A Sucka Free Republican Convention? Impossible

GOP, hip-hop world mostly keep their distance
 Even after midnight, delegates and well-wishers waited in line to enter the VIP room at Jay-Z's cavernous and swanky sports bar, the 40/40 Club, to press flesh and get face time with Lt. Gov. Michael Steele of Maryland, a rising Republican star. Other GOP stalwarts showed up at the week's only event where hip-hop music played a central role - at least as the sound coming from the speakers - but no hip-hop luminaries were in sight. With the convention being held in the cradle of a hip-hop culture that has recently been pushing to get the nation's youth to become politically active, Republicans this week lived in a mostly hip-hop-free zone.Country and gospel ruled in the absence of hip-hop. On the menu at the lavish parties and the GOP main stage, acts such as Travis Tritt, Lee Ann Womack, Donnie McClurkin, and the Harlem Boys Choir. [more ]