Plans move forward to host inaugural Hip-Hop Week MKE this summer

The Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee recommend approval for creating Hip-Hop Week MKE, an official week of hip-hop related events.

Co-sponsored by Council members Russell W. Stamper, II, Ashanti Hamilton, Milele A. Coggs, José G. Pérez, Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, and Tony Zielinski, the proposal will be taken up by the full Common Council on January 17.

The inaugural run of displays and activities would take place across the city this year from August 20 to 26. Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, the primary sponsor of the legislation to create Hip-Hop Week MKE, said he envisioned a wide mix of musical, artistic, educational, historical and other events and activities to take place across Milwaukee during this week.

“With Nielsen Music’s 2017 year-end report, stating that for the first time ever, hip-hop has surpassed rock & roll to become the biggest music genre in the U.S. in terms of total consumption, this solidifies the influence and power of the hip-hop culture,” said Alderman Rainey. “I will be working to engage the community and key partners to focus Hip-Hop MKE on financial literacy, civic engagement, voter registration and healthy living.”

Hip-hop has grown to shape much of American culture and is widely accepted as an essential art form for critiquing, influencing and reflecting on American society. But Alderman Rainey said he sees the important community-building possibilities brought forward with the utilization of the art form.

“Hip-Hop Week MKE will seek to promote partnerships with schools and local and national community groups to use hip-hop as a tool to teach youth and adults about financial literacy, political awareness and health issues affecting the city’s population,” added Alderman Rainey. “There will be fun and great music and performances included in this important new city event.”