FUSE TV - Lil Wayne Apologizes to Emmett Till's Family for Horrible Lyric

Update: Lil Wayne's apology to Emmett Till's family is not sitting well with them. Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Executive Director or the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation and Till Family Representative, tells TMZ, "While it’s commendable that [Lil Wayne] 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."

The Rick Ross sh-tstorm over not immediately apologizing for an ill-conceived lyric has apparently taught Lil Wayne a lesson. The rapper released a lengthy apology to the family of slain civil rights icon Emmett Till over a lyric using Till's name as a simile for sex.

On Future's "Karate Chop," Wayne rhymed, "Beat the pu--y up like Emmett Till," a reference to the African-American's 1955 torture and murder by numerous white men over his alleged whistling at a white woman.

Weezy's record label excised the verse from the song, but Till's family still threatened to pressure Mountain Dew to drop Lil Wayne as their spokesman. His full statement (via MissInfo): 

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