UPDATE: I saw this coming…..as nicely written as that letter (at the bottom of this post) was, no where did it have an actual apology. Apparently, Emmett Till’s family noticed that too. From TMZ:

Airickca Gordon-Taylor — Executive Director, Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation and Till Family Representative — tells TMZ the family does not view the letter as a formal apology.

“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.”

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The day after word got out that Emmett Till‘s family called for Lil Wayne’s Mountain Dew endorsement, Lil’ Wayne sent a letter regarding his lyric on “Karate Chop (Remix)”. On the song, Wayne rhymed, “I beat that pussy up, like Emmett Till”.

Dear Till Family:

As a recording artist, I have alway 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