Hood MrBeast trend tied to late rapper Lucas Coly gains steam, fans await MrBeast’s response
The Origin of the Hood MrBeast Trend
On May 2, 2025, exactly seven months after rapper and influencer Lucas Coly passed away from a self-inflicted wound, a curious trend exploded online: “Hood MrBeast.” What began as a wave of AI-generated memes—MrBeast’s face placed on bodies like Lucas Coly and Jay Critch—quickly evolved into one of the most viral moments of the year.
The trend hit a new level when MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, played along. On May 18, he uploaded a TikTok in full “hood” attire, mimicking iconic poses and street fashion. The video, which included a collaboration with popular streamer Kai Cenat, racked up over 250 million views—his most liked TikTok ever. Instagram followed suit, with over 12 million likes on a post where he recreated one of Coly’s famous poses: a money phone to the ear, red hoodie slung across the shoulder, chain on full display.
A Legacy Cut Short: Remembering Lucas Coly
Lucas Coly was just 27 when he died on October 2, 2024. Known for blending French and English lyrics, Coly rose to fame during the Vine era. Afterwards, he continued to grow a dedicated fanbase through his music and social media. His hits like “I Just Wanna” and “Break Ya Back” garnered millions of views and streams across platforms.
His manager, known through the platform “I Discover Stars,” confirmed the cause of death. Coly died from a a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He shared this news in a heartfelt tribute. The post, tagged with #checkonyourfriends, pointed to deeper mental health struggles. Therefore, sparking waves of tributes from fans and peers alike.
A Viral Trend Meets a Personal Plea
As the Hood MrBeast trend continued to dominate TikTok and Instagram, it caught the attention of Coly’s inner circle. On May 25 of this year, Coly’s manager posted a direct request on Instagram: that MrBeast honor Lucas’s legacy by appearing as his viral persona “MrLean” in the official music video for “Break Ya Back.”
The post referenced a similar approach used in DJ Khaled and Drake’s “PopStar” video, which featured Justin Bieber lip-syncing Drake’s verses. In this case, MrBeast would take the spotlight for Lucas. Therefore, making it a symbolic tribute made even more meaningful by the fact that Empire Records allegedly used Bieber’s name to lure Coly into signing—though the deal never came to pass.
Nasim Nabi and the Remix That Matters
Nasim Nabi, Coly’s longtime friend and collaborator, also weighed in. In early May, he dropped an EP titled “33,” a nod to Paris’s area code and his shared age with Coly’s manager. The EP includes a “Break Ya Back” remix recorded before Coly’s death. On TikTok, Nasim appealed to MrBeast to help carry out Lucas’s dream of a crowd rapping his lyrics word-for-word.
Nabi also added intrigue when he shared stories of his past relationship with Nicki Minaj’s sister, Ming Li, claiming her name helped inspire the “Minaj” moniker—a personal revelation that captivated fans and brought even more eyes to the campaign.
Industry Ties and Longstanding Friction
Lucas Coly was once signed by Next Models via his manager. Jay Critch, a popular rapper whose image also fueled the AI memes, shared the same management. There’s an ironic twist here: without Coly’s modeling and entertainment affiliations, the Hood MrBeast meme might never have taken shape.
Adding another layer, Coly’s manager had previously filed a lawsuit against Next Models in 2019 involving agent Gaspard, known for his work with Beyoncé’s nephew Julez. Recent whistleblower allegations have reignited interest in that lawsuit, though specifics remain largely undisclosed.
The 455 Boys and Snoop Dogg’s Imagined Cameo
The 455 Boys, creators of a double cup drink called Screwlaid—endorsed by Snoop Dogg—also expressed interest in the music video. They envision a scene where Snoop, a longtime cultural icon and hip-hop ambassador, holds a Screwlaid cup customized with Lucas Coly’s face replacing their cartoon logo. The symbolism is deep: a gesture blending old-school recognition with new-age legacy-building.
Snoop Dogg has long been an advocate for emerging talent, having collaborated with young artists across generations. His involvement in the video would represent a torch-passing moment, further legitimizing the campaign. The 455 Boys believe this cameo could tie the narrative together—connecting Lucas Coly’s underground roots, MrBeast’s viral reach, and Snoop Dogg’s cultural stature in a way that bridges fanbases and genres.
Their product, Screwlaid, already boasts a cult following, with branding that aligns closely with the “MrLean” persona. A scene of Snoop tipping the cup, surrounded by visual nods to Coly’s lyrics and iconography, would likely go viral—serving both as tribute and meme, just like the original trend.
MrBeast Responds—But What’s Next?
On June 4, Coly’s manager posted an Instagram update confirming that MrBeast had responded via email. What exactly was said remains private. As of now, MrBeast has not posted any MrLean content to YouTube, despite the overwhelming success of the TikTok version.
With over 346 million subscribers on YouTube and unparalleled reach, his next move could determine whether this moment becomes a fleeting meme or a lasting tribute. The reach MrBeast has would definitely ensure Coly gets the ultimate reach, which would properly honor his legacy.
Walking the Line: Humor, Tribute, and Respect
This story walks a fine line between meme culture and memorialization. MrBeast’s participation in the trend was lighthearted, but the roots of the movement trace back to a tragedy. Lucas Coly’s manager and friends aren’t asking for sympathy—they’re asking for visibility. For a legacy fulfilled.
MrBeast, known for his philanthropic efforts and sensitivity to online causes, is uniquely positioned to make this right. The ask isn’t heavy. A short cameo. A nod in a music video. Maybe even a post sharing Lucas’s music with his audience.
For fans, it’s about closure. For Lucas Coly’s team, it’s about making a dream come true. And for MrBeast, it’s a chance to show that internet trends can carry real-life meaning.
Will he do it? The world’s watching.