(AllHipHop News) Nicki Minaj has expressed her views on the brewing controversy of the album art on “Lookin’ A** N***a,” which presents Malcolm X as the featured picture.
On Instagram, Nicki said the following:
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 Ass 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 Ass N##### 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####” causes so much debate in our community while the “n####” 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.”
It might be a case of too little too late, as a new boycott has arisen over Nicki Minaj’s use of Malcolm X’s image.
The image, which has offended thousands, was on Nicki Minaj’s Instagram account, but the situation continues to draw ire.
Eventually, the image was taken down, but not before thousands of disparaging comments were posted on a number of social media outlets.
Now, Kevin Powell’s BK Nation and former U.S. vice presidential candidate Rosa Clemente have jump started separate boycotts that takes the Young Money rapper to task.
Clemente said in a statement, “Let’s stop Nicki Minaj, Young Money and their record labels from dishonoring the life and contributions of one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. I am asking anyone who is a lover of HIP HOP culture and who respects Black history to please sign this petition and force Nicki, Young Money and their record levels to take this down immediately. We cannot allow this to happen. As well please pledge not to buy ANY of their products and or work with them.”
Her letter was posted at the following link with a petition for fans to sign.
Kevin Powell’s BK Nation protest spoke similar sentiments, but also spoke to the content of the song as well.
“The song is bad enough: a berating assault—laced with the n-word, in hideous quantities—on men who don’t spend money on her; complaints about men staring at her assets even as her whole video is a pathetic display of such assets; a reduction of all male-female relationships to dollar signs.”
In the statement, he also took time to educate fans on the real reason Malcolm X was looking out of the window in the iconic image.
“Malcolm X carried a gun as he feared for the safety of his family and himself, and was aware he would some day be killed by political opponents. The image of Malcolm X looking out the window highlighted that fear. Nicki Minaj’s use of guns in her new music video speaks to the gun culture in our society today where gun violence is an acceptable norm.”
A number of op ed pieces have been written, most of which raise questions on whether or not the rapper is disrespecting the famous activist leader.