Gangs Probed In Rap Deaths

Gangs Probed in Rap Deaths

New York (AP) - The Crips, a violent street gang with roots in Los Angeles, is under investigation in the deaths of rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., Time Magazine reported.

Police in Las Vegas believe a member of the of the Crips was responsible for the September 7 drive-by shooting of Shakur, 25, near the Las Vegas strip, Time said in its March 24 edition due out this week.

Crips hired as bodyguards are under investigation in the March 9 drive-by killing in Los Angeles of The Notorious B.I.G., who's real name was Christopher Wallace, Time said, citing unidentified sources.

Wallace, 24, was affiliated with New York-based Bad Boy Entertainment, which hired Crips bodyguards on his Los Angeles visit; Shakur recorded on Los Angeles-based Death Row Records, which reportedly has ties to the Bloods, bitter Crips foes.

Last week, Las Vegas police said there was no evidence to link the slayings or to substantiate rumors that an East Coast-West Coast rivalry may be behind the killings. Los Angeles and Las Vegas police had no comment Sunday.