Rapper Eminem

* “Rap Was Eminem’s Roots and Road Out of Poverty” (Feb. 21) is your third major feature story in recent weeks either about the controversial nature of Eminem’s lyrics or on account of them. Yet like the previous two, this piece fails to quote any of the purportedly offensive lyrics. The Times apparently is so afraid of words that it has decided to cover what it represents as a significant cultural debate without giving its readers the basic tools to participate or to judge for themselves. If you can’t take the heat for covering this story right, maybe you shouldn’t cover it at all.

DANIEL S. HINERFELD

Santa Monica

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No words you could ever write could have done near the damage to Eminem’s reputation as publishing his high school yearbook picture on your front page. His enemies will certainly be pleased.

STEVE MILLS

Glendale

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If it sounds like hate and it reads like hate, it’s not hate, it’s art. Better yet, it’s comic brilliance according to many young listeners who have great insight into the supposed genius known as Enimem. Meanwhile, the record companies and the artist are making millions.

Freedom of speech is sacred in America, as is making lots of money. Strange how the two concepts become perverse bedfellows in the record industry. If it’s put to music, the most hateful and perverse sells like wildfire. It is truly difficult to comprehend how to place this phenomenon in a society that is supposedly trying to move toward “tolerance” for everyone.

Meanwhile, those individuals fighting for justice and equality receive little attention for their heartfelt battles for basic human rights. Why aren’t we listening to them?

ROSEMARY FLAHERTY

Santa Ana

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I read Robert Hilburn’s commentary, “ ‘Stan’ Carries the Night” (Feb. 22), about why Eminem should have been rewarded for the “true excellence” of his album and thought to myself, yeah and Cookie Crisp is a nutritious breakfast. I am amazed that with so much excellent music in this world, someone can acheive immense fame and earn respect by simply shocking and ranting. Ask the average American what gamelan music is or what a raga is and he or she will probably give you a blank stare--even though the relevance, masterfulness and, by golly, fun of Indonesian or Indian music is 10,000 years ahead of, ahem, Eminem!

SETH BELL

Sherman Oaks