Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Regarding the Aug. 3 Metro article "Concert Lineup Angers Some Va. Tech Families":

I understand why some families of Virginia Tech shooting victims oppose the inclusion of the rapper Nas at a commemorative concert at the campus, but I think they are overlooking the purpose of the event.

Such a reaction stems from the stigma attached to rap culture, and parents of shooting victims have criticized Nas's violent lyrics. But they may not realize that he is one of hip-hop's most revered artists and is considered a pioneer of the socially conscious rap movement.

Nas's early albums may have contained allusions to gang and street violence, but he has always advocated, through a vivid, poetic style, solutions to the struggles facing society. His presence will add to the event because he can shed light on problems such as the gun violence associated with his own genre of entertainment.

RUTVIJ PANDYA

Darnestown