Nicki Minaj Issues Apology For Controversial Malcolm X Single Cover Art

Nicki Minaj received a flood of internet backlash Thursday (Feb 13th), after unveiling her artwork for new track 'Lookin Ass Ni--a'.

Since the outcry, the 31 year-old rapper has announced via Instagram that it was never finalized as the official artwork anyway.

Minaj used an image of famed human rights activist Malcolm X holding a rifle while peering out a window in his Queens, New York house.

It seems many internet users did not like his image and name being associated with Minaj's provocative hip-hop song, and the 'Starships' singer wanted to know why?

"What seems to be the issue now?" she wrote.

"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---z? Well, I apologize. That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single."

The lengthy explanation continued, "I am in the video shooting at Lookin Ass N----z 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."

Minaj then issued an apology to the "Malcom X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued," as well as airing her opinion on the use of the N-word in today's culture.

The word "n---a" causes so much debate in our community while the "n---a" behavior gets praised and worship. Let's not," she wrote.

Cue the public debate.

And after noting the "photo was removed hours ago," other users of the photo sharing site rushed to her defence for addressing the issue immediately, but at the same time, unanimously agreeing that anyone disgruntled by the art cover are "uneducated".