Nicki Minaj Apologizes For Nazi Imagery In “Only” Lyric Video

Update (Nov. 11, 2:10 p.m.): "Only" lyric director and visual artist Jeff Osborne sent in a statement to Spencer Stein from Myspace. Read it below.

Before I start, be clear that these are my personal views and not the views of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, or Young Money.

First, I’m not apologizing for my work, nor will I dodge the immediate question. The flags, armbands, and gas mask (and perhaps my use of symmetry?) are all representative of Nazism.

But a majority of the recognizable models/symbols are American: MQ9 Reaper Drone, F22 Raptor, Sidewinder missile, security cameras, M60, SWAT uniform, General’s uniform, the Supreme court, and the Lincoln Memorial. What’s also American is the 1st Amendment, which I’ve unexpectedly succeeded in showing how we willfully squeeze ourselves out of that right every day.

Despite the fact heavy religious and economic themes were glossed over, there’s also Russian T-90 tanks, Belgian FN FAL, German mp5 (not manufactured until 1966), an Italian Ferrari, and a Vatican Pope.

As far as an explanation, I think its actually important to remind younger generations of atrocities that occurred in the past as a way to prevent them from happening in the future. And the most effective way of connecting with people today is through social media and pop culture. So if my work is misinterpreted because it’s not a sappy tearjerker, sorry I’m not sorry. What else is trending?

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After Nicki Minaj unveiled her lyric video for her new single "Only" featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, the backlash piled in due to a specific theme in the video. Viewers quickly noticed the Nazi-themed imagery that acted as the backdrop to her video and many were less than pleased to see the YMCMB rapper forming any comparison between herself and Hitler.

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