By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Nicki Minaj shocked her own fans yesterday and dropped a music video for her new track entitled “Lookin A*s N*gga.”
While the female emcee got some praises for the actual song, she got slammed by plenty for the track’s artwork.
For the artwork, she used an iconic photo of Malcolm X and that didn’t sit well with a lot of people. Check it out below just in case you missed it:
When Nicki learned of the backlash, she took to her Instagram account to apologize for the cover and even pointed out what she feels is hypocrisy regarding the whole controversy:
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*s N*ggaz? 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*s N*ggaz and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!! 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. The word “n*gga” causes so much debate in our community while the “n*gga” 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
This wasn’t a smart choice at all, but she apologized and took it down so I’ll move on.
Ooh Nicki girl you need some smarter people in your camp because having a bunch of yes men around you has you looking ignorant out here.
Cosign. I don’t know why no one on her team didn’t think about how terrible this looked.
She apologized and removed the cover so time to move on!
A honest apology and the removal of the picture would have sufficed. But she sounds like she’s salty she was called out but she was wrong.
Did she learn nothing from the Emmett Till/Lil Wayne situation? You don’t mess with civil rights icons, ever. Get it together Nicki.
Cosign.
She apologized and that’s all you can ask from someone. No need to keep this controversy going.
Thank you.
Dumb move on her part! But she apologized so time to move on!
I’m not sure why she didn’t think about how terribly this would have been received but whatever. At least she actually apologized and removed the picture as soon as she realized people were offended. That’s more than her mentor Lil Wayne did.
Idiot.
Bad choice but she owned up to her bad judgement. Good for her. #shrugs
What a half a-sed apology. I still love her tho.
Very half a-s.
The song still sucks though.