According to sohh.com, PepsiCo Inc. said in a statement that Wayne's "offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon does not reflect the values of our brand." It declined to provide any further comment.
Now it seems that reports claim Mountain Dew has made a similar decision with its relationship to Lil Wayne.When did creativity and freedom of speech become the pin point of scrutiny???? I guess when rappers decided to equate Emmitt Till’s death with sex or when rappers decide to say that he drugs a young lady to have her any way he wants (sexually) and as Rick Ross says in a song verse of "U.O.E.N.O" ( “you don’t even know it”).
Should there be a limit ? Do you support Mountain Dew in its decision ?
Even with a letter that lil Wayne addressed to the Till family it seems that that didn’t solve the problem between the two brands.
Here are the 7 words that caused the problem from Future’s “Karate Chop” remix featuring Lil Wayne : "Beat that p*ssy up like Emmett Till"
Here’s the letter Lil Wayne addressed to the Till family apologizing. Read for yourself.
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
Lil Wayne
