Notorious B.I.G.

Re “Gangsta Rap Performer Notorious B.I.G. Slain,” March 10:

I am deeply saddened by the recent slaying of yet another young black male artist, aged 24. I have no knowledge of what gangsta rap is about, let alone some feud. My heart goes out to B.I.G.’s mother and family.

I can think of many positive things that could have been done with the monies these rap artists have made. There are inner-city hospitals needed; most inner-city kids have no medical insurance. Recreational centers are needed to keep male youths occupied. Computer schools are needed to keep youths abreast of the information highway.

It is too bad Tupac Shakur and B.I.G. were about to change their lives and were killed. The irony is that the gangsta rappers can take heed and learn from their violence and mistakes. The violence has to stop! The black male will be extinct by the year 2000. Perhaps the East and West Coast gangsta rappers will have a peace summit. I hope so.

VALDEMENIA N. WILLIAMS

Los Angeles

* I am not saddened by the death of Notorious B.I.G. He was an admitted drug dealer whose rap glamorized guns, gangs, drugs and violence. What goes around, comes around. Noglorious R.I.P.

WILLIE McNALLY

Glendale