the Greater Nomadic Council

Keep Your Posse In Line

Slate has an article mocking hip-hop entourages that provides advice such as this:

If you want to predict when your entourage will start a fight, you have to keep an eye on your surroundings. Natural light tends to have a calming effect on the entourage, which can become agitated and restless at night. After the lights go out, it's best to keep your posse away from concerts, nightclubs, recording studios, and award shows—especially award shows—if you want to have a quiet evening. Angry entourages are frequently spotted near limousines and SUVs, but it is unclear whether the vehicles themselves are responsible for entourage rage, since entourages are rarely found in other automotive habitats.

Is this phenomenon strictly part of hip-hop culture? I've never heard of a rock star with a posse, but perhaps they're just called roadies in that case. Of course, roadies are something different—simple worker bees who set up equipment and fetch booze. The entourage reminds me of a monarch's chamber servants. I picture Jay-Z sitting on the edge of his bed, waiting for a lackey to bring him his shoes. Oh, wait. He's "retired."