After the family of Civil Rights murder victim Emmett Till threatened Lil Wayne’s Mountain Dew endorsement with a boycott due to his harsh lyrics on Future’s “Karate Chop (Remix),” where he compares brutal sex to Till’s racially motivated murder, Wayne has come forth with an apology. However, the Till family ain't trying to hear it.
Missinfo.tv posted an exclusive letter from Wayne acknowledging the family’s concerns. Peep the letter 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
While the thorough letter seems genuine, the Till family does not accept Weezy’s apology, saying he never actually stated it as being such. Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Executive Director of the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation and Till Family Representative, tells 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."
Dang.
