A Walk on the Mild Side

Thank you for paving the way for more awareness and positive articles to be written about a different side of rap music and hip-hop culture in general (“No Gangs. No Guns. No Sale?,” by Geoff Boucher, Feb. 4).

It’s about time the world and concerned American parents know that not all rap music portrays violence, sex, misogyny and overall negativity about urban life. All the groups highlighted in the article represent the other side of hip-hop’s extended and diverse family. And since it’s primarily up to broadcasters to bring music to the masses, it’s actually a waste of good positive music if they choose not to play Jurassic 5 or Black Eyed Peas.

Like a child, positive and creative hip-hop needs to be nurtured and cared for so it can grow and mature. We can go a long way with this unique form of music, or we can stifle ourselves and settle for what’s popular now and complain about its negative effect on our kids.

SHARLENE WOODRUFF

Highland Park

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I agree with Will I Am that “there’s something wrong with humans.” Lots of things, in fact, one of which is the adult amnesia I somehow thought my generation would escape. Doesn’t anybody remember the attempts to make us like those grotesquely cheery Up With People sorts of groups, which Mom and Dad thought sounded just like rock ‘n’ roll? It was music like that that drove us to drugs.

Why are we surprised that, in 2001, it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that bling?

CYNTHIA CARLE

Los Angeles

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I am an 18-year-old female. I share the feelings of many others in my age bracket in saying that we do “buy” it. The only reason I can see as to why this revolutionary music is not breaking into the mainstream is because of articles like this one blackballing it from the CD players and car stereos of America that have not as yet been exposed to the distinctive beats and messages of these for the most part undiscovered urban treasures.

Instead of being “clean” or “positive,” why can’t it can be “thought-provoking” and “a new force”? It’s great music we’re listening to . . . not Mr. Rogers.

SUSANNA MARIA LUCARELLI

Camarillo

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In a world that celebrates infamy and sexual titillation/violence for profit (Monica Lewinsky, WWF, etc.), is it any wonder that the most popular lyrical and video representations of hip-hop culture glorify the more unsavory elements of urban life?

The moral climate of society in general is rapidly progressing downward. This decline is reflected in our art and entertainment. Rap music is only a medium; its promise and potential are only as good as the people who promote it. In other words: “We have met the enemy, and he is us!”

RONNIE BROWN

Inglewood

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Rap music with a positive message doesn’t sell for the same reason that nonalcoholic beer has failed to win over the beer-drinking crowd. Where you have reached the lowest common denominator, taste is not a factor. In the case of both, it is shock value to your senses, not how good or bad it tastes.

KEVIN PARK

North Hollywood