Overview
- A circulated laminated list that included the phrase “NO MILWAUKEE RAP” and roughly 40 mostly Black hip-hop artists went viral after videos and social posts showed DJs being told not to play those performers.
- TMJ4 obtained text messages dated August 15th that an alleged manager sent telling DJs the directive came from ownership and warning that failure to comply could result in a loss of gigs.
- The Garage and sibling HiHat Lounge posted on social media Monday night saying the list was created by an employee without owners’ approval and that they spoke to that employee about why the approach was unacceptable.
- Owners said their goal was to limit songs with lyrics referencing violence or guns to create a calmer atmosphere but acknowledged that naming artists was the wrong method and offered no public, formal policy changes.
- Local musicians and community members said the directive damaged trust because the venues are key networking spaces on Brady Street and they argued that targeting artists by race or hometown risks harming DJs’ livelihoods and Milwaukee’s music scene.