Grand Theft Auto V., now available for two platform generations with a version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S on the way, refuses to die. The game’s latest contribution to the online zeitgeist is the short scene in which side character Lamar Davis roasts protagonist Franklin Clinton, which has become the foundation of an extremely popular meme.
This morning, PlayStation Haven uploaded a YouTube video with Black Jesus star Gerald “Slink” Johnson and Shawn Fonteno imitate their roles as Lamar and Franklin.
(This is the part where I vote for the unspoken NSFW warning that accompanies most Grand Theft Auto imagery. Viewer discretion advised.)
Nobody knows how to hurt you like friends and family.
While this was the logical end point for the joke format, model changes and sometimes even amateur voices have replaced Lamar with everyone from Kermit the Frog to Yakuza main character Kazuma Kiryu the past months. Again, many of these videos are NSFW, but there is just something about it Spongebob Squarepants saying “yee yee-ass haircut” begging to be watched.
It is difficult to pinpoint an important detail or moment that caused this scene to strike a chord with creators and online audiences. The whole thing is hilarious, which is a huge plus, but Lamar also helps round out an almost lyrical tirade with a sing-song insult. Personally, I always look forward to Franklin’s bewildered “What ?!” at the end, especially when Lamar has been replaced by someone out of place like that Darth Vader or Snow White.
Be that as it may, we have at least one more thing to distract us from Hell World.