The University of South Carolina found itself in an uncomfortable spotlight, offering a public apology after its arena DJ played a song by the late rapper Camoflauge—a choice that sparked outrage from LSU player Flau’Jae Johnson, whose father, Jason Akeil Johnson, was tragically killed in 2003. This all unfolded after the Gamecocks’ thrilling victory over LSU in women’s basketball, a game that had both teams—dominant programs in their own right—battling fiercely for supremacy.
In the post-game celebration, DJ T.O., the Gamecocks’ arena DJ, spun “Cut Friends” by Camoflauge, a song that, while iconic in certain circles, took on a very different tone given the context. Flau’Jae, who was just a baby when her father passed, took to social media, expressing her frustration with the choice: “I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that.” She was right to be upset. A song by an artist tied to her father, played immediately after a high-stakes victory over her team, could easily be interpreted as a personal affront.
South Carolina quickly agreed, acknowledging the song choice as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful.” DJ T.O. responded with an apology, explaining that the song had no ill intent behind it—she was simply a fan of Camoflauge’s music, having grown up in coastal South Carolina, near Savannah, where Camoflauge was based. But while DJ T.O. might have meant no harm, sometimes good intentions are, unfortunately, not enough when context is overlooked.
As a result, the university suspended DJ T.O. for the Gamecocks’ next home game against Auburn, signaling a recognition that while everyone is entitled to a bad song choice now and then (we’ve all been there, right?), this one hit a nerve. The school also announced plans to meet with the DJ to ensure there’s a clearer understanding of their expectations moving forward.
It’s a tricky situation, no doubt, where a misstep in a moment of celebration can escalate into something far more serious. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that this episode should serve as a lesson in the power of music and context. After all, some songs—no matter how nostalgic or catchy—are just better left off the playlist when it involves someone else’s very personal history. It’s a lesson that will surely resonate long after the Gamecocks’ next victory.
