Trigger Happy

RAP MUSICIANS AT THEIR BEST USE THEIR ART TO create a hyperspace of rhythm and verbal bravado, where anarchy reigns at times and society's downtrodden rise up. Savvy listeners understand that rap is simply dramatic musical theater, not a call to violence. Unfortunately, after rapper Ice Cube's concert in Seattle, hundreds of fans ignored the difference. During the concert the fire- breathing Cube whipped up the audience with raps describing racism, police violence and gunplay. As the show ended and the crowd of 1,400 streamed into the street, isolated fistfighting erupted into a general melee. At least five gunmen pulled off 60 shots, wounding four people and resulting in nine arrests. Many blamed Ice Cube for inciting the crowd with his lyrics and taunts. On the other hand, in a society where teens routinely pack illegal weapons, blaming the disturbance on song lyrics seems to miss the point.