Senator Demands Apology From Lil Wayne for Insulting NYC

Heres a politician who takes I Love New York to a new level.

New York state senator Malcolm Smith is demanding an apology from Lil Wayne for disparaging the city and is calling onNicki Minaj to convince Weezy to take back his (relatively mild) insult.

The offending comment, via MTV, was brief: "Flat out: I don't like New York," Wayne said Monday when he was asked howperforming withMinaj in the city went last week.

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas

Smith responded swiftly, issuing a statement slamming Wayne and praising New York as the birthplace of the Hip Hop music movement. Smith, who recently helped promote an anti-gun initiative in the city, also slammed Waynes 2007 gun possession arrest, which resulted in the rapper serving eight months on Rikers Island.

At a Times Square press conference Wednesday, Smith's crusade continued. He railed against Wayne for making money in New York while bashing it and alleged the rapper's comments had also insulted the likes of Frank Sinatra and Jay-Z, because both men had "made endearing" songs about the city.

Charles Fisher of the Hip Hop Summit Youth Council also expressed concern that Waynes comments could spark a rap war, Politicker reported.

CONCERT REVIEW: Nicki Minaj Gets Assist from Lil Wayne, Drake at New York Fan Appreciation Show

Sixteen years ago, Tupac Shak! ur was m urdered, and Biggie Smalls came right after that.We cant afford to have a war between New York and the South. Lil Wayne is out of Atlanta, grew up in New Orleans, Fisher said,

Smith called upon Minaj, whom he touted as one of his constituents, to appeal to Wayne to apologize.

It is my hope and I believe and I want to believe that he had a lapse in mental judgement for some strange reason and I hope that he will think about it, Smith said. New Yorkers are forgiving people. Were prepared to forgive Lil Wayne if, in fact, he makes a sincere apology.

Smith, a Democrat, is reportedly considering switching parties and making a run for mayor as a Republican next year.

Wayne recently said he planned on taking a hiatus from music to pursue a skateboarding lifestyle.

"I believe the fans deserve some peace from me," he said earlier this month.