Boston Councilor Hopes To Prohibit 2 Live Crew

BOSTON--A Boston City Councillor has asked Mayor Raymond Flynn to prohibit the rap group 2 Live Crew from performing in South Boston because the group's music is more suited for the city's "adult entertainment district."

Councillor James M. Kelly also asked Flynn, in a letter addressed yesterday, to cancel an upcoming exhibit of photographs taken by the late artist Robert Mapplethorpe.

Kelly was the latest city official to speak out against the two events. Former Boston Mayor John Collins, Philip Lawler of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights have also asked Flynn to take action on the Mapplethorpe exhibit at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Flynn, however, has repeatedly said he will not attempt to block either the concert or the exhibit.

The concert by 2 Live Crew is scheduled for July 22 at The Channel, a night club in South Boston. The group's album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be," has been deemed obscene by lawmakers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., San Antonio, Texas, Greenville, S.C., and other cities.

In addition, 2 Live Crew members Luther Campbell, Mark Ross and Chris Wongwon were arrested in Fort Lauderdale on misdemeanor charges for allegedly participating in an obscene performance.

David Alexander, spokesperson for The Channel, said a licensing hearing for the group's appearance is scheduled for Monday at City Hall. Opponents to the performance said 2 Live Crew's lyrics are obscene and sexually explicit.