Malcolm X family rejects Minaj photo

Malcolm X's family is upset by Nicki Minaj's mock-up of the black nationalist's famous photo in which he holds a rifle in his hands.

Malcolm X's family say Nicki Minaj's use of the black nationalist's famous photo is offensive. (AAP)

Malcolm X's family and estate say Nicki Minaj's use of a famous photo of the black nationalist with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song's artwork is disrespectful and offensive.

In an exclusive statement to The Associated Press on Friday, Malcolm X's daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, says Minaj's use of the picture "in no way is endorsed by our family".

Minaj apologised on Thursday for using the photo and pulled the artwork after she was criticised on many social media platforms. Her new song's title includes the N-word.

Mark Roesler, CEO of CMG Worldwide, which represents the Malcolm X estate, called Minaj's use of the photo "dehumanising," "inaccurate" and "tasteless."