Like most African American writers/critics, I was initially appalled by the assimilation of a Black historical icon with crude pop culture linguistics—just the sight of Malcolm X with the “N word” above his head is enough to give you chills. But unlike some, I recognized an interesting dynamic at play; one that can be both indefensible in its indiscretion, yet contextually nuanced.
When dealing with the representational meaning of media images—the intentional and unintentional messages passed through a medium’s visual content (print, TV, film, music)—things aren’t always as simplistic as they look. Nicki Minaj actually has a point here.
No matter how crude and unsophisticated her method of delivery may have been there is substance to her argument: she is in essence assuming the same representational space as Malcolm X, just in a different setting, time, space and understanding.
Think about the context in which we see Malcolm X peering out of his window. His home had been firebombed and there were daily threats against his life. What’s being represented in that image? What is Malcolm trying to tell the readers of Ebony Magazine by posing with that rifle?
The image poses both an unwavering heroism and intimate vulnerability. It speaks to the viewer in the same way a portrait of a woman standing in front of her children with a shotgun pointed at an intruder would. She’s essentially propagating the same notion. Only her opposition is not would be assassins, but rather male hegemony: a misogynistic system of oppression in which men lay claim to biological superiority, allowing them to set the rules of society and define gender roles.
In her video, Minaj employs the same narrative concept implied in Malcolm’s photo. She is aware of her role and the limits of her power, even as an international pop star. And while she has played the game, both to her detriment and benefit, she is now looking to take that power into her own hands; the same power constituted in Malcolm’s posture.
Ultimately, where Minaj went wrong was not just her choice of that particular photo but in her inability to articulate a greater meaning behind its use. Sure, people like me would have still criticized her, because that’s what thoughtful critics do, we analyze and critique. But that would’ve only given her a bigger stage to make a powerful statement, resonating with observers instead of merely offending.
While I am appalled by the carelessness shown by yet another wildly popular rapper (see: Lil Wayne, Rick Ross), at least in this case there is actually a more complex, worthwhile concept behind the negligence.
This article has been edited solely in order to abide by the rules of ATRL.
The full article is available here via JS Online.
An absolutely amazing article by a writer who both praises Nicki and offers fair criticism of how she could have better handled the situation.
That was a really interesting read. She deleted the cover though.
I don't think the writer of the article was aware of her apology because he kind of went in on her every now and then in the full article about how she didn't articulate what she meant, but he also says she didn't articulate well enough so maybe he did. Idk.
I enjoyed the entire article. I love that she's causing a reason for debate & with so many critics analyzing this. It shows that they are finally seeing something else in Nicki other than the past theatrics & drama. They're really recognizing her for her voice now.
I really love how the track (and the Malcolm issue) is igniting legitimate social commentary. Very powerful.
Nicki definitely has made some ripples (or should we say waves? ) in more than one community and this article finally confirmed to me that there are people out there who are very level-headed and try to understand where someone is coming from.
She deleted the cover though. 
I love the controversy, talk,acclaim around this buzz track
