It looks like NLE Choppa isn’t letting anything slide when it comes to his city. The rapper seemingly fired back at LeBron James on social media, throwing major respect for Memphis while reminding the world that the city has plenty of Black excellence.
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NLE Choppa Reps Memphis Pride Amid City Shade
In a recent post on X, NLE Choppa wrote, “Y’all got Memphis fcked up WE GOT BLACK EXCELLENCE TOO” with an exclamation point emoji. While it’s unclear what specifically triggered the tweet, the message is loud and clear: Memphis isn’t just a basketball town, and NLE Choppa is here to remind everyone of the talent, culture, and pride his city holds. And you already know, many believe NLE Choppa’s post was a response to LeBron’s recent comments about Memphis.
What Exactly Did The GOAT Say About Memphis?
The internet is still buzzing over what LeBron James had to say about Memphis. In a clip posted on the ‘Bob Does Sports’ YouTube channel, James responded to a question about the grind of traveling during an NBA season—and suddenly, Memphis was in the hot seat.
“Being in Memphis on a random a** Thursday,” James said. “I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We all, like, ‘You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville.’ You got Vanderbilt over there, you got the…NASCAR, you got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team? Like, they’ve got everything.” Let’s just say it had folks feeling some type of way—like, did LeBron really just suggest Memphis isn’t enough?
NLE Choppa’s Memphis Pride Sparks Internet Shade Debate
As soon as NLE Choppa’s tweet hit, The Shade Room Instagram comment section blew up with fans weighing in. Some pointed out that Memphis has been going through it lately, while locals clapped back, saying the city is more elite than most realize. Of course, a few couldn’t resist speculating that LeBron’s “diss” might have stemmed from Pooh Shiesty possibly shading him or his sons.
One Instagram user @flyy3k said, “I’ve never heard of NOBODY say I’m going to Memphis for vacation…. 💀”
This Instagram user @mario.mccoy03 added, “Man Memphis going through it right now 😂”
And, Instagram user @joshxbruce claimed, “I ain’t gon lie Memphis one of the worst mainstream cities I ever been to….“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @always_humble.g2 shared, “Other nba players said the same about Memphis but everyone mad at bron for saying that. The glaze is crazy😂😂”
While Instagram user @slim__978 commented, “The timing after Pooh Sheisty is wild”
Lastly, Instagram user @poohmoney_dadon said, “Bron mad because Pooh diss his son🤷🏽♂️😂”
Memphis Mayor Reacts To LeBron, Extends Official Invite
Memphis isn’t letting LeBron James’ comments slide. After the NBA superstar suggested the Grizzlies should move to Nashville and criticized the city, Mayor Paul Young stepped up, making it clear Memphis has plenty to show off.
On April 3, Young took to X to respond, first giving a shoutout to ‘First Take’ panelists Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins, who criticized James’ remarks earlier in the day. Then, turning directly to LeBron, Young wrote, “@kingjames, I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world,” Young shared. “Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City.” The mayor’s bold invite has fans buzzing, making it clear Memphis isn’t backing down.
@kingjames, I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world. Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City.
— Paul Young (@mayorpaulyoung) April 3, 2026
