THE DR. IS OUT

Dr. Dre, a.k.a. Andre Young, a soul-searching stint that has softened his hard edges? Don’t believe the hype (“The Doctor, Unmasked,” by Chuck Philips, Oct. 13).

This former batterer (just ask the former female TV host he hit), associate of gang members and popularizer of menacing gangsta rap--which glorified violence, misogyny and conspicuous wealth--is workin’ it big-time and The Times is his latest dupe.

Although Dre certainly showed talent for inspired musical elements to the rap songs he either produced or performed, there was never a larger question he as an artist was exploring through the use of violent imagery. It has always been about money for him.

If The Times really had to do a profile on this man, the Business section seems a more appropriate place. That section celebrates the success of sharks all the time.

JEFF SOFTLEY

Los Angeles

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I recall an interview with Andre Young on MTV a few years ago in which he hammered home the point that all that mattered to him was that he was successful and making lots of money. He was somehow unable (or unwilling) to consider the devastating impact his music and lyrics were having on young people and our communities.

Now, after spending 180 days in jail, Young has had a change of heart and has decided to disassociate himself from “all that violent B.S.” It’s hard not to think of the many families who must wish that Young had arrived at this revelation years ago.

JAMES P. EGAN

San Bernardino