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Reports on the letter written by BPI executive chairman Peter Jamieson to Minister David Blunkett over concerns on violent lyrics in several sound recordings in Great Britain. Concerns of the recording companies on the issue; Addition of a gun control meeting; Criticisms against hip hop and rap lyrics by ministers Blunkett and Kim Howells.

Presents the opinions of British music industry members on the British government's statements regarding the role played by rap music in the growth of gun crime in Great Britain. Ridiculousness of the government's statements; Issue of the degree of liability; Importance of freedom of expression.

Comments on the British government's statements regarding the role of rap music on gun crime in Great Britain. Ludicrousness of accusing rap musicians of inspiring gun crime; British newspapers' quoting of lyrics from American rap songs; Politicians' overestimation of music's influence on young people.

Comments on developments in the British recording industry. Criticism of British government's condemnation of rap music as a promoter of violence; Musical acts reaching gold status for the first time.

Reports on the British Phonographic Industry's call for direct talks with the Home Secretary over the issue of gun references in lyrics. Government ministers' linking of the rapid rise in gun crime to the influence of rap music; Killing of two teenage girls in Birmingham; Accusation that rap music glorifies violence.