ignited worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, leading to new conversations about justice, accountability, and reform.
Chauvin was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to over 22 years in prison.
Backlash from George’s Friends
Terrence isn’t the only one speaking out. Former NBA player Stephen Jackson, who grew up with George in Texas, also blasted Lil Yachty on social media earlier this week.
Jackson called the lyric “some weak ass s**”* and urged artists to keep Floyd’s name out of their music unless they’re speaking with respect and purpose.
Why the Lyric Stings
For Floyd’s family, the issue isn’t just the mention of his name — it’s the context. The lyric uses the imagery of his death as a punchline or metaphor, something Terrence says strips away the humanity of what happened.
“It’s not entertainment. It’s not a joke. My brother’s death was real — and it changed the world,” Terrence said.
Fans React
Reactions online have been polarizing:
- Critics accused Yachty of being tone-deaf and using a tragedy for shock value.
- Defenders argued that rap has always included provocative references and metaphors.
Regardless of the split, one thing is clear — the lyric has struck a nerve, reopening conversations about how artists handle real-life tragedies in their work.
The Bigger Conversation
The controversy also raises a larger question about artistic freedom versus cultural sensitivity. While rappers often push boundaries, Terrence believes there are certain lines that shouldn’t be crossed — especially when those lines involve real lives lost in moments of injustice.
Do you think Lil Yachty crossed the line with his George Floyd lyric?
Sound off in the comments, and stay with The Pop Radar for updates on this developing story.
