Comedian Jo Koy’s recent Netflix special, “Live in Brooklyn,” has sparked controversy after a clip from the show garnered negative reactions from Young Thug. The clip, which focused on the contrast between the legendary Notorious B.I.G. and modern “mumble rap,” went viral on social media after the special debuted on June 4.
In the clip, Koy praised Biggie’s music for its timeless appeal, suggesting that his tracks could still “shut down the club” in 2024. However, he took aim at mumble rap, criticizing the lack of clarity in the lyrics despite acknowledging that it can be catchy.
Koy’s impression of Young Thug’s hit song “Lifestyle” drew particular attention, with the comedian mocking the mumbling style of the track. He expressed frustration at the lack of coherent lyrics, calling out the genre as a whole for its incomprehensibility.
Despite facing backlash for his comments, Koy stood by his critique, stating that he would rather have music that makes sense like Biggie’s rather than mumbling. He highlighted the lyrical prowess of the late rapper and expressed admiration for his poetic abilities.
The comedian’s decision to film his special in Brooklyn was inspired by his respect for Biggie, whom he credited as the reason for choosing the location. Koy’s passionate defense of traditional hip-hop and criticism of mumble rap sparked a debate among fans and artists alike, igniting discussions on the evolution of the genre.