NLE Choppa releases new single ‘KO,’ referencing NBA YoungBoy

NLE The Great drops 'KO', a 2Pac-inspired track that references NBA YoungBoy

Rapper NLE Choppa, now going by NLE The Great, has released a new single titled KO, built around a sample of 2Pac’s Hit ’Em Up.

The track arrives during a quiet period for mainstream hip-hop, with no rap songs currently appearing in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40.

In the song, NLE delivers direct references to NBA YoungBoy, rapping, “YoungBoy what, this the big boy league / Put one in the gut under the Jesus piece / Last thing that I heard was ‘Jesus please,’ had me looking at the devil like this is your king.”

Later in the same verse, he continues, “You poison the youth, nun positive you do / I’m in love with the art, he tearing people apart.”

NLE called out NBA Youngboy in his new song called “KO” 👀😳
pic.twitter.com/WOrSqqM0Ue

— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) October 30, 2025

The lyrics, combined with cover art that appears to show NLE holding a severed head resembling YoungBoy, have led to widespread discussion among fans online.

^_-Spotify

The accompanying music video shows NLE portraying figures such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Prince, and Michael Jackson, with choreography by Jackson’s longtime collaborator Travis Payne. NLE is also seen wearing a pair of shoes previously owned by the late pop star.

The release is part of a broader promotional campaign that includes national billboards, collectible CDs, and themed merchandise.

The single also marks a creative shift for NLE, who has said he wants to approach his work with greater intention and artistic focus.