The incompetent agency that books concerts for the New York State Fair is this year foisting upon fans an act they’re calling a “country and rap star.” The performer for the Aug. 25 Chevrolet Court show, apparently influenced by hip hop tradition, goes by the moniker Dax rather than using an actual name.
While there is no consensus on the definition of country music, 
it’s obvious that country and rap are at opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum, so the label carried by this kid is paradoxical at best. Country music comes from the heart with virtuoso talent on fiddle, steel guitar and mandolin supporting impassioned vocals. Real talent and actual music matter above all.
Most rappers neither sing nor play an instrument. It’s more about image and attitude. Hip hop “performances” are dominated by thundering drum beats, often in the absence of a melody.
Most important, this booking doesn’t change the troubling fact that the Fair’s musical lineup features several hip hop acts while the contemptuous treatment of fans who love traditional-style country continues. Every year, the concert itinerary gets worse and this year that trend is on target to hit bottom.
The promoters can have both hip hop and country and they certainly should. But calling one act country-rap is insulting and ludicrous.
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