Over a year after making headlines for suing Lyft due to an alleged weight-discrimination incident, Detroit rapper Dank DeMoss is once again in the limelight — and her new mode of transport has sparked fresh discussions online.
Keep reading to find out more.
Detroit rapper Dank DeMoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, gained viral fame in January 2025 after she filed a lawsuit against Lyft, claiming a driver refused to give her a ride based on her size.
Now, videos of the rapper riding in a luxurious spacious van with a personal chauffeur have ignited a new wave of reactions.
One commenter humorously remarked, “She should have purchased the same kind of car she was denied…. that’s how you make a statement.”
Recognized for her advocacy of body positivity and self-confidence, DeMoss is an independent artist and the CEO of FSD Records, a Detroit-based label established by her late father, “Big Mixx CEO.” Her discography features songs like Feel My Pain, No Love, and Big Girls, and she has previously performed at SXSW 2024.
The controversy started when a Lyft driver allegedly refused to allow her into his Mercedes-Benz sedan.
Reports indicate that the driver locked his doors upon seeing her and claimed she “wouldn’t fit” in the car. Instead of completing the ride, he reportedly recommended that she book a larger vehicle.
During the recording of the encounter, DeMoss stated, “I can fit in this car.”
As reported by FOX 2 Detroit, the driver responded, “Trust me, you can’t,” and went on to claim that the car could sustain damage and that its tires might not be able to handle her weight.
The rapper later shared with the outlet, “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
A few days later, she initiated a lawsuit under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which forbids discrimination based on weight in public accommodations.
Her lawyer, Jonathan Marko, contended that the incident was illegal, stating to FOX 2 Detroit, “I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong.”
The lawsuit aimed to seek compensation for emotional distress, public humiliation, and alleged violations of civil rights. It was eventually resolved privately in 2025, with DeMoss later expressing her satisfaction with the result. The financial details were never revealed.
Around the same time the settlement was made public, videos surfaced showing DeMoss cruising around Detroit in a custom luxury van, which provides much more space and comfort compared to a typical rideshare vehicle.
While DeMoss has portrayed the upgrade as a positive lifestyle change, many critics online perceived it differently.
DeMoss has previously mentioned that she has a thyroid condition that impacts her weight and overall health. She has described managing her weight as a “forever battle” and has been candid about her struggles since childhood.
The rapper has also shared insights into her health journey, disclosing that she exercises regularly, takes vitamins, and has successfully lost over 100 pounds.
