Community Arts & Funk Festival Announces 15th Anniversary Celebration: A Vibrant, Family-Friendly Showcase of Art, Music, and Unity in Downtown Milwaukee

*INFO PROVIDED BY Community Arts & Funk Festival

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Get ready for a spectacular summer celebration! The Community Arts & Funk Festival is thrilled to announce its 15-Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025, taking place at the iconic Peck Pavilion and South Grounds at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, located at 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI. This milestone event, celebrating visual and performing arts, along with the distinct funk genre of music, promises a dynamic and family-friendly cultural experience for all ages in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The festival will highlight local artists with vendor showcases for guests to support and purchase local artwork, as well as a fine arts competition for local artists to win a $1000 prize!

Set against the backdrop of downtown Milwaukee, the Community Arts & Funk Festival provides a unique opportunity to promote intergenerational dialogue between emerging, established, and underground performing artists who share common performance and musical roots. The festival's musical focus on the funk genre, made popular by legends like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic, aims to educate the broader listening public about its rich history, inspirations, and evolution from R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Rock, and its profound influence on the Hip Hop generation. This powerful combination of funk music with local, regional, and national visual artists creates a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.

"We are incredibly excited to mark 15 years of the Community Arts & Funk Festival," says Brad Bernard, event organizer. "This anniversary is a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together, foster creativity, and celebrate our shared community. We've poured our hearts into curating an unforgettable day that highlights exceptional talent and promotes positive connections."

Festival Highlights

Star-Studded Musical Lineup & Performances

Prepare for an electrifying day of music and performances. The event will be hosted by esteemed radio and TV personality, Andrea Williams.

The official performance schedule includes:

• 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM: Youth Dance Performances

• 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Youth Poetry Slam

• 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Live Music Performances by:

• Act 1: B.Wyzdom (2:30 PM - 3:15 PM)

• Act 2: Trace Ellington Experience (3:30 PM - 4:15 PM)

• Act 3 (Headliner): Switch (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

The headlining act, Switch, is a legendary American R&B and Funk band, celebrated for iconic hits such as "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name." Intermissions of 15 minutes will occur between acts, during which a DJ will keep the funk music playing.

Prestigious Fine Arts Competition

Visual artists are invited to participate in a judged fine arts competition, vying for a $1,000 'Best of Show' award, along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. The announcement of artist awards will take place from 12:35 PM - 12:50 PM. This competition will showcase a broad spectrum of talented urban and suburban visual artists, encompassing both academically trained and self-taught individuals, presenting a wide variety of subject matter, concepts, and technical approaches from across the local and regional art scene.

Local artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash awards and prizes. Find more information and the application form here: https://www.artsandfunk.com/call-for-artists-1000-prize

Engaging On-Ground Activations

In addition to the main stage performances and art competition, attendees can enjoy:

• Free 3D Photobooth by The Booth Mke

• T-shirt Design station provided by Fruition MKE

• Community Mural led by artist Ken Brown

• Kid-Friendly Art Activities by Artists Working in Education

• Local Food & Drink Vendors (Saz’s & more)

• Local Artists & Creator Vendors

• Publishing/Copyright and Royalties Workshop provided by MuSample Music Business Consultant 

Local Flavors and Unique Finds

Attendees can explore a diverse array of offerings from local vendors and food trucks, providing a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase throughout the day.

Local art and food vendors are encouraged to apply to be a part of this vibrant community event: https://www.artsandfunk.com/vendor-booth-payment-form

Media Sponsors

The Community Arts & Funk Festival is proud to partner with our media sponsors:

• RadioMilwaukee 88.9 FM

• WMSE 91.7 FM

• V100 100.7 FM

About Community Arts & Funk Festival

The Community Arts & Funk Festival (CAFF) is dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of visual art, R&B, and funk, highlighting the profound power of live music and artistic expression. Each year, the festival strives to create a memorable experience that showcases talent, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural awareness. The festival is a testament to the idea that when the power of funk music is combined with the works of local, regional, and national visual artists, it provides the perfect combination for curating a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.

For more information and future updates, please visit: https://www.artsandfunk.com/

Shutting Down The Runway For A Purpose: Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show 2025

All PHOTOs by /CW DESRIANA GILBERT

The world of fashion has had several wardrobe changes. What used to only be viewed as essential articles of clothing have now become symbols of identity, beliefs, values, and bold statements. Fashion is now used as the main gateway to not only introducing new trends but also to assist others in discovering who they truly are and how their voice is going to be used. The city has not been taking its foot off the gas ever since we’ve stepped on the scene. From versatile models, talented fashion designers, and artistic hairstylists, every day it seems as if someone is making their debut and changing the game shortly after. I had the pleasure of witnessing one of our very own fashionista revolutionaries shifting the true purpose of fashion recently. 

On Friday, (July 11th, 2025) The Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show was presented at the Milwaukee County Zoo inside the Peck Welcome Center, located at 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, between the hours of 6 pm and 10 pm. This was a fashion show unlike

any other. The vibrant event transformed the trajectory of the function and meaning that all fashion spaces hold. Creator and Head Executive of the fashion & hair show, Eddy B, prioritized advocacy, attention to detail, community recognition, and most importantly, a time to be had! As each person entered the venue, the lobby was filled with entrepreneurial vendors and a sneak peek showcasing of the designer-filled raffle baskets that kept the crowd on their toes the entire night. Coming from a family of givers as well as having a stellar radio personality career, planning an event with such a special purpose was no challenge for the team! The walls were covered with a color story of cherry reds, deep blues, and purple rain inspired lights that bounced off effortlessly into the audience. To prepare all attendees for an energetic and interactive night, host of Emmy-nominated television show Show Me Milwaukee, DJ Gee A, kicked off the night with show-stopping throwbacks as well as today’s hits behind the DJ booth. Once the clock struck 7 pm, the evening of glamour, allure, and mystique began. Nobody knew what to expect, but that’s always been the beauty of a Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show. The only element of the presentation that never leaves any suspense or uncertainty is the creativity, boldness, excitement, and hype effect that each design and hairstyle the show brings year after year!

Since 2015, Eddy B and the Walk It Out team have incorporated much meticulousness, history, and versatility when selecting who would be gracing the stage, but most importantly, whose

designs, both clothing and hair, would be the main characters throughout the evening. This year was no different. Jeffrey McAlister Jr., president of MKE Fashion Week, was the first designer to boomerang us all into a new dimension with his clothing line, Fashion Sense. Each model strutting the runway represented Mcalister’s redefined and distinct vision of modern-day black culture. He designed the perfect balance of chic, sleek, and professional clothing. The patterns and colors used, such as different shades of brown and yellow, signified raising the bar for the everyday lifestyle of minorities while also dressing professionally to handle their business. Moments later, Luna Beauty Salon & Barber by Alex Diaz activated a human time machine during her segment. The audience shifted back into the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. A variety of unique elements were used to bring this time machine to life, such as flags, accessories, artwork delicately placed on the fashion, and inclusivity with disabled models. Not only did the models give face but they also exemplified personality by dancing with one another as they struck each pose. A rhythm quickly became in sync throughout the night with the remainder of the designers and hairstylists selected to participate in the show. 

Themes, liveliness, avant-garde looks, and the motivation for each creative were shared after every fashion collection was displayed to the public: 

• Ana Popa-A vibrant floral love story utilizing skin and lightweight materials. Her message and motivation is to make women of all backgrounds and sizes to feel sexy, confident, and comfortable in their own skin

• Les Fashionistas by Tatiana Rocio- Garden and fairy-inspired themed, whimsical clothing with intricate hair designs. Models were wearing hair crowns made out of their own hair. Models playfully threw objects such as roses to audience members, creating a sense of storytelling. Tatianna’s inspiration behind her brand is to keep walking to the light. She suffered 13 brain aneurysms and continues to persevere and find happiness in life.

• Naturally Naps- Licensed cosmetology instructor, Angela Jackson, showcased different loc hairstyles. Much dancing by the models was incorporated, and as each model walked out, they tapped onto one another, dancing into another pose. Jackson provided a representation of the beauty, health, and creativity of loc hairstyles.

• Leila Elizabeth- Her fashion line demonstrated the girl next door through a couture lens. The fall season inspired patterns primarily used were flannel and plaid. Hat and coat merchandise are displayed on the models. She described both her personal and design style as eclectic, with a primary focus on curvy women.

Two designers were also given their flowers towards the end of the vibrant presentation for the legacy being created as well as their mark throughout the city: 

• Gg Collections: Deborah Render has been a designer for over 2 decades and has been a designer for each of the five Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Shows. Luxury, leisure, and elegance is what the collection can be described as. Many materials such as fur, satin, silk, and lace were used to dress Gigi’s models. Every ensemble was body-sculpting. 

• The Right Amount of Ghetto- Fashion Designer, Carlos Vergara, was also given his flowers while being the last designer to present his creations. The inspiration behind the brand is to bring positive connotations to the word “ghetto,” as it is often associated with negative connotations. The Right Amount of Ghetto holds neo-soul, futuristic and modern-day black culture elements. 

Although the bar was raised high, being that this was the 5th and final walk of The Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show, all expectations when it came to hair, makeup, fashion, and visuals were knocked out of the park. However, Eddy B made it his mission to make the priority of the night: awareness and advocacy for kidney disease and organ donation. From the beginning of Walk It Out’s legacy since 2013, awareness has always been the it girl of the show. Domestic violence was the very first cause dedicated to. 

“Each of our shows has always stood for something, and this time around, I wanted the show to support any individuals who suffer from chronic kidney disease and families who are affected by the silent killer.”- Eddy B 

His words were not the only effort in hopes of shifting and educating the narrative of kidney disease; it was the actions implemented into the night’s presentation that showed the genuine connection and passion for the cause. Speakers such as state representative Sequanna Taylor and CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, Mike Crowley, were given the chance to speak in between the fashion and hair segments to emphasize the importance of kidney disease awareness, ways each one of us in the community can catapult its advocacy, and how the disease does not discriminate any race, age, community or gender. I learned shocking facts regarding the chronic disease that I never knew before walking through those venue doors. 

• 1 in 3 people in a room will experience kidney disease in their lifetime 

• By donating a kidney, you, as well as 5 people that you will receive vouchers for, get moved to the top of the list as a priority if you ever get kidney disease. 

• Kidney disease can be hereditary. 

A large portion of the proceeds received during this special night went to the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, which partnered with the Walk It Out team for this very night of awareness as well as elegance. It definitely stood out immediately just how much the entire state of Wisconsin collectively agreed just how vital this message and event needed to be shared. Many showed their dedication by sponsoring the final walk. Sponsors included FashionSense, Resilient Rise LLC, Mr.Chicken, The Truth 101.7, and legendary host Bailey Coleman. Everybody showed up and showed out for a cause that’s rarely spoken about in many of our

households, let alone community events. The fashion, hair, makeup, and aura of each and every one in the building should be categorized as IN YOUR FACE! You couldn’t even tell that there was a nine-year hiatus since the last show because the entire night was on point and moving a purpose. Although the show was titled as “The Final Walk”, Eddy B confirmed to me that this does not mean Walk It Out is officially over and will never be revived. Go comment on all their Instagram and Facebook pages @walkitoutfashion_hairmke and share why there should be a next show and what cause should be given the spotlight next! 

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW  

THE NEXT BAR IS ADDING TO MILWAUKEE’S NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE

Get ready for a refresh in your Milwaukee nightlife rotation. The Next Bar is coming to the scene with classic beer taps, cocktail favorites, a diverse selection of spirits, authentic vibes, and a hospitality/entertainment experience the city didn’t know it was missing. 

Located at 1732 E. North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211, The Next Bar has taken hold of prime real estate in the hopes of cultivating the next positive entrepreneurial venture that is rooted in legacy, built on purpose, fostered in community, and championing a good time, all in one space. Founded by a dynamic uncle-nephew duo, James Chappel & Alex Edwards, The Next Bar isn’t just opening its doors — it’s making a statement.

“We are bringing a new, fresh identity to the space, with creative ideas that expand the past potential of this location”, said Edwards as he discussed his aspiration for opening The Next Bar.

Edwards notes that, beyond being a great spot to socialize, it is also meant to serve as inspiration for his family investment club, piloted this year. When the location came on the market, the pieces just seemed to be the perfect fit, with Edwards' background in real estate and Chapple’s interest in owning a bar, the site allowed for intentional customization of the turnkey space to serve a community that wants a down to earth environment that still holds Instagram worthy style. 

Thus, The Next Bar is reclaiming space. The building has seen wine bars, college bars, and everything in between — but this time it’s Black-owned, community-driven, and here for the long haul. No more “just opening a bar” — they’re opening the door to fellowship, ownership, and opportunity [with extensive research on the location & target customer base]. Even though Edwards has no previous bar ownership experience, he is confident that his previous work revolving around community, mentorship, crisis stabilization, management, and his time as a career entrepreneur will lend itself well to overseeing the bar environment. 

“I started my first venture at nine years old. . . I had a candy store, selling out of the window of my grandma’s house. Of course, it was all in my grandmother’s name [sales permits, etc], but it was all my idea. At eighteen, I purchased my first property and have been real estate investing ever since”.  - Edwards shared.

Other pieces of Edward’s entrepreneurial portfolio include Car sales, a vending machine business, and a consulting company. This, in combination with Chappel's history as a silent investor in other local nightlife establishments, heightens the partnership's nuance for success.

The bar will be open to patrons 25+, with both bar & plush leather booth seating [designed with comfort in mind], an entertainment nook available for DJ’d events and live music [think saxophone, piano, or guitar vibes], chilled glasses, and an exterior water bowl for our four-legged friends passing by. Edwards is hoping the bar will be a spot for a thriving mix of urban business owners, ambitious professionals, community neighbors, and, of course, an intergenerational hangout spot for nights out with the fam.

The grand opening celebration will take place, Saturday, June 14th, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM, with a ribbon cutting at 5:55 PM [symbolic of positive change in transformation]. The owners hope that the community will join them for a first-hand experience of what The Next Bar has in store. 

“We’re building something that reflects who we are and who we serve,” says Alex. “Just give us one drink, one chance to stop in. We promise you’ll come back.”

For press inquiries and interviews, please contact Alex Edwards at therealnextbar@gmail.com. 

To stay up to date with The Next Bar, special events, and more, follow on Instagram @thenextbar_.

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This Press Release was produced by /CW Creative Services

GOLD FANG$ [EP] | King Kalumet

Photo by freakish nerd

Cultivating a sound is no easy feat. You have to be willing to push into your authenticity [who cares what's “poppin” it has to be all you B], dabble in this, jump into that, and go places musically that you may have never ventured before. King Kalumet is no stranger to the Midwest creative scene. From graphic design to lifestyle brand, model tings’ and more, he has shown us that his creative muscles flex in many directions. So when I heard he was working on an EP, I had to make sure the files were sent my way.  

GOLD FANG$ [EP]is an eclectic mix of posturing [we love a good ego trip], prophetic ambition, and personal penning. It takes us through a genre mash-up of hype hip hop, hollow point pop [I’m coining the term], story telling, and suave sensations. Who is this for? I’m pretty sure the King himself. Where every track has a “mood”, its collective narrative seems to define how Kalumet sees the world. 

Photo by freakish nerd

The track that holds the EPs moniker GOLD FANG$ directs attention to the talent that has come out of the 414, but forgets to rep the city; leaving us out of the historical loop of heavy hitters [a controversial topic indeed]. However, he seems to be fine with picking up the slack and putting the city on his back.  “I can talk my sh*t, but I can back it up”, he dotes repeatedly. Am I concerned for him? ABSOLUTELY! Because I hear challengers coming and slaying the creative opps causes fatigue lol.

My favs on this project are the intermissions, It’s Complicated & Voice Mail From Joy 11-25PM, because who doesn’t love to hear women rant spasmodically about a guy? [I mean we have ALL  been there!] and INFINITY. 

INFINITY has this bounce and you have to ride that beat. King Kalumet rides it, gives the girls a little love, and doesn’t do too much. He could have layered the bars but instead its punch lines are playful. It's footwork and house parties. It’s sooo midwest but so universal…and I think that's the key.

photo by carnegieimagery

For this lyrical music collection, I think you have to know a little something about the modern world. A little media [movies, music, art], a little romance [heartbreak, lust, love], some Urbanism [I mean it in the post-industrial hood way], and the pursuit of educated individuality [that's where the money resides]. So you have to listen, think about it, listen again, and find the tracks that resonate with you. Pieces to the story, ya know? Making connections while sipping some Henny [see I was listening lol]. And don’t forget that “gold fangs” come with teeth and you have to be willing to bite down.

Keep going, King Kalumet. . . Just please, keep going.

Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW

SnapShot Press Release | Topdog/Underdog [& a special invite to Legacy Night at the Milwaukee Chamber theater]

Modern-day digitization of “parlor games” will have you responding in the comments of a random social media post that asks, “name a dynamic duo”, with answers like…

Batman & Robin

Bonnie & Clyde

Peanut butter & Jelly

Bert & Ernie

Mac….AND….CHEESE

The foolery warrants a good knee-slapping chuckle [because why are we like this? Lol]  but somewhere in the ether there lives another dynamic combination that is destined to teach us all something about our own humanistic bonds; Lincoln & Booth.

Now, for those of you who are history buffs, don’t start jumping down my throat. I'm not talking about Abraham [Lincoln] and John Wilkes [Booth]. I’m talking about the brothers [& I mean brothers who are BROTHERS in the biological & melanated sense] from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog.

Let’s make it clear: 

I am always baffled, yet mesmerized, by the execution of an obvious hustle.

I’m talking about a three-card monte on a flooding table and being a Black Man in America.

[If you can’t find the correlation, then it's already too late.]

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, I was invited to experience a sneak peek scene reading from the play from the Milwaukee Chamber Theater, who will be ending their 50th-anniversary season with the Topdog/Underdog productions directed by Gavin Dillon Lawrence. This Here2Play event was hosted at Running Rebels [whose mission is to guide Milwaukee youth into adulthood through mentoring, positive programming, and community connection] and included a panel of esteemed Black Men from Milwaukee, making an impact in their community.

image by /CW

We witnessed actors Dimonte Henning [Booth] and Anthony Fleming III [Lincoln] capture the complexities of brothers in an unyielding predicament that is the Black experience, preparing for the April 25th to May 11th, 2025, show dates with vigor, humility, and humor. There scripted banter seemed natural and reflective of the insight panelist Vedale Hill [Milwaukee Fine Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Advocate], Nate Deans, Jr [Director of Black and Latino Male Achievement, Milwaukee Public Schools], Damon Shoates [Community Organizer, Running Rebels], and Lafayette L Crump, JD (Moderator) [City of Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development] transparently discussed. 

They untangled questions that directly acknowledged their existence [as a collective and as individuals] that have historically been snubbed in the public arena.

What does it mean to be a Black Man?

“Actualizing the dreams of my ancestors”. - Nate

“I get to have audacity”. - Vedale

“To be responsible for the history of my people - immediate & past history”. - Damon  

They lovingly gave us their intimate thoughts, recalibrating the toxic tropes of masculinity into reflections of who they are as men…

Evolving

Committed to uplifting

Partners of accountability

They each noted how they navigate the world they exist in with a sense of obligation that reaches far beyond their gain as stewards of a community that still needs help changing the narrative of the plight that has been unjustly cast upon it. 

image by /cw

“These young men are innovators and understand the literacy of social media. . .How do we as people who run systems, integrate young people and vulnerable groups into [that work]?”Nate stated as he discussed culturally competent pedagogy.

“Your perspective is important. All historical documents and archives are some kind of art form: written, sculptural, or visual. Art is the treasure box of what happened. If you don’t say what happened, your story, your position, and your perspective can be untold. . . I try to get young people to approach art in that type of honest and philosophical way”, Vedale preached.

But it is in this conversation that we are directed back to the art of Topdog/Underdog and what awaits us on the stage as art holds a mirror to our existence. 

It's a space that I want us to hold together…Let me clear my throat *hmmmm hmmm*... It’s a space I invite all of my BLACK community to hold together for Legacy Night.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre & CopyWrite Magazine [as a community partner] invites Black and African American community members to join us for Legacy Night on April 30 at 7:00 pm, a special performance of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG by Suzan-Lori Parks dedicated to and celebrating the Black community. Join us beginning at 5:00pm for a special pre-show reception! Tickets are $30 (plus tax and ticket fees) with special code LEGACY. 

To be in community with each other gives us more opportunity to build bonds with each other that exemplify brotherhood, triumph over adversity, and unadulterated joy.

Let’s show our city what it feels like to win together.

See you at the theater!

Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW

Happy Vday From your /CW Fam!

/CW CREATIVE SERVICES PROMO SALE | CREATIVE MEDIA KITS

"In My Home" Series | By Carlos M. Vergara Jr.

Carlos M. Vergara Jr.—more than a fashion enthusiast, more than a creative director, more than just style. A creator who moves with intention, deeply rooted in his culture, community, and self. Every vision I bring to life is a reflection of the creativity that runs through me, a tribute to the stories, people, and experiences that shape who I am.

“With that, I introduce In My Home—a series that invites you into my world, where inspiration meets intimacy, and where every frame tells a story of influence, identity, and expression.”

Milwaukee Founding Father of Hip Hop BLAX Unveils Limited Edition Vinyl Album “BLAXPLOITATION”

Lyric assassins, cultural shapeshifters, and uncensored canvases have always existed in our barbershops, recreational centers, corner stores, churches, and neighborhoods. The masked hindrance that keeps thousands of conscious, bold, and talented people arm’s length from grasping stardom is exploitation. Record label executives, industry moguls, and well-known managers hide that they’re wolves in sheep’s clothing with their suave vocabulary, empty promises, and glamorized walls of success. This is how the exploitation of artistry, power, and the humanization of legal connections have become embedded into the moving tracks of the music industry. Countless artists become easily blinded by the mortal feeling of being a god, electrifying stages, dead presidents in their bank accounts, and the lens of cameras. Only a portion of superstars master the essence of obtaining the same reflection in the mirror they had before their signature was signed on the dotted line. The realm of their morals, values, vision, and connection to self is their number one priority and remains intact throughout their entire career. Ladies and gentlemen did you know we have one of the rare and mighty in our backyard? Adebisi Agoro also known as BLAX doesn’t just fit this description but he reps it wholeheartedly.

From being signed to New York record label Social MisFits/New Records to being crowned the title of Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of 2018 by Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards Council; living large and being known as the man when it came to the eccentric and homegrown sound was not taboo to BLAX. He had a front-row seat to every angle of the industry; from millions of faces in the crowd going toe to toe with him after each word of his songs, to tasting black luxury as a lifestyle, and the angelic connection his mind and voice had when creating music. Ironically, BLAX viewed himself as an oxymoron in the business; it wasn’t about the dollar bills, power from the snap of a finger or temptations of that world. His morals and view of success were far from what media and other hip hop artists would describe it. As a freshman in high school losing rap battles did nothing but spark the hunger and love the superstar had for his music. It was never something he would walk away from.

“Success is being happy with yourself; this is why you should be SELF-MADE.”-BLAX

Life/death, peace /disturbance, motivation/tough love, this is what you experience when listening to the multidimensional hip hop artist. There was never any need to fake or manipulate his artistry because BLAX has always put the raw and untamed experiences of his real life in his craft. For example, losing those who owned his heart, his grandmother and son between the years of 2013-2018 took a brutal toll on the emcee but footprints of his feelings could easily be found in his album Angeline where he began processing grief and was on a mission to seek truth. Each album is a present testament of the man BLAX is and how far his journey will go. His catalog is not just for the conscious and woke, but for any and everybody who values truth, growth, and those real conversations that make you question yourself.

“All artists have the responsibility to make you think. It’s not always about bubblegum ish all the time.”

With the legend coming off of the highly anticipated summer 2024 tour: The Dreamweaverz Tour w/ RMLLW2LLZ; he felt it was time to gift some new music to the streets.

On January 28th, 2025, the midwest cultural shapeshifter, BLAX’s dream came true as he released his album BLAXPLOITATION as his first ever vinyl album. For nearly twenty years the artist has always wanted to create such a timeless, tangible and personal piece of art to his supporters and especially for himself. Just as any musician, both the beautiful and heart wrenching side of the entertainment industry has took hold of his eyes. BLAX wanted to make it clear with his latest album that nobody can hold him back, take advantage of him, outsmart him or carry him as a man. He’s his own person, sketchpad, producer, songwriter, and moral compass. These ten tracks give a deeper scope of BLAX- the grown man whose accepted all things life comes with but also his raw emotions to that. The society we live in today consumes such a colossal digital footprint where music, visuals, and even artists are hot today and forgot about tomorrow. In a world of streams, single-radio, and less touring opportunities, it’s become difficult for a large body of work to be believed in and pushed by not only record labels but independent artists as well. BLAX set out to provide tangible connection and conversation between his fanbase and himself with this masterpiece.

“BLAXPLOITATION” will uncontrollably rebirth the most authentic and emotionally intelligent version of you. From the tracks, Interpretation of Dreams, Ballerina and Intelligent Beings you won’t skip a second. It’s a musical sonnet of the ups and downs life and being an artist has to offer. Sugarcoating and empty promises were not the ingredients used when BLAX was cooking up this album. He is a true creative who knows to never turn off the genius inside him! It is because of his versatile lyricism, out of the ordinary visuals and consistent artistry that he is considered one of the founding fathers of the Mikwaukee and Racine Rap/Hip Hop landscape. He’s created another space where the album will be analyzed and broken down on his new podcast, The Blaxploitation Podcast. Go tune in here: Don’t miss your chance to own one of the one hundred copies BLAX has released for the album; making BLAXPLOITATION limited edition.

Owning the vinyl is not enough and you want to experience an intimate and immersive night with BLAX himself to breath and feel every emotion of the album? Join the emcee at The Wiggle Room March 7th, 2025 at 2988 S. Kinnickinnic Ave Bayview, WI for BLAX’s album listening party dedicated to BLAXPLOITATION. You can not only follow the raw and lively man of the hour @the_god_degree on all social media platforms

Comment down below what question you think this album will make you feel? Do you think BLAX is paving the way for vinyl albums to make a huge comeback in the music industry?

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

The All Black Xperience 2024 Presented By: Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town” Smith & Tim Ricketts

Can you think of a moment in time where you felt the words of James Brown, “Say It Loud-I’m Black & I’m Proud” was your city’s anthem? Let’s take it back to February 2018. The infamous Ryan Coogler film, Black Panther was released and had anybody from eight years old to eighty years old rushing to theatres in their best-dressed outfits; whether it was a dashiki or all-white fit from head to toe. The city of Milwaukee felt different for the Black Community. It was as if every one of all races had come to an epiphany-there is success and elegance when it comes to black people.  I often wonder if it was the story of the film; Prince T’Challa taking on the crown of his country following his father’s passing to save the innocence and future of his people or the costume design that had all of Milwaukee in a chokehold. Prince T’Challa’s wardrobe mainly consisted of the color black. Why? Black is the color of power, sophistication, wealth, and elegance. 

However, as soon as the film left theatres, everyone put the urgency and need for black pride and unity in a box to left as well. (Shout out Queen Bey). Well all that changed Friday, November 29th, 2024 as almost the entire MKE was in attendance for The All Black Xperience hosted at the Baird Center which was presented by Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town Smith, and Tim Ricketts in downtown Milwaukee. These three men who could be described as Milwaukee’s own BellBivDevoe have taken on the responsibility and challenge of normalizing the celebration and elevation of Black Excellence. Each of these three men are known in the city for being an ambitious entrepreneur, developer, and the life of the party. They all have over a decade of experience dedicating their lives to making Milwaukee more familiar with wealth, power, and luxury in the black community.

The All Black Xperience illustrated a night whose theme was black luxury and elegance. Think of NewNew’s (played by Lauren London) parents in the coming of age film, ATL. Successful, prestigious, fly, smooth and creative black people filled up the guest list quicker than your family members rushing to the line to get their Thanksgiving plates. The purpose of this event was for a night of entertainment, networking, and celebration to be experienced by those in Milwaukee who are not only making moves for their own success but also hyper focused on what the future and sustenance of black excellence will look like after this year comes to a close. 

Not only did musical guests Rick Ross and Tweet keep everyone’s attention from the beginning to the very end of the night; but the red carpet was a head-turner as well.  Everyone followed the number one rule which was to wear ONLY BLACK! The dress code was made clear and nobody was disappointed. The men were dressed in their black suits and ties giving a real depiction of when Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z hopped on a track together; as the ladies shut down the carpet in their all black dresses. Let me just stop and answer the question I know you are all thinking;

“Des, what was on the menu?”. The food and drinks were centered around the culture of our city as a whole. A variety of sausages including bratwursts, frozen custard, cheese curds and alcoholic beer beverages made up the menu for this memorable night. Sounds like an MKE night at SummerFest. The All Black Xperience did more than check all the boxes when it came to the perfect date night such as music that makes you want to move, a reason to pull out that outfit in your closet, while also eating and drinking some things that make you feel good. This experience got the city to show up, show out, but most importantly present the opportunity to figure out what’s the next route when it comes to the celebration of black elegance & excellence being normalized in Milwaukee.

There were only a few calls made by the dynamic three (Jones, Smith, and Ricketts) as they selected who the hosts for the night would be. One of those calls went to author, motivational speaker, and life influencer, Steph Crosley. The hosts needed to embody what the event symbolized: a hustler’s mentality, active community member, classy, and who also knows how to turn up and feed that energy to the guests. Crosley shared how the highlight of her night was not just the feeling on stage with Jammin 98.3’s Earl Stokes and DJ Cheerio but also honoring and awarding movie director, producer and writer; Ramon Swift Sloan towards the end of the evening. I asked the life influencer what is the correlation between celebration, motivation and inspiration because those are the three things that surrounded her that night. Crosley stated, “I believe you’re inspired - there’s a spark and then there’s a force that propels you internally to ‘do something’ and then there’s an outward display of your accomplishment - the celebration - in that order.” The perfect equation that should be used more often than it is by people who look like us. Steph’s night mirrored hundreds of others that attended the event; a night of music, food, fashion, and networking specifically catered to high-class black people in the city; but that wasn’t all that she remembered from that night.

“One of the messages to take away from the All Black Xperience is that together we can - it takes all moving parts to make an event successful from the organizers - to the city trusting the vision and coming out to support - to the DJs and host doing our part and everything in between. Together we can and I believe it will continue to do well and grow.”-Steph Crosley

It’s up to us to keep events like this in an consistent rotation and celebrate one another. So what will motivate you to do your part? Is it musical guests being in attendance? An opportunity to dress up? Or is it having the chance to talk to some of the most influential and intelligent black people in the city?

On behalf of the /CW fam I would like to applaud Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town” Smith, Tim Ricketts, Steph Crosley and all the other hosts who came together to make this night possible. As Crosley would say, there is power in numbers; might even have some of us starting to walk like Ghost off the Starz show Power. The celebration and elevation of black entrepreneurs, media, success, and unity needs to become normalized and consistent. So I challenge each of you. Comment down below what you think it’ll take for this to happen. Go follow the creators of this event. Their instagrams are @stillstephc, @jlj164, @therealmtown, @therickettsshow and catch the live recaps and photos from an unforgettable night.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW