Wayne was asked about a concert in NYC and responded by saying, “Flat out: I don’t like New York.” Not shocking considering he spent 8 months in Rikers Island prison in 2010 for gun possession.

Now, Sen. Malcolm A. Smith (D – St. Albans) tells TMZ … if Weezy doesn’t like NY, he should stay the hell out of the state.

“He’s insulting people like Jay-Z … Frank Sinatra.”

Smith continues, “Quite frankly. we’re not gonna let someone come here and make a living off all the New Yorkers and tourists here and then basically say ‘I don’t like New York.'”

Smith says he’s willing to forgive the rapper … but he’s demanding an apology first. 

Don’t hold your breath.