Following the Rick Ross episode where he was dropped by Reebok for the controversial lyric on Rocko’s song ‘U.E.O.N.O’, another rapper has been in the news for similar reasons. Lil Wayne ended up offending Emmett Till’s family with his questionable lyric – “beat the pu**y up like Emmett Till” on Future’s song ‘Karate Chop‘. Emmett was a 14-year-old black boy who was beaten to death for whistling at a white woman in Mississippi in 1955.
Epic Records had immediately taken the lyric off the song after the protests began but there hadn’t been a word from Wayne’s side. Emmett’s family recently demanded that Mountain Dew should drop Wayne for the irresponsible lyrics and failure to apologize for the same.
Today morning, Weezy has finally stepped up and issued an open apology which you can read below.
Dear Till Family:
As a recording artist, I have always 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
Via Miss Info
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