IMO, at first I had a hard time with this muzik mafia thing-still kind of do, maybe just don't "understand" it like I should, but I do like Gretchen Wilson and I really like Big & Rich.  I feel that by extending the boundaries of country music, then more fans will be brought to the whole genre of country music.  For ex. someone posted on Gary's message board that they went to a Big & Rich concert just to see B&R but b/c Gary was opening for them (IMO should've been the other way around) they are now big fans of Gary.  So, IMO it's not a bad thing.  I personally wish tho that country music radio would play a mix-some of the traditional, some of the new.  I mean, alot of the artists today list those in the traditional category as their heroes.  Let's play some of those heroes that started this.  Just my 2 cents worth.

a bit more on the Mafia

Several members of the MuzikMafia will team with Hank Williams Jr. for several tour dates this summer. Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy will play with Williams at Country Thunder on July 23 in Twin Lakes, Wis. In addition, James Otto, Jon Nicholson, Shannon Lawson, Chance, Mista D and painter Rachel Kice will share the stage with Williams in Detroit (July 9), Columbus, Ohio (Aug. 26), Cincinnati (Aug. 27) and Birmingham, Ala. (Sept. 23). "Performing with Hank Williams Jr. is a dream realized," said Otto. "It's an honor to share the stage with an icon that inspired me, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich and many other members of the MuzikMafia family."