Lil Wayne, Emmett Till: Weezy Gives Lackluster Apology In Wake Of Mountain Dew Controversy, Could Learn Lesson From Rick Ross 'UOENO' Scandal

Lil Wayne has officially kind-of apologized to the family of Emmett Till for his offending words on the original version of Future's "Karate Chop (Remix)." The family had been pushing for Weezy's sponsor to drop Wayne after he said "beat the p-sy up like Emmett Till" during his guest verse on the track. In his official "apology" Wayne promises never to use the memory of a viciously murdered teenager to promote his own sexual prowess again.

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

Till's family was asking for an apology from Wayne and they got it. No word yet on whether they'll deem the response adequate.

This almost apologizing is the same sort of thing that got Rick Ross in so much trouble after he dropped a date rape-y lyric on Rocko's "UOENO." Rozay's half apologies didn't sit well with feminist groups and he was dropped by Reebok under mounting pressure. Then and only then, did he release a sincere-sounding apology.

We can only hope the same fate doesn't befall Wayne.