Lil Wayne received a lot of criticism within the hip-hop community and outside of it for his reference to Emmett Till in Future's "Karate Chop (Remix)." Although it seemed like we'd never get an official apology from Weezy (but his record label did issue one), that's now changed. Coincidentally enough, Weezy released an apology just five days after it was reported that Emmett Till's family would be going after the rapper's sponsors (aka Mountain Dew).
Lil Wayne probably wanted to avoid a situation like that of Rick Ross, who was recently dropped from Reebok over a controversial line. Weezy rhymed on the song, "I beat that pussy up like Emmett Till."
Read his full apology below.
Dear Till Family:
As a recording artist, I have alway been interested in word play. My lyrics often reference people, places and events in my music, as well as the music that I create for or alongside other artists.
It has come to my attention that lyrics from my contribution to a fellow artist’s song has deeply offended your family. As a father myself, I cannot imagine the pain that your family has had to endure. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge your hurt, as well as the letter you sent to me via your attorneys.
Moving forward, I will not use or reference Emmett Till or the Till family in my music, especially in an inappropriate manner. I fully support Epic Record’s decision to take down the unauthorized version of the song and to not include the reference in the version that went to retail. I will not be performing the lyrics that contain that reference live and have removed them from my catalogue.
I have tremendous respect for those who paved the way for the liberty and opportunities that African-Americans currently enjoy. As a business owner who employs several African-American employees and gives philanthropically to organizations that help youth to pursue their dreams my ultimate intention is to uplift rather than degrade our community.
Best,
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.
Lil Wayne
[UPDATE: A rep for Emmett Till's family has said that they do not accept Lil Wayne's apology.]
Lil Wayne released an apology to Emmett Till's family over his questionable line in the "Karate Chop (Remix)" yesterday (seen above). However, it appears Emmett Till's family is not satisified with Weezy's so-called apology, because in fact, Wayne never actually apologized in the letter.
Airickca Gordon-Taylor, who is the Executive Director of the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation and Till Family Representative told TMZ, "While it’s commendable that he has vowed to respect the legacy of Emmett Till and his memory to ‘not use or reference Emmett Till or the Till family in his music,' this statement falls short of an apology, as none is mentioned."
No word if they'll continue to go after Lil Wayne's endorsements, namely, Mountain Dew.
Wayne has yet to respond.