Flau'jae Johnson Soars to New Heights Before WNBA Draft

The basketball and rap star is leaving LSU and thinking about her legacy.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:00pm

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An explosive, neon-colored expressionist painting capturing the raw energy and movement of a basketball player, with their face and jersey number dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.Flau'jae Johnson's meteoric rise from college star to WNBA prospect is a testament to the transformative power of NIL, as she balances her basketball career with a burgeoning music career.Baton Rouge Today

Flau'jae Johnson, the 18-year-old basketball and rap sensation, is preparing for the WNBA draft after a standout college career at LSU. As she films the music video for her new song 'Woah' atop the Empire State Building, Johnson reflects on her journey, from being an unknown recruit to becoming a top draft prospect, NIL pioneer, and Roc Nation signee. She discusses the commitment and discipline that fueled her success, the bittersweet farewell to LSU, and her excitement for the next chapter in the WNBA.

Why it matters

Johnson's story exemplifies the transformative power of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) provisions, which have allowed college athletes to monetize their talents and build their personal brands. As a trailblazer in this new era of college sports, Johnson's success on and off the court inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their passions without compromise.

The details

Flau'jae Johnson, the 6'1" shooting guard known as 'Big 4,' started 139 of 141 games during her college career at LSU. In her senior season, she led the Tigers to a 29-6 record and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament before a heartbreaking loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Off the court, Johnson signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2022 and has since released three rap albums, all while completing her college degree and earning major brand deals as an NIL pioneer.

  • Johnson was 18 years old when she signed with Roc Nation in 2022.
  • In her senior season at LSU, the team finished 29-6 and earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for this Friday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Flau'jae Johnson

A 6'1" shooting guard who played four years at LSU, leading the team to a 29-6 record and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament in her senior season. Johnson signed with Roc Nation in 2022 and has released three rap albums while completing her college degree.

Jay-Z

The legendary rapper and entrepreneur who founded Roc Nation, the entertainment agency that signed Flau'jae Johnson in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Top 10 life experience”

— Flau'jae Johnson, Basketball and Rap Star

“Rapper and a baller, baby, it's no other fo' / Millionaire straight out of college baby, I been bout my dough”

— Flau'jae Johnson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Flau'jae Johnson's remarkable journey, from an unknown recruit to a top WNBA prospect and rising music star, exemplifies the transformative power of the NCAA's NIL provisions. Her success on and off the court inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their passions without compromise, paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future in college sports.