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!

Elliott- “Abundance of the Heart” EP

How many people do you know can speak from the heart through one of the World’s most transparent art forms ever, without cussin’??? 414 artist Elliott can AND DID in his latest EP “Abundance of the Heart.” This 3 piece gives reverence to the Luke 6:45 Biblical scripture that aids the people of the world to be aware of what the heart carries. For Elliott, his self awareness is his freedom. He begins with some emotional honesty in “Who We Kidding?” He comes to terms with the reality of the relationship that he has with his lover and while coming to terms with what it actually is, out of his mouth he recognizes the maturity that a good relationship requires. ”The Lightning” sheds a bit more light (heehee) on Elliott’s Spiritual revelation and his battle with seemingly being chosen and kept for a bigger purpose. After having experienced many dangerous close calls brought on by poor social choices and even health scares, the young lyricist expresses his initial confusion about his life and gradually turns to accept the value of it with a sample of Nina Simone’s cover of “Strange Fruit” playing throughout the track. ”To and Through” perfectly wraps up this short winded glimpse into Elliot’s journey to maturity by plainly describing how mental strength can fuel the will for change in one’s life. Friends, habits, and lifestyle are bound to drastically change after discovering how the emotions, the spirit, and the mind are all a reflection of the contents of a person’s heart. Tell me how YOU feel about “ Abundance of the Heart ” Milwaukee.

Pride Month feature w/ Milwaukee Film | Moonlight

We had the chance to catch ‘Milwaukee Film’s Pride Month’ featured showing of “Moonlight” this weekend. While it’s hard for any corner of the world to be unfamiliar with the Academy Award winning film, Moonlight is the coming of age story of a young boy who struggles with balancing masculinity and sexuality. While juggling many different obstacles along the way, including being brutally bullied, raising himself and witnessing his mom abuse drugs, he eventually set his footing in the only thing he was familiar with–the streets. 

I feel like this is a universal story–even if [you] don’t think so. As a woman, I can’t speak to that experience of growing up as a male and balancing masculinity along with curiosity but these children and situations do exist. Their experience deserves validation whether it’s talked about or not. It happens every single day. 

These kinds of films are extremely important for society because it is something that is deemed taboo by the majority. People tend to think that sexuality is only expressed through personality and performance. If you were to watch this film in particular, you’d see it through the lens of what it is—normality. While it may not be your ‘normal’, you’re not the only person who exists. I think it’s also worthy to note that we don’t see a flamboyant character in this film at any point. That’s a heavy point in itself. Prejudice can’t protect you from the truth—sexuality is a fluid spectrum. Who are you to deem it any different?

While CopyWrite is a proud community partner of Milwaukee Film, what makes our job even easier is digesting top tier content. We hope to see you next year as it is not something you’d ever want to miss. 

/Imani for CW

Happy Juneteenth for your /CW Fam

A Milwaukee for All | Decolonizing Wealth with Edgar Villanueva

*Info provided by INPOWER MEDIA

On June 24, Greater Milwaukee Foundation President and CEO Ellen Gilligan will have a

conversation with activist and author Edgar Villanueva about racism, colonization, and

ways individuals and institutions can do more to heal and to help our community.

Villanueva will share examples and tangible steps on how we can reshape our approach to

philanthropy – what it means, who it includes, and how it works. This conversation is

designed to help individuals and institutions shift mindsets from conventional thinking to a

new understanding of what is possible in philanthropy through our use of time, talent,

treasure, and ties.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. Is philanthropy only about money or love of people?

○ How have you or your organization practiced philanthropy beyond monetary ways?

2. Find ways to connect, relate and belong.

○ What practices can you adapt in your life or workplace to help heal yourself and your community from colonization?

3. Actionable steps vary in size.

○ What are some steps big or small that you and your organization can take? How do your personal steps vary from that of your organization?

Following the conversation, a number of local leaders will participate in a roundtable

discussion about the steps they are taking in their own lives and in their own organizations

to do philanthropy differently.

Join for part 1 of the series on Friday, June 24, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

It is a free virtual Zoom event and you can register here.

We all play a part in making a difference.

Cardiac Da Pulse ft Classik Material “Caught Up” SONG

Despite the social and emotional climate that our city has been experiencing as well as the World as a whole, we can always count on some feel-good music to remind us of how we should be feeling about the lives that we have and the people that we experience it with. That being said, it is June, it's starting to get hot out, and the Summer time bops are in! Now, although we may not always have ‘Drop-top’ weather here in the MidWest, the zone that Cardiac Da Pulse and Classik Material are trying to put us in with “Caught Up” is giving just that. Cut straight from the cloth of one of the more popular eras of a rapper / singer collab in music, we are met with a grown and sexy bravado and a suave serenade for the chorus while the telling of a fling gone right is told to us by two casanova’s over a light and easy going beat that just provokes a two-step up outta you. You can’t escape it… I tried it! This 3 minutes and 16 secs. of Cardiac spittin’ shameless game provides the perfect energy to lead us into the mid-year mark. Tell me how YOU feel about “ Caught Up ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW