Soulja Boy Apologizes Over Military Jab, Ex-Sergeant Drops Diss Record

Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em has killed the hype suggesting that his new song takes aim at the United States military and law enforcement by releasing an apology statement.

Soulja Boy defended his initial "F*ck military" line claiming it was a result of watching the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"As a young man who grew up in the post-9/11 era, I have watched our country fight two wars that seem like they are never going to end. I have seen thousands and thousands of our brave men and women get killed in battle and often times, I think for what? A lot of people in this country are struggling to make ends meet and I think a lot about what if we had never gone to war. Where would our economy be? Our schools, our after-school and work programs, our streets? I mean, damn, 48 people got shot in New York City just this past weekend ... in 3 days ... I'm not saying that it is just because of a bad economy, but at a certain point we have to take care of our own people." (Hollywood Reporter)

The 21-year-old also made sure to apologize to anyone who took offense.

"In no way would I ever want to offend those who are protecting our freedoms ... a lot of homeboys who I grew up with, a lot of people who come from the neighborhoods we live in ... In no way do I want to hurt any of our honorable soldiers who put their lives at risk, regardless of how they feel about the two wars we fight in. I am just frustrated that we haven't been able to bring you all home quick enough and my frustration got the best of me. I am deeply sorry." (Hollywood Reporter)

Aside from the apology, an ex-military official has released a diss track going at Soulja Boy.

Retired Marine Fred A. Flores has already branded the lyrics "offensive" and an online petition has been started, campaigning for the star's music to be banned from U.S. military bases. Now former infantry sergeant Leo Dunson has slated Soulja Boy, real name DeAndre Cortez Way, in a track called Change Your Name. (OK! Magazine)

Negative buzz surrounding Soulja Boy's "Let's Be Real" developed a few days ago.

TMZ spoke with Fred A. Flores -- a retired Marine who is now a commissioner for the L.A. County Veteran's Advisory Commission. Flores tells us, "It's a very offensive statement ... especially with the 10th anniversary of 9/11 coming up." Flores -- who has two children currently serving in the military -- calls Soulja "Ungrateful" ... adding, "He should apologize to ALL armed forces." "[The rap] is very irresponsible," Flores stated ... "especially for a person who is an entertainer for the youth of our country." (TMZ)