Isaiah M Brown- “Rose Colored” Music Video

Toxicity is personified in Isaiah M. Brown’s music video for his latest single ”Rose Colored.” Whew! Along with Art Direction from Shun Powell and effects by Michael Sapieja, this visual exposition of the ‘Rose Colored Glasses’ that we all have surely worn before (or someone has worn for us, mmmhmm) is shown through an interpretive dance by Madyun Wilson, who represents the meek, subjectivity of someone who can’t resist the lust of manipulation. Meanwhile, Brown sits back, embodying the ex-lover that he is singing about; Wilson dances and contorts himself back and forth in the grittiness of Jugo Fabrika for his lover’s enjoyment to only receive a seductive smirk and some lustful encouragement in return. Throughout this visual, both are seen being covered in some form of red and along with Brown’s lyrical context, the audience sees and hears of the different perspectives of the trap of domestic and emotional abuse in relationships. Tell me how YOU feel about “  Rose Colored  ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW

2Hi and Eli $tones: Live at No Studios

Another Friday night at No Studios has been dedicated to two more promising artists.  A few minutes after my arrival, an anxious  Eli $tones, still fueling off of the momentum of $ticks and $tones, came to greet some folks, myself included, while we waited outside prior to his performance. Nic Stokes was the DJ for the night and the time to get the show started was approaching.The crowd capacity was underwhelming and this was a new venue for him, but $tones dared not to waste any of the time he was given. What can seemingly be a disappointment to most held no weight against the passion that he has for his music. 

E$:  …Well I just wanna start off by saying, I always get super nervous before any show, regardless if there's five people there or a hundred people there, it doesn't matter. I always get super nervous so not seeing people there at all- that already just messes with my anxiety. So that's one thing. But also tonight I had a 30 minute set… Local artists don't often get 30 minute sets. Cause you know, most of these hip hop shows are always showcases and they got plenty of artists on the bill, So we usually get like 10 minute sets. So to be at this show, knowing it's a little bit like- I wouldn't say dead, I would say intimate- knowing I had a 30 minute set, It was a little disappointing, but I mean, I do enjoy, still, that small intimate feeling. Cuz even though people aren't moving around and screaming in your face, screaming the words back, they're still listening. They're still engaged, you know, if I tell them to turn on the phone [light], they still do that. So yeah, That's always beautiful, and you know, these small shows going into big shows, I can also like at them like a rehearsal too. Like these are just reps, you know what I'm saying? So I guess it's a love/hate relationship, considering my anxiety, but nah, bro, I love doing shows in general. This is what I do music for is a show.

From having beginnings in a rap collective, The Cronies, from which 2Hi also came, to finally excelling as his own artist, Eli $tones has certainly made his way around and has a lot to give.The consistent need to climb on top of something and look you in the eye, even deliberately bringing a ladder to elevate and center himself amongst the crowd while dripped in Unfinished Legacy, and the projection of his truth into the mike with the hope of reaching the hearts of those listening is exactly why our artists deserve better when producing performative opportunities for them!

E$: … I'm here to save people from themselves and I’ll be caught dead before they catch me lacking…

CW: … How do you feel that your last album affected people? Have you gotten a lot of personal feedback on what your album may have done for some?

E$: Definitely. This is the one project that I shared with the people who I trust most- my mentors, my friends, my family and they really said like- of course I'm not gonna listen to this- ‘you don't have to drop anything else. You just need to push this album and this could get you to the next step. You just need to keep working.’ But this is, even to me, my favorite body of work. it's where I've been my most vulnerable. I've talked about things that I've never talked about before. I tried not to, you know, sugar coat certain subjects to make a hit. You know what I'm saying? So I've gotten a lot of good feedback, not just from my close friends, but from people all around the world from Morocco, people from Denmark to New Zealand. It's Super cool. 

 2Hi’s set followed soon after. As the room became more lively with peer artists in the audience like Tru West, Nile, and young producer ThatGuyEli ready to engage in the hype, 2Hi, just the same, has been thriving off of the fresh release of his album White Lighter Bad Luck, allowing nothing to stop him from being a rock star.

CW:  I haven't really seen many performances of yours in the last couple of years, so that was a really good reintroduction ‘cause I don't think I've- I've seen you perform, but I've seen you perform more so as a part of a collective.

2Hi: Yea that was a while ago. 

CW: Seeing you as 2Hi by yourself was really good. How do you feel about tonight’s set? 

2Hi: You know,  I always look at it as like, no matter the quantity of people that's there, I'm still gonna rock it out like it's an arena full of muhfuckas. I feel like this was exactly how I envisioned it, you know what I mean? ‘Cause it's manifestation. That's how I always walk into a situation like this, Like ‘alright, we finna rock this shit, cmon. no matter what,’ you know what I mean? So yeah, at the end of the night you gone remember something.

I asked him about the personal outcome of dropping an album during the pandemic and the disciplines that came of it.

2Hi: …It's disciplining me to actually whip myself into shape; being active and current on everything. Lately- it's funny ‘cause like the pandemic also taught me that I need more content. I need as much content as music that I have. So as long as I'm cranking out content and I'm rolling with a team, like literally my team is building right now.

CW: What do you mean by team? Like do you mean team like collective wise or do you mean your management, a stylist- a team like that more production wise?

2Hi: More production wise, yeah, it's funny, like I just asked my boy Lake- I was like, yo, can I add you to my bio under ‘Management?’ He been booking hella shows for me, like Lake is doing his thing. If anybody needs a show, please hit up Lake. He'll set you right… But literally the team is growing with videographers, photographers, DJs, engineers, and producers. I'm trying to get involved with the entire city and bring it back to home base. Everybody that i actually fuck with at the crib... making sure everybody eats..

CW: … Alot of artists- not a lot of artists, but more artists are really realizing how important a team really is.  It's not just about you being passionate anymore, depending on how big you want to go, you know what I mean? It takes other people who have a passion for you, but in a different way. So especially speaking on, you know, being a part of a collective or, you know, being close to a lot of different artists, how does that affect your relationships with people?

2Hi: I would say at least the last three years I've been mainly just working in house with just maybe one or two people and now I'm finally opening up. So like, I guess what I'm trying to say is making friends in this industry is very important ‘cause that support system is like- literally I tell people, the people in my crowd y'all don't know it, but y'all have a cape on. You know what I mean? Y'all came to the rescue for me. Like y'all didn't have to come here. This is literally time that y'all are spending with me. And time is one of the most valuable things known to man, so for y'all to come out, show y'all love and appreciation, that is all I could ask. 

/Naomi-Re’a for CW

Ty Wilder- “44” EP

Something for the Old Heads and Old Souls who’ve been fiendin’ for some Soul!

 As the rose that is TRP continues to sprout beautifully from the northside of our beloved city, a new EP has dropped officially introducing its First Lady, Ty Wilder.  Having featured her vocals on the “Summerfest” Interlude from Lik and Big P’s collective album “Driveway Dreamers”, Ty had already given us a teaser of what was to come from her project “44” which dropped on the 8th of this month. This EP acts as an ode to her aunt and father. Both, who have passed away within the past 2 years, have had deep impacts on her life as expressed in her lyrics, nourishing her esteem and providing love where lack was felt. Tastefully so, the instrumentation was produced by Lik and Earfffmann and let me tell you, its light, feathery tenderness is completely complementary to the rich rumble of Ty’s buttery textured voice as she sings lovingly to her family.  Tell me how YOU feel about “ 44 ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW

CJ Folds- “Can’t Get Over You” EP

CJ Folds returns 5 months post Album drop (Check out “Love at War: Mr. Lonely”,) with some more heat. Can't Get Over You continues the narrative of the lover boy turned ‘Mr. Lonely’ except this sideline story is of a lover whom he spends most of the time admiring from a distance. Deciphering whether or not this love is unrequited is up to the listener but with the first track “Scared to Love” CJ gives his first person view of a girl who grew comfortable with dishing out what she was given; Making no effort, not even with her appearance, to keep love close. While keeping her guard up into “Time Heals,” CJ Folds continues to encourage her to embrace him. “Someone Said” is where the tea gets hot because it could be either one of them speaking at this point! On one hand, CJ could have realized the painful truth of what is to come of pursuing a relationship with someone who was way too jaded to begin with, OOOORRR- he is just listening as his potential lover shares her reasons for viewing love the way that she does. Sounds Juicy!! Wrapping up this EP, “I Dont Wanna” with its repetitive, and at times, vague lyricism laid over guitar strings leaves room for the listener to focus on the optimism that the young artist, and his label mate Langston on the feature, has held onto throughout this project and leads us into “Butterflies,” a slow jam, R&B style song featuring another label mate Aremit that shows how real those butterflies still are whether struggling to get over your past or diving heart first into something new. 

Tell me how YOU feel about “ Can’t Get Over You ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW

Music On The Beerline - A /CW Pre-Coverage interview w/ DJ Bizzon & Twan Mack

We Outside! 

[The “improper” syntax is intentional but if you read it right you know exactly what it means.]

The idea of leaving our homes to explore anything social, festive, or communal over the last few years has become risky, anxiety filled, and often polarizing. However, summers in Milwaukee are magical. One might even call them cathartic. Thus, it creates the same atmospheric presence as a well curated sound track, playlist, or mixtape. . . Summers here are just a vibe. 

So what if we told you that you could experience that vibe live? Well, with Music on the Beerline returning for a three event summer series you absolutely can.

On July 15, August 19, and September 16 Riverworks Development Corporation will host a free outdoor performance on the Beerline Plaza performance stage [3350 N. Holton St.] from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Just like the past three years, this 4th year of annual festivities will include food trucks, local vendors, and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The twist is that this year's multiple date series will allow for a diverse line-up of local musicians to perform providing a variety of music genres for all audiences, generations, and vibes.

Because CopyWrite loves music and community so much we are bringing you pre-covarge right before each event to get you “Outside” and in the mix starting with exclusive interviews from July 15th acts, DJ Bizzon & Twan Mack.

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It is clear that both DJ Bizzon and Twan Mack are excited to be a part of the Music on the Beerline series. Though both of them are seasoned performers who have a prolific roster of appearances, showcases, and sets [Bizzon just days ago spinning at Summerfest, one of the largest music festivals in the largest music festivals in the world and Twan just coming back from a European tour opening up for 2 time Grammy winners Arrested Development], being apart of this community event still feels major.

When asked about accepting the invitation to perform at Music on the Beerline this year they both gave personal stories of how the event resonated with them.  

DJ Bizzon had previously performed in this space and the opportunity to vibe out in an outdoor setting where noise is not a concern and everybody can hang out in a real inclusive way feels more free. [If you have ever been to a DJ Bizzon set, you know that he is bringing the Yams no matter what the location may be]. Twan Mack emphasized that though he considers himself a product 53206, a segment of his childhood was spent in Riverwest, one of the neighborhoods that the Beerline borders. 

Twan Mack: “It’s the most diverse part of the city in my eyes. So when I got the call to be a part of this I could not turn it down.”

He also mentioned how much he values the work that Riverworks Development Corporation does in the community, and supporting local creative talent is just an extension of that. 

As intentional as the selection of performers are for this series, it comes with noting a need for inclusive happenings that allows for all people to be invested and welcomed. The narrative given for the Music on the Beerline is clear:

“Make real community connections through the collective love of music”.

Across Milwaukee’s Downtown area, the nicheness of Bay View, and Eastside [proper] there are things to do and music happenings but the need for those spaces don’t stop there. They are more like precedent to do more in places that get it the least. 

DJ Bizzon: “So much is happening in these other places. Having a space where all these communities connect is obvious.”

Twan Mack: “It really incompases everything I am about as a performer. My music doesn't have a color on it. Even though it’s coming from a Black man's standpoint, it's really for anybody. I tailor my shows so it can be child friendly as well.”

Merging socio-demographics authentically is something that creativity, especially music does well. This theme also allows for performers to actively address diversity through their sets. Where you can expect a mixture of family friendly vibes from both Bizzon and Twan, they will also be bringing their personas to the stage.

DJ Bizzon’s set will carry a mashup of Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, and 90’s R&B. Twan Mack will be serving a mixture of social political thought, entertainment, and some education on Hip hop history. 

See? VIBEY!

It’s important to note that beyond being performers both Bizzon and Twan are a part of Milwaukee’s community and as such they are also a part of the audience the series is hoping will enjoy the event. 

When asked about what they were looking forward to the most about Music on the Beerline besides their performing their sets Bizzon mentioned how stoked he is to see the other dope performances and seeing how they create the vibe, in a setting where everybody can come out for good entertainment, gratis. 

DJ Bizzon: “I’m never mad at a free show!”

Twan is looking forward to people coming together, being able to broaden their horizons, and to learn about people they may not really know. 

Twan Mack: “I expect to see all kinds of faces. . . [For this] what you have in your bank account does not matter. Come have a good time. Eat some good food. Share some smiles and bring some positivity to the Summer.” 

So are We Outside?

You better believe it . . . and that means ALL OF US!

Be on the lookout for new music and visuals from Twan Mack (@twanmack24). Plus, his other summer appearances at the Cactus Club and under raps project with The Cooperage [shh we can’t tell you what it is yet but it's going to be good!] 

To keep in the loop with DJ Bizzon (@djbizzon) all you have to do is head to his website https://djbizzon.com/ for events, merch, and more.

See you on the Beerline!

Lexi S. Brunson for /CW

Summerfest w/ CopyWrite Magazine [Hosted by Imani Ortiz] | Day 6: @WHOISHUEYV

Don’t you just love firsts?! Do you still remember your first concert? Or even your first experience doing something you love in front of a large crowd of people? How about your very first Summerfest headlining show? Did I lose you? Can’t relate? Well guess who can? HUEY V!

On July 2nd, we had the AWESOME opportunity to “chop it up” with signed rapper, @whoishueyv, right before he took the stage with DJay Mando. This pre-coverage interview highlights what’s going on and essentially what’s next with Huey V after such a huge performance! This is what he had to say!

Krypto Kracc- “Dead Drop” SINGLE

Not too far off from the disposition shown in his last single “Hood Bizness,” Krypto Kracc’s latest, “Dead Drop,” reiterates the language of realness! Even while preparing to open for Roc Nation’s Benny The Butcher in Indianapolis later this month, he doesn’t allow what could seem surreal to many to cause him to let up. Krypto continues his personal wave of celebrating the rawness of street culture and what it means to be cut from the cloth of a real one with real street cred.’  The New Jersey rapper has only just gotten started. Tell me how YOU feel about “ Dead Drop ” and be on the lookout for future shows from Krypto Kracc, Milwaukee! /Naomi-Re’a for CW

Genesis Renji “E.D.E.N” EP [East of the Garden Gallery Pop Up]

Genesis Renji had a gallery pop up and performance for his latest EP, E.D.E.N. The entire event was amazing, and it featured a performance by Clayton Biddle and a gallery of visuals from the EP. Genesis sat down with Copywrite Magazine to give us the inside scoop on how he cultivated this project.

/CW: So for those who don’t know, can you explain what E.D.E.N means?

Genesis Renji: Yes, E.D.E.N means ‘eventually dreams end in nightmares’. It’s the sequel to my 2018 album S.I.N.S ‘stories I never shared’.

The album is a melting pot of different feelings. With tracks like “Hurt Me Again”, Genesis describes the cycle of a toxic love and coping with the after effects of heartbreak. “Thank You” narrates him coming into acceptance of the love lost, channeling into healing energy. It’s almost like a cadence or anthem to getting over this love and moving forward. From beginning to end, he poetizes his journey through the different stages of love and grief.

/CW: What was the most challenging part about this whole project? 

Genesis: Being honest! (laughter) It’s easy to wanna say ‘alright I’m finna make some music, I’m gonna make it sound good and keep it surface level right? It’s harder to dig into it and tell people how you feel and describe the thoughts that you’re really having. Especially in Milwaukee, where people know you and know the person you were with. And that can apply to any relationship, any situation you’re in. If you’re in a small city and you talk about a relationship you’ve been in or situation you went through and the people around you know what you’re talking about, you’d be a little scared or a little intimidated. You never wanna embarrass anybody, you don’t wanna embarrass yourself. So I would say being honest was the most challenging part but it was necessary.

The idea that all dreams eventually end in nightmares is one that may seem hard to conceptualize. Some people may think it’s pessimistic or maybe even manifesting negatively. But it depends on how you view ‘nightmare’ in this context. Is it truly a nightmare or is it just reality? In the context of love and hate, we see it all the time. The dream that two people who truly love one another will withstand all storms, trials and tribulations is oftentimes followed by the nightmare aka the reality of that love coming to an end.

/CW: Do you think that dreams ending in nightmares is a manifestation of the fears of love that one suppresses? Or do you think it’s just how life is?

Genesis: Uhhhh…yes and no. It CAN be a manifestation but then it’s also like….the reality of a situation, right? Not everything that we want is meant to last forever so once it eventually hits that turning point or something happens that we didn’t expect, it starts to become ugly and you get a lil fearful of that. Like when you’re in a relationship with somebody, shit is smooth for the first 5-6 months. Then that first argument happens and you be like “damn…it’s damn near OVER!” But in reality, it’s probably not that deep. It really depends on your perspective. 

/CW: So do you think that love should have an element of fear in it?

Genesis: No! Love should have respect in it. Love is not fearful. When you look at 1 Corinthians 13, it defines what love is on a biblical and spiritual level and fear is not in the definition of love. Love is patient, love is kind, love is understanding. The fear that comes in a relationship are our personal fears that we project onto our situation based on things we’ve seen or things that we’ve been through with people. 

/CW: So what’s coming up next for Genesis Renji? You know you gotta give us the exclusive, we’re CW!

Genesis: Damn you just flexed, you right! Um, we’re working on videos for the rest of E.D.E.N. I wanna do a short film for it, but we gone see what that looks like timewise. And the vinyl for E.D.E.N is coming too, that’s gonna be the deluxe edition with extra songs and extended versions of some songs. You know, my next shit is my best shit so….

Genesis Renji is one of the many gems this city holds, his artistry speaks for itself. The visuals for the EP are amazing, man and woman in love living in the garden of Eden, enjoying the fruits of their labor that’s been put towards they’re love. Each song speaks on the different aspects of love; the beginning, the middle and end. My favorite song has to be “Hurt Me Again”, and that’s speaks volumes seeing that I loved the entire project. Keep your eyes on Renji, we could be watching our next start rise to the top. Check it out and let me know what y’all think! 

/Pam from CW

Summerfest w/ CopyWrite Magazine [Hosted by Imani Ortiz] | Day 1: @DJGEMINIGILLY

If you were at Summerfest, June 23rd, and did not slide on DJ Gemini Gilly, were you really even there?

We were so happy to see another one-of-a-kind performance by one of the HOTTEST DJ’s in the city, making her SECOND headlining debut at Summerfest. I got the chance to catch up with our favorite gemini and this is what she had to say!