Hip-hop pioneer and 2 Live Crew frontman Uncle Luke, born Luther Campbell, took to Instagram Live on Sunday (May 11) to deliver a candid and emotional message about the fractured relationships with his children.
In the livestream, Luke expressed deep frustration, claiming that despite having paid millions in child support, his children harbor resentment toward him—something he blames largely on the influence of their mothers.
“That’s $2.7 million in child support,” he declared. “Yes, that is what I paid. Now I got the numbers, ’cause I never added it up. And that’s not including paying the attorney’s fees, so it’s well over $3 million. Because you’ve got to pay the other side’s attorneys’ fees.”
Uncle Luke performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET
Luke, whose outspoken persona helped define Southern hip-hop in the late ’80s and ’90s, didn’t hold back in his grievances. “They would not dare call me and say ‘Happy Father’s Day’ because the motherf**kers turned them against me,” he said. “Which is okay. God has a way of teaching people.”
The Miami legend also accused his children of hypocrisy, suggesting they still capitalize on his name despite their apparent disdain. “I tell all my kids, if you hate me that much, change your last name,” Luke added. “Nobody wants to do that.”
This public airing of personal turmoil comes shortly after a Miami street in his hometown of Liberty City was renamed “Luther Campbell Way,” honoring his cultural contributions to the community.
Actor Luther Campbell poses for a portrait during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival at the Getty Images Portrait Studio at T-Mobile Village at the Lift on January 21, 2012 in Park City, Utah.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Despite the recognition, Luke’s family dynamics remain turbulent. In 2019, he faced legal trouble after being arrested for falling $10,000 behind on child support payments—an incident that continues to color public perception of his role as a father.
“Everybody mad at me,” Luke lamented during the livestream, hinting at ongoing bitterness from all sides. His comments reveal a painful disconnect between the rap veteran and his children, casting a shadow over the legacy he’s built both musically and in his community.
Watch footage from Uncle Luke’s Instagram Live below.
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