AceShowbiz -

Nicki Minaj received some backlashes after she unveiled the cover art for her brand new track, "Lookin A** N***a". The controversial artwork features Malcolm X holding a rifle and looking out of the window. The original photo was published in Ebony magazine in 1964

Many people thought that Minaj was being disrespectful for using the civil-right activist's photo as the cover of her provocative song. "I've never in my life seen a black artist openly disrespect Malcolm x like nicki minaj just did," a fan wrote on the social media.

Following the backlash, Minaj took to Instagram to address the controversy and apologize. She wrote that the Malcolm X artwork was not official. "What seems to be the issue now? Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin A** N***az? Well, I apologize. That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single," she explained.

"I am in the video shooting at Lookin A** N***az and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!! It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy. I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued," she continued and added that the photo had now been removed.

"Lookin A** N***a" arrived on Wednesday, February 12 with its accompanying video, which shows the former "American Idol" judge flaunting her killer curves in super revealing outfit.

The track is set to appear in her upcoming third album as well as in Young Money's compilation set "Rise of an Empire" which is due out in stores on March 11.