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9/23/96:		 With the death of 2Pac Shakur, the 'rap' culture of the African-American community has seized national attention. Much speculation associates the shooting with the existence of a 'rappers' war between The West (represented by 'Suge' Knight's Death Row record label) and The East (represented by Biggie Small's Bad Boy Entertainment record label).

What role if any, should the African-American leadership play in resolving this dispute, or is it more properly a matter for the FBI?



Name: Confused??
Email:
Response: Why is their a so-called rivalry between the East and the West. If you throw up your hands, displaying the the letter W for West and turn your hand 90 degree's, does that W turns into a E for the East? I personally liked some of the Raps Tupac and Biggie made, but I do hold both of them accountable for allowing the media to pimp them into a rivalry that caused their demise. The Rap that you are hearing on the radio today is just that, RAP. When I was younger, I listened to "HIP HOP". This was an ERA where lyrics and skills were very personal. People like PE, Cutis Blow, African Bambaata, L.L. Cool J, Kool Moe D, and a whole lot of other "REAL" artist, displayed a movement of Joy and Upliftment. When the West Coast introduced, "Violent Rap" is when things got out of Control. L.L. and Cool Moe did not try to kill each other for lyrics said on wax. The Roxanne's did not try to kill each other either. Instead, they challenged each others ability to be creative. No matter what others think, Easy E, and those backing him (White Vultures) started violent rap which grabbed souls of the inner city and injected the notion that violence amongst each other is acceptable. As much as I hear the so-called "Realist" rappers say, "I'm only representing what I see on a daily basis, and I'm willing to Kill and Die for mines", I don't see them destroying the Record Company's that pimp their communities. The answer to what can be done to stop this senseless violence is GOD.


Name: helenoftroy
Email: interaction@usa.net
Response: All this b.s. is just lies. Lies, lies, lies. First off, to all of you fools who think that 2-Pac and Biggie's lifestyles represent the lifestyles of the average American black, I would ask you to stop living in the movies and to come back into reality. 2-Pac and Biggie's music was reflective of a lifestyle which was stigmatized and overdramaticized by the media. All the news reports and stories talk about corruption and destruction in the 'rap industry' like that's the only place where stuff like that goes down. Any fool will tell you that it is entertainment, not rap, which is the cut-throat, ruthless institution. Yes, rap is a little more violent than most. And let me specify gangsta rap, because there is more than one kind of rap (contrary to what Time would have you believe). But youth music is traditionally violent. Look at punk rock. Look at heavy metal. Look at ALTERNATIVE, for god's sakes! Nobody had to shoot its prophet, Kurt Cobain- he shot his own damn self! Instead of looking at the facts and reporting that rap is NOT the only industry with problems, the media makes it sound not only like rap is some kind of anomaly, but like rap reflects black culture! Jesus Christ! Does punk rock reflect white culture (some would say yes, but that's not the point)? Rap is one division of one section of one movement of one generation. Sure, the music of 2-Pac and Biggie reflects a lifestyle which for some is damnable. But that does not make them devils, and that does not mean that the shoulder the responsibility for the corruption of America's youth, and that does not mean that their music should be dismissed. I personally think it should be taken for what it is- which is a potent, emotionally charged, incredibly strong portrait of what is happening to many of our brothers and sisters in this country. And, more importantly, it serves as a look into how mainstream America sees us. After all, it's the only image of black Americans which has been widely accepted as being at least partially accurate.


Name: KLeonard
Email: k8wra@juno.com
Response: Rappers would be better termed "rippers-off." Perhaps, a better term would be demigogues. The rappers are just another group of people who keep young, unthinking, imperssionable black youths riled up about the things they don't have (and haven't earned as yet) as they fail to take advantage of the opportunities that are present and have been bought at a high price by those who came before them. They are being duped into providing a very good living for the haranguerers who keep their blood pressure elevated with this constant barrage of what "the man won't let us do." Young blacks walk around with frown on their faces about things that they have heard and read about while having suffered little of the indignities that their parents and grandparents suffers so that they could have opportunities. These rappers cynically call themselves musicians, putting themselves in the class of Lena Horne, Billies Holliday, Ether Waters, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and a thousand other great musicians who brought excitement and happiness into our lives. Not the enraging, filth that the rappers do. It would probably help the black community if they all bumped each other off. Although I don't approve of violence or killing.


Name: rashiem sahaad
Email: gabe hernandez.com.utexas.edu
Response: It`s becoming increasingly obvious that americans yes that includes afro-americans also are becoming addicted to drama. biggie and tupac were both money makers in the rap game, but it was strictly corporate. they chose to live thier lives a certain way and reap the benefits. to me although they were skilled in their craft. there are brothers out there rhyming repersent both coast who have plenty to contribute to black awareness and perserverance. jeru, krs-one, ras kass, souls of mischief, outkast to name a few.rhyming is entertainment brothers and sisters narrating tales of lifes many obstcales and beauties. you choose your own destiny. peace to all gods children.


Name: Tunga Somba
Email:
Response: In my opinion, the question presumes that there is a role for either the so-called "African-American leadership" or the FBI (who are not friends of our community). We must be responsible for our individual actions. We have a leadership vacuum in the community that arises in part because often people look outside of themselves for leadership. I am reminded of Colin Powellís ideas of Americanism in his speech at the Republican convention. Though I part company with General Powell when heís hangíin with his happy bunch of elephants, there is symmetry between his message and that of Minister Farrakhan who also believes that personal responsibility will invigorate our community to move "upward and onward."


Name: RON HARE
Email: RONHARE@CORP.FUNB.COM
Response: I think that the Leaderships role should be minimal. I think that leadership should work at facilitating some type on meeting or summit so that the east and west can talk out there differences. Im my opinion i think that the nation of Islam could be the organization to accomplish this since they have held previous confrences with rappers on other issues. Aslo we as consumers can help set the tone for peace by boycotting any negative songs perpetuating this rivalry.


Name: J.P. Johnson
Email: TEZAMIJI@ix.NETCOM. COM
Response: This "gang" rivalry situation is a farce. We need to understand the divide and conquor tools that the enemy conjures up when it is desperate.We as individuals hane to stand up and make a difference. We must support our young people,especially those like TUPAC. he had a message.We din"t Hear it.I personally feel sad . Now what can I do to help?


Name: Ozell Daniel
Email: ozelldan@pulua.hcc.hawaii.edu
Response: I'm not much of a rap fan, and ususally celebtiry deaths don't mean a damn thing to me, but Tupac' death has been on my mind lately. He and rapper Eazy-E both died at the age of 25. I am a Black Man and also 25 years old. A good number of family and friends have not made it to be my age. Although I never knew either of them personally, it is disheartening to see young Black Men go before their time, and reminds me to be grateful for I have and to live each day to the fullest.
I'm not really aware either of any East/West coast feud, but I do believe that it is opening Pandora's Box to have the FBI invloved in investigating anything concerning Black people. Although it is not frequently discussed, the FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, had a special program called COINTELPRO. The main focus of Cointelpro was to investigate and terminate groups it deemed subversive to the government. What does this have to do with Tupacs death? Well, the FBI made it a point in particualr to go after Black Nationalists organizations and any celebrity that might be linked to such groups or causes in the 1960's and 70's in hopes of preventing the rise of a "BLACK MESSIAH". This is no conspiracy theory, it's the truth. The people responsible for Tupac's death should be brought to justice, but at the same time, the door must not be opened for innocent Black men and women in the entertainment industry to be investigated, interrogated, or incarcerated.


Name: Ed
Email: vman@norfolk.infi.net
Response: Caveat Emptor"buyer beware" the record business has always had it's unseemly side, payola, drugs broken contracts, unfair contracts ertc. unfortunately shakurs death reflects a society gone wild. if it is east coast versus west coast the leaderships role is negligible, besides who really controls the music business? The leadership nedds to focus on the disenfranchised etc, Didn't Jr. Walker die broke? Shakur died rich and famous. There is a message here somewhere.


Name: Darcia Scates
Email: dls179@psu.edu
Response: I think Tupac's death was a planned suicide. He probably paid someone to kill him. Or it could have been planned by one of his enemies. With this being an election year, the leaders should leave his death alone, and focus on more important problems. Such as getting more people registered to vote.


Name: yumelda n.
Email: jjn@wp-lag.mindspring.com
Response: I don't believe anything will change. Just like when the African-American community tried to make a big issue about Easy E's death. It made you think for a moment and then it passed on. I think Tupac's death will do the same. A death of a person can not make a whole way of life for some people change.An the thing with the rivalry, I think that it's just an attitude not a real thing. Just for show if you know what I mean.


Name: james n.
Email: jjn@wp-lag.mindspring.com
Response: Who cares about east-west rivalry or the death of 2Pac? He had the choice to change his life, but he chose to live a certain life style.We have become immune to the deaths of thousands of unborn children through abortion, because the government has allowed us to genocide our own race.We have accepted the term "Pro-Choice", but the unborn children did not have the choice.We have lost focus on what is really relevant and what is just trash.


Name: Sherrie Lewis
Email:
Response: The African-American leaders should stick to important issues for all black Americans and leave this childish music affair along. I feel in time they (rappers) will work this out for themselves if not I really don't think we will miss any of them. I can't understand why they act this way with all the money they are making. They need to accept responsibility and use some of that money to help teenage pregnancy, keep the drugs off the streets, help the black people with aids, take some of this money and feed the homeless and buy clothes so black kids will have something to wear during the winter months when it is cold. They need to do something construcitve and stop trying to be wanna-bes because if they wanted to be gang members or stay gang members then that what they should of done instead of making records. They have moved above the street level and they need to give back to the community something helpful for our people. The rappers need to STOP THE VIOLENCE and grow up and be the adults they are.


Name: Shanette Walker
Email:
Response: Unfortunately, some of the hip-hop magazines incense the so called east coast/west coast rivalry. Also this is a multi-million dollar industry that a chosen few get to see. The community needs to ask other questions such as, "Why the silence?" "Why the eerie similarities between Tupac's latest video and violent death?" "What about life insurance policies on the artist held by his record company, if there are any?" The Nation of Islam held a community talk in NYC to address this pervasive issue that is further dividing our community.


Name: Victor
Email: v6766@aol.com
Response: With a number of people in the rap industry who have stated that the "east-west" thing does not exist, or at least not to the level that we believe why do we continue to play on it or into the hands of the mainstream media?
There are alot of other factors involved I believe, alot bigger that east vs west. As for the leadership - they are already involved but they need to change their message - and when I refer to leadership I mean the other artist in the industry - because their words are heard everyday all day by our youth - image for a second what would happen if: > rappers talked about not what life is like but what it should be? I always wonder when people say they talk about their environment etc..etc..in other to hopefully CHANGE things?...give me a break...the only way to start change is to start with the message - negative message = negative views Their are those in the leadership who will tell you that their not in it to be a role model etc..etc.. - if that is the case then continue to sell your music to your white masters and their kids - not ours - remember or learn that we are a people of african descent and our views, outlooks and etc.. are not based on the euro system of dog eat dog - but of community and your only as strong as the community that you are a part of...Leaders change the message - try it - your audience will buy what you program them to buy - think about it...
Older leaders and others need to at this point to wage a war of sorts on those who are being controlled by others in believing that their negative message is acceptable - free speech is one thing, but free speech that harms a people and it's youth destroys that people.
Don't get caught up in the red-white-blue and $$$ of this world - for remember those people that allow you to spew your messages are the same ones who in a heartbeat will stop your airplay - distribution and promo's - and then you'll have to come back to the community that you damaged - then what will you do? These are just my humble thoughts...


Name: Lottie
Email: love@kingsnet.com
Response: To whom it may concern,I believe that this problem goes deeper than what we can see with our natural eyes.This is an attack of Satan to keep division amongst our black society.There has always been one thing or another to keep violence going. We must educate our sisters and brothers and let them know that the people of the Lord is distroyed because a lack of knowdledge.(Hosea4:6)Let's turn our attention back to the Lord,because he and only him can solve these types of problems.
GOD BLESS!


Name: ross
Email: ross19@fuse.net
Response: As I understand the feud between east and west coast rappers, Mr. Farrakhan's son, Mustafa, offered to mediate a peace between the two. Unfortunately, one side or the other, would not agree to sit down with Mustafa to resolve whatever differences existing between the two. As long as this is the prevailing mentality, bloodshed will continue and ignornace will abound !


Name: George Lambert
Email: rasta@voicenet.com
Response: Get the book MONSTER. Written by Monster Koddy Scott. It will explain the double side playing of the LAPD . And just what part they play in all this blood and cript thing . They are at the root of the problem. They provided the safty that was needed to assinate 2pac. One of the most busiest streets in LA. And they drive write down the middle of it with blaring guns. READ THE BOOK


Name: L. Diggs
Email: bigwild@erols.com
Response: Well, I've always thought that 2Pac led a very controversial lifestyle. I understand that he had a hard life and upbringing. He often said that everyone is entitled to mistakes...that this was the learning process. However, there comes a point in time where one must be responsible for his or her actions, regardless of what they are. I believe that 2Pac had had lessons that he did not pay attention to and eventually his time ran out! The most important lesson that he should've learned was " you lie with dogs, you get fleas, and you die!"


Name: Carlos Nelson
Email: cjnelson@gnatnet.net
Response: Why is this a topic of discussion?
The underlying problem is why are we giving this "war" the creditability it doesn't even deserve. These young rappers are still a pawn in the exploitation of the black man.
They make a living, which they feel is a successful living and the rest (majority) goes to the "establishment." The "establishment" keeps this war going, and so what if we lose one of our black men. As long as they make the money.
Forget this discussion, focus on the real problems which effect our community. Opposing views are welcomed at cjnelson@gnatnet.net. Peace.


Name: kim Blanton
Email:
Response: Can't we ALL just get along! There's enough territory and money for us all to live more than comfortable.


Name: Bonnie Jackson
Email: bjackson@logsa-emh2.army.mil
Response: Leaders? Who are they? Why must I be led? To have a leader, does this suggest that I am incapable of leading myself? Who pick these leaders? Is it the white press? Then, where is their leader? Do they not require one? Or, are they capable of forming opinions without leadership? I say it is not to be solved by either LEADERSHIP or the FBI/CIA. It is within each of us to resolve this issue. Nothing, absolutely nothing will be accomplished until we first free our minds!! I hope somebody is really listening! We have to FREE OUR MINDS! When this is accomplished, the rest will be quite easy. One indication that you are not thinking with a free mind is that you still think you require a leader - someone to speak on your behalf. FREE YOUR MIND! Then, we can have dialogue.


Name: Derek Jennings (Poet X)
Email: derek_jennings@vnet.ibm.com
Response: Despite historical reasons for being leery of law enforcement, I hope that the persons responsible are identified, caught and held accountable. However, the larger issues here do not start and end with this shooting, and represent a situation which we must resolve for ourselves. The 'mainstream' African-American leadership should have been involved, in a broader sense, prior to this incident. Folks like Ben Chavis, officials of the Nation of Islam, and rap dignitaries like Afrika Bambaataa have interceded in the East-West mess, and have helped to squash previous 'beefs' which threatened to expand beyond the musical realm (ie, BDP vs X-Clan, A Tribe Called Quest vs Wreckx N Effect, etc). But our 'mainstream' leaders - politicians and clergy - have generally not embraced the Hip-Hop generation, either indulging in benign neglect, or misinformed denounciations a la political opportunist C. Delores Tucker. This hands-off approach was even evident during the socially and politically conscious 'phase' which Hip-Hop went through during the late eighties. Jesse Jackson does a good job of 'keeping it real', and has asked some profound questions in the wake of Tupac's needless death, but others of his stature whose positions depend on election and popular opinion are missing in action. As far as the specifics of this case, I don't think that mediating with Suge will do any good because the whole thing looks shady (10 cars deep with both 'studio' and 'real' gangstas and nobody 'bust back'?). Lets hope that the masses, within Hip-Hop, and the Black community at large, do a better job at getting together than their leadership. PEACE.


Name: simon
Email: lands@electric.austin.tx.us
Response: Let 'em fight. What do they have to gain? They don't really own anything. What does my family gain? What does the community gain? A better song. That is all we are after is it not? Just another good song and dance. Come on people! What we need to be working on continuously is how to prevent these young bloods from growing up to be immature giants. The death of Tupac, should be treated as a tragedy because it is, another young black man dead. Just yesterday in Austin, Tx a brother in high school was stabbed over "weed". Not long ago before that another young brother got stabbed and he was in Junior high, should the FBI be involved in that? East-West, North-South, mankind has been fighting turf wars for centuries, its in us. The problem is if neither the family nor community wins, then it is all for naught. And I get sick to the stomach when we die over nothing. Like Martin said, If a man does not stand for something, he will fall for anything. What are you standing for? The Children Israel made what was a 40 day trip into a 40 year wilderness experience, because the were hard headed, how long shal we wonder in the wilderness O children of Israel?


Name: Brad Allen A.K.A (Bla-Zey)
Email: bradl@lightspeed.net
Response: First of all I do think it is a big tragedy that happened to 2pac, but we all must move on and see that all this East-West shit stops. Us black people of America don't need the FBI (Pigs) of America in on this case because of the carelessness of white society against Black America. All the black political leaders need to gather with the East-West and come to a solution for the better. I liked 2pac music,but didn't like the way he kept his name in the media so much. 2pac didn't bite his toungue about a damn thang and that was his biggest ploblem to overcome. I don't see why a young rich blackman like 2pac wouldn't change his image up a tad bit. So that is what I have to say about this East-West Rivalry. (R.I.P.2Pac) Thank You


Name: April
Email: april_crump@nt.com
Response: It is deffinitly a tradgedy that someone so talented had to die. It is also unfortunate that the media could not find one positive highlight on his life to discuss concerning his life. No matter what Tupac or anyone else had to say, I am sure that someone as talented as him was more than a thug on and off the stage. As for me, I must say how strange it was that Suge Knight was only grazed by a bullett. With all of the bodyguards and walkie talkies Tupac had only three nights before on TV and at the fight, why was there no help for this man? Suge set Tupac up. If the East Coast was that worried about killing Tupac, they would have done it three nights earlier while he was in New York for the MTV awards. If a man wants to kill you for sleeping with his wife, he certainly isn't going to plan it. He will do it spontaneously and out of rage. I think this was just another random act of ignorance by someone (reguardless of color) who was either crossed or was not getting his way. I think it is ludicris to say should we leave this up to the FBI, because they never do anything anyway. If people were really concerned, there would still be a full scale investigation going on as we speak. They don't care. They see Tupac as another "angry brother" finally gone and out of their hair. They only see him as a crazy man that attacked the police, not that he was a poet. They saw him as contridictory in his opinion, how many of us have the same view about all subjects all the time. He was a rap artist, trying to make money and talk about his life, most importantly he was a person whos views change everyday. It is so sad, that Suge Knight is so ignorant that he would take out not only his only money maker and will probably strong hold his money from Tupacs family. He will also profit from the release of his new album and maybe even profit from Tupac's two movies comming out. But also he felt that someones life was worth taking over a dispute and use as an exaple. Suge is a punk and if anyone read the latest edition of VIBE with Dre on the cover, they would agree.


Name: Max Rockatanski
Email: Rockatanski@msn.com
Response: I think it's a tragedy for a young man like 2Pac to have been gunned down. I've read some things that I don't understand though. He had his whole entourage with him (Suge, body- guards, various homeboys). How come nobody is talking!? If somebody shot up my #1 artist, I'd want them in prison. Justice Brothers! Also, with 13 bullets being fired, how come Suge wasn't hit? Or was he?
This is starting to sound like a JFK assination theory. What about that boy that 2Pac and his posse were stomping at the hotel only one hour earlier. If somebody stomped me down the way they did him, I'd be looking for my 9mm too. Anyway, I hope they find whoever is responsible. If Suge isn't involved (I don't think that he is) then he should be mad about the fact that they shot his BMW 750 to shreads. One last point. 2Pac was genuinely talented and had alot of money. Why did he keep on banging with the street gangs. He was above that. To answer the question, let the authorities handle it. We've had enough bloodshed brothers.
Rockatanski


Name: Manulito Montoya loman
Email: lomanmm@sdu.edu
Response: As a Black man, I view the East-West Rapper's Rivalry as a sign that we as people are still devided. We tent to look at external forces as the cause of our problems, but in reality we are our worse enemy. Carter G. Woodson said ' That if you control a man's mind you do not have to worry about his actions. . ." But the point I am trying to make is that we as people have to be our own worse critics. We have to build our communitys and not use the media as a way to air our dirty landry. Most of the rap music is talking about a reality of Black life that can be changed, but many rappers take that ans say this is the only reality we have--is that true. What would oure ancestors say that died so you and I could make a better life for our communties? But the question that is plungging my mid is have we forgot the purpose of the MILLION MAN MARCH? what have we learned--Peace my people let us take what Mother Africa wants us to have!!!


Name: hrichards
Email: hrichards@icao.on.ca
Response: I will never begin to understand the East-West Rivalry as a rational debate. However, it seems to work well within the parameters of "divide and conquer".


Name: shannon b
Email: shannonb@gcc.dcc.state.nc.us
Response: LEAVE THE FBI OUT OF OUR PROBLEMS!!! As you have seen, the FBI and CIA have played a major role in deaths of many black leaders throughout the history of this country. I feel the issue of rap wars must be taken on by black leaders and also music producers and directors. They can dictate what should be played on the airwaves and stop this mess fighting over turf that doesn't even belong to us!!! We don't own anything and think we have the right to fight over whose better, whose finer, etc... I know that people who like music usually like the beat of the song rather than the words. I grew up listening to rapp in the 1980's and the words to the songs rarely talked about killing anyone. Our leaders need to focus on bringing positive messages to todays youth and no allow the east coast west coast stupidity continue.


Name: BRIAN ARNOLD
Email: SPIFF19@MAIL.IDT.NET
Response: I THINK BLACK LEADERSHIP HAD A ROLE TO PLAY LONG BEFORE THE EAST COAST WEST COAST"FEUD"GOT STARTED.IF THE LEADERS DON'T INTERVENE BEFORE THE GUNS START BLASTING,THEN WHY SHOULD THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY AFTER IT HAPPENS.WE HAVE GOT TO GET OUT OF A REACTIVE STATE OF MIND,AND GET INTO A PROACTIVE STATE OF MIND.KIDS TODAY GLORIFY RAPPERS BECAUSE THEY BUCK THE SYSTEM AND PREACH ABOUT HOW IT IS TO BE YOUNG AND BLACK IN AMERICA.IF THE RAPPERS WOULD FUNNEL THAT MESSAGE WITH A POSITIVE SOLUTION,THEN WHAT WOULD IT MATTER IF THE RAPPER WAS FROM THE EAST COAST OR THE WEST COAST.THAT SOLUTION WOULD HELP US ALL LIVING IN THE JUNGLE THEY CALL AMERICA.


Name: Wayne Taltoan
Email: wtal@pclogiconline.com
Response: In the case of 2Poc shakur, His rap music and vidoes, were the way he live he life and the way he die. Black American need to step back and take a look at what thay are doing and stop it. We are listening to ther music and acting in the matter that thay are look at Black. We need to change are way of acting and performing for the American people. We are making money for them and not doing the right thing. We need to get back to the old ways of making music and acting and and back to the Bible and setting examples for are Black adult that are coming up in this world today. Thank you.


Name: 2MTWA
Email: UBMORE.AOL
Response: ACTUALLY I THINK ITS THE RECORD COMPANIES THAT HAVE INTIGATED THE RIVALRY BETWEEN THE RAPPERS AND ENCOURGAGE THEM NOT TO IMPROVE THEMSELVES AN INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE THEY WANT TO MAKE ALL THE MONEY THEY CAN ON THE THUG LIFE TOUGH GUY IMAGE AT ANY COST WHICH INCLUDES LIVES. THEREFORE, WHAT I THINK THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS COULD DO IS FOCUS ON BUILDING UP THE ESTEEM OF ALL OUR PEOPLE BY FIRST BEING A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL AND USING THE POWER THAT THEY HAVE TO FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THEIR PEOPLE BECAUSE IF THEY ARE PERCEIVED TO BE DOING THIS THEY WILL HAVE THE RESPECT OF PEOPLE AND BEFORE ANYONE WILL LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY THEY MUST MUST HAVE THAT RESPECT. THE SECOND THING THEY CAN DO IS SPEAK OUT AGAINST DRUGS. IF THE ATTITUDES ABOUT DRUGS Are NOT CHANGED THUG LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE THE PROFESSION OF CHOICE OF OUR YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICANS.


Name: Josh Petzel
Email: jpetzel@gac.edu
Response: First, the loss of an artist like 2Pac is something with which we must all come to terms. However, to imply that it was a result of a rappers' rivalry is at this point only "speculation." Thus, black leadership should only dismiss it as such. To state that it is anything other than "speculation" at this point would only perpetuate stereotypes that uninformed people hold of African Americans. This action would only cloud the real issue here which the loss of a talented musician who created art for our enjoyment and better understanding of the world in which we live.