Only Lies

By now you are probably aware that Nicki Minaj stirred up some controversy over her lyric video for her third single “Only”. This song is very minimalist hip-hop. Those Nicki Minaj fans who like their “Va Va Voom” and “Super Bass” are not likely to be that impressed. I however really do like the song.

I also really like the lyric video aesthetically. It is very well done, but I really can't justify the fact that Nicki Minaj is Hitler in this scenario. I tried to come up with some form of symbolism for why she would do this. I came up with no good reason.  

I would have never seen the lyric video if Tumblr had not erupted, and also proceeded not to explain why they were upset. All the comments were “so offended” without really explaining why they were so offended. Something, I thought was very interesting.

I don't feel like this was a necessarily smart move on Nicki Minaj's part, but I ambivalent to the lyric video. I suppose I'm supposed to be completely offended. I really am not.

I am, however, obsessed with Nicki Minaj's apology. It is me as a pop star, basically. It has a sorry not sorry mentality. Nicki has been hanging out with Madonna too much.

The artist who made the lyric video for “Only” was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called "Metalocalypse" & Sin City.

— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

Both the producer, & person in charge of over seeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish

— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

I didn't come up w/the concept, but I'm very sorry & take full responsibility if it has offended anyone. I'd never condone Nazism in my art.

— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) November 11, 2014

The only thing, I really don't like about her response is when she justifies it with two of the people involved happen to be Jewish and they weren't offended. Well, Nicki let's just scroll back and remind everyone that the Jews weren't the only people killed in the holocaust. It included a lot of other 'inferior' minorities.

I love the last tweet, where she says I take full responsibility. She does this after explaining how she wasn't involved. It's beautiful. Her apology is very well worded, but also completely full of shit.

She knows she offended people, and the lyric video has not been removed.

Also, the part of the influence for the video was inspired by “Metalocolypse” and Sin City is a lie. The visual artist Jeff Osbourne also did not apologize, but he said it was inspired by Nazi imagery. You can read his statement below. Much like Miss Minaj it also well worded and defiant to anyone who was offended. He definitely gives a more artistic explanation for the concept of the video, basically saying that America is the new Germany.

There is also the question of if Nicki saw the lyric video before it was uploaded to YouTube. We will never know the answer. This is not a huge dent in her career by any means, but I do think she knew exactly what was happening.  

Nicki Minaj is very involved with her career as most female megastars are. Nicki saw and Nicki approved of it. In my opinion.

Her new album does come out this Monday on the 15th if this scandal hasn't put you off. We also have a new pop offering from her with “Bed of Lies”. It's in the vein of “Pills N Potions” and will no doubt be sent to pop radio. Considering the lack of impact that “Pills N Potions” had I'm surprised she went for yet another downbeat song. Nicki may not be thinking through everything, but she certainly has a plan.

The statement by the director of the "Only" lyric video, Jeff Osbourne, released to Myspace

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 it's 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?