If you have a life, family and some business, you probably didn’t know Nicky Minaj released a new single, but she did. Unfortunately, it is called “Looking Ass N*gga” and promotions feature the iconic image of Malcolm X holding an M1 looking out the window.
The imagery, words and disrespect drew immediate push back from the hip hop and conscious communities. People could not believe she had the audacity to use the Malcolm X image for promotion of a culture he would have surely rejected.
“Say what you will about his days as Detroit Redhustling on the streets of Harlem, there is nothing N-word like about Malcolm X,” Alvin Aqua Blance writes at HipHopWired. “To equate a man that literally died for his cause — the advancement of human rights for people of color — is just wrong on multiple levels.”
Conscious of the mounting pressure against her image selection, Minaj took to Instagram to respond and apologize. However, it seems a bit disingenuous to me considering the opening sought to prove her usage of the image, then quick back track into apology. However, you should judge for yourself.
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 Niggaz? 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 Niggaz 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 “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
Source: http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/nicki-minaj-responds-to-malcolm-x-cover-art-controversy
Many people are still outraged at the notion of Minaj using Malcolm’s image. Many are calling out the timing of the stunt being it is Black History Month, but we want to know what do you think?
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