Lil Wayne Finally Apologizes To Emmett Till’s Family

This took long enough. Lil Wayne has penned a letter of apology to Emmett Till’s family over the use of the late 14-year-old’s name in a vile lyric on his verse from Future’s “Karate Chop (Remix).”

In said song, Weezy raps, “Beat the pu–y up like Emmett Till,” which angered the family and many aware of the significance of Till’s death to the Civil Rights Movement.

Besides mentioning that he understands the pain the family feels since he is a father himself, the YMCMB rapper acknowledges Till’s cultural significance in his letter. “I have tremendous respect for those who paved the way for the liberty and opportunities that African-Americans currently enjoy,” reads the letter. “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.”

Wayen’s formal apology comes after the family vowed to pressure Mountain Dew to drop Tunechi as a spokesman. Till’s family wrote an open letter to Wayne back in February shortly after the song was first heard. In his letter, the “No Worries” rapper also vows to never perform the song. Coincidentally, or not, Mountain Dew just announced a deal with Complex Media to launch a new website.

What have we learned here? Rappers only respond to something when it can effect their pockets (see: Rick Ross).

Read Lil Wayne’s full statement/letter on the next page.
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Photo: GQ

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