5 Ways The 'Maybe If You Got Rid Of That' GTA V Scene Changed Internet Culture Forever

The phrase "Maybe if you got rid of that" has become one of the most iconic and enduring lines in video game and internet history. As of December 21, 2025, this single, perfectly delivered insult from a decade-old game continues to dominate social media, appearing in new memes, viral sounds, and content trends across TikTok, X, and Reddit. The line’s cultural staying power is a testament to its brilliant writing and the unforgettable performance of the actors who brought the characters to life. This article dives deep into the origin of the legendary "Yee-Yee Ass Haircut" roast, the actors who created it, and its surprising modern resurgence, proving that some jokes truly never die.

The Master Roasters: Gerald "Slink" Johnson and Shawn Fonteno Biography

The viral success of the line is entirely due to the chemistry and comedic timing of the two principal actors. They are not merely voice actors; they are the motion-capture performers and creative forces behind the characters of Lamar Davis and Franklin Clinton.

Gerald "Slink" Johnson (Voice of Lamar Davis)

• Full Name: Gerald "Slink" Johnson.
• Date of Birth: April 21, 1973.
• Place of Birth: Arkansas, USA.
• Career Highlights: Johnson is a multifaceted actor, comedian, producer, and writer.
• Key Roles: He is best known for portraying the title character in the Adult Swim live-action comedy series *Black Jesus* (2014–2019). He also provided the voice and motion capture for Lamar Davis in *Grand Theft Auto V* and subsequent *GTA Online* content, including the *Lowriders* DLC.
• Recent Activity: Johnson remains active in the comedy scene, performing stand-up and continuing to engage with the *GTA* community, often discussing the franchise and his iconic role.

Shawn Fonteno (Voice of Franklin Clinton)

• Full Name: Shawn Darnell Fonteno.
• Date of Birth: April 8, 1968.
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA.
• Career Highlights: Fonteno is an actor, voice actor, and rapper. He is also the cousin of Young Maylay, the voice of Carl "CJ" Johnson from *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas*.
• Key Roles: He is universally recognized as the voice and motion-capture actor for Franklin Clinton, one of the three protagonists in *Grand Theft Auto V*.
• Recent Activity: Fonteno has continued to embrace his role, notably participating in the highly-publicized live-action re-enactment of the famous roast scene.

The Original Scene: The Birth of the "Yee-Yee Ass Haircut" Meme

The famous line originates from a cutscene in the 2013 video game *Grand Theft Auto V* (*GTA V*). The scene takes place early in the game, establishing the dynamic between the two best friends, Lamar Davis and Franklin Clinton. Lamar, known for his relentless and often hilarious insults, is roasting Franklin. The moment that cemented itself in internet history is the full, unedited line: "Ah, nigga, don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful, nigga. Maybe if you got rid of that old yee-yee ass haircut you got you'd get some bitches on your dick. Oh, better yet, maybe Tanisha'll call your dog-ass if she ever stop fuckin' with that brain surgeon or lawyer she fuckin' with." The sheer absurdity and specific nature of the insult—targeting a "yee-yee ass haircut"—combined with Lamar's intense delivery, made it instantly quotable. It perfectly captured a moment of casual, yet brutal, friendship banter. The scene quickly became a foundational piece of *GTA V* lore and a staple for gamers.

5 Ways the Viral Quote Achieved Immortality

Despite being over a decade old, the "Maybe if you got rid of that" quote remains a hyper-relevant cultural touchstone. Its longevity is due to several key factors that allowed it to constantly reinvent itself across different digital platforms.

1. The Live-Action Re-enactment That Reignited the Meme

In 2021, years after the game's release, the original actors, Gerald "Slink" Johnson and Shawn Fonteno, partnered to film a shot-for-shot, real-life re-enactment of the entire scene. This was a monumental moment for the meme, bringing the animated characters into the real world. The re-enactment was praised for its incredible accuracy, from the camera movements to the intonation of the voices, and instantly went viral, introducing the meme to a new generation of social media users.

2. The Enduring Power of the "Yee-Yee Ass Haircut" Phrase

The specific phrase "yee-yee ass haircut" is the true secret weapon of the meme. It’s an insult so unique and evocative that it transcends the game itself. It became a perfect shorthand for anything outdated, embarrassing, or in need of an upgrade—from a bad fashion sense to an old computer setup. This versatility allowed the quote to be easily adapted into thousands of different meme formats and contexts.

3. Constant Resurgence on TikTok and YouTube Shorts

The quote and its sound clip are continuously cycled through viral trends on short-form video platforms. The sound is frequently used for "roast" videos, where creators humorously criticize their friends, pets, or inanimate objects. Its short, punchy nature makes it ideal for a quick, impactful punchline, ensuring its longevity well into the 2020s and beyond.

4. Topical Authority in the Gaming and Pop Culture Sphere

As discussions around *Grand Theft Auto VI* and the continued expansions of *GTA Online* persist, any mention of the classic *GTA V* characters, especially Lamar and Franklin, inevitably brings the roast back into the spotlight. The quote is a benchmark for character dialogue and comedic writing in the gaming world. The actors themselves often reference it in interviews and appearances, keeping the entity fresh in the public consciousness.

5. The Universal Theme of Friendship Roasts

At its core, the scene is a masterclass in the kind of brutal, yet loving, insults exchanged between close friends. Everyone can relate to having a friend like Lamar who delivers harsh truths with comedic flair. This universal theme of friendship banter ensures the meme remains relatable across different cultures and age groups, making it a timeless piece of viral content that continues to thrive in late 2025.

The Legacy of Lamar Davis and Franklin Clinton

The impact of "Maybe if you got rid of that" extends beyond a simple meme. It has cemented Lamar Davis and Franklin Clinton as two of the most recognizable characters in modern gaming. The actors’ commitment to the roles, including their return for the live-action re-enactment, has transformed a simple video game scene into a cultural phenomenon. The line is a permanent fixture in the internet's lexicon, proving that sometimes, the most effortless piece of dialogue can have the longest and most unexpected life.

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