Nicki Minaj is in hot water over the release of her latest single, "Looking A** N****z," according to the Associated Press.
The Grammy-winner used a grainy, sepia-toned iconic image of Malcolm X holding a large gun while he peers out a window, "seemingly concerned for his safety." The photo was used as cover art for her profanity-laden song.
The song has stirred lots of talk as the "Pink Friday" rapper is also seen firing a pair of AK-47s.
The 31-year-old rapper used her Instagram page to defend and apologize to fans and others who were angered by the use of the civil rights leader's picture. Malcolm was assassinated 49 years ago.
"What seems to be the issue now? Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin A** N*****? Well, I apologize. That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single. I am in the video shooting at Lookin A** N***** and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!!"
The "Moment For Life" also used the apology as an opportunity to discuss the politics attached to the N-word.
"It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy. I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued," Minaj added. "The word 'nigga' causes so much debate in our community while the 'nigga' behavior gets praised and worship. Let's not. Apologies again to his family. I have nothing but respect an adoration for u. The photo was removed hours ago. Thank you."
The controversy has already sparked two Change.org petitions. The first from former Green Party vice presidential candidate Rosa Clemente, and one from community activist and poet Kevin Powell. Both petitions encouraged the rapper to change the cover artwork.
"You come from a rich legacy. Without the work and life of Malcolm X, you would not be able to do what you do," Clemente wrote in her petition. "Unfortunately you have chosen to disrespect and dishonor the legacy that he left us. Why you choose to do this, we do not know, but we will not allow this disrespect to go unnoticed, unchecked or unchallenged. We demand that you remove the picture of Malcolm X on both 'Rise of an Empire' and 'The Pink Print' now!"
The image has since been removed from her timeline. "Looking A** N****z," will appear on Minaj's next album.
