Nicki Minaj stirs controversy as she uses an image of Malcolm X holding a rifle in the cover art for the latest visual she released on Wednesday for "Lookin Ass N***a," a track off her upcoming third studio album, The Pink Print.

The Young Money rapper immediately received criticisms from the viewers who felt that she has misused the image of the black activist leader. She took to her Instagram account to post up an image from the video featuring her holding an assault rifle on Thursday. "What seems to be the issue now?" she wrote the following caption. "Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin Ass N****z?"

"Well, I apologize. That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single," she wrote to her over 4.2 million fans and followers. "This is a conversation. Not a single."

The "Starships" rapper explained that while she was filming the new music video, she saw the 1964 iconic photo of Malcolm X looking out a window, holding an M1 Carbine rifle "ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!"

"It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy," Nicki Minaj continued. "I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued."

"The word 'n***a' causes so much debate in community while the 'n***a' behavior gets praised and worship. Let's not," she added. "Apologies again to his family. I have nothing but respect and adoration for u. The photo was removed hours ago. Thank you."

In addition, during a radio interview with Hot 97's Angie Martinez on Thursday, the rapper told the host that she created the track to empower women since there are too many songs that seem to attack women.

"It was almost parallel in my opinion because he has this big gun ready to shoot at a looking (expletive) bleep, and that's how I looked at it," said Nicki Minaj. "I looked at it as this is one of the most memorable people in our history, in black history, who voiced his opinion no matter what, and I understand how my intent was overlooked and I definitely didn't want to offend his family or his legacy."