10 Years Later: September 2015

Every month, we’re going to look back at the Milwaukee releases that are celebrating a milestone anniversary. We dug into our archives, and here are the 10-year old releases that are still available for streaming today:

Pizzle – “Rap Game”

What we said in 2015: “In preparation for the ever-elusive “Grand Design” release, Pizzle just dropped a new track, “Rap Game”. The song is the first release from the project to see the light of day, which would lead one to believe that it will be out in just a short matter of time.”

Gerald Walker – “Target”

What we said in 2015: “Musically speaking, the flow is the same Gerald Walker that we’ve watched grow and evolve, once again on another level. The assistance on several tracks by The Walker Family accentuates his vocals, too, and are some of the points where the tracks shine their brightest. It’s very apparent that this is a breakthrough for Gerald, who we’ve followed from Milwaukee, to Chicago, to New York (though he still name drops Milwaukee). “Target” is definitely your recommended listening for the day, week, and really quite a long time after that.”

Kiings Featuring Bliss & Alice, King Courteen, and WebsterX – “1984”

What we said in 2015: “This has been the summer of impressive videos, as Kiings have released an extremely well produced video for “1984” which features local artists Bliss & Alice, King Courteen, and WebsterX. It seems as though most visuals as of late are coming out with movie-like production, especially anything involving Web. This video, directed and edited by Damien Klaven, is no different. It’s no wonder that Milwaukee music videos will be on showcase at the Milwaukee Film Festival this year.”

The Sounds of Time – “3 Sheets”

What we said in 2015: “With their unique blend of funk and hip hop, Kid Millions and Sage Schwarm are back with a new track, entitled “3 Sheets”. This is the first release that is a precursor for a new The Sounds of Time EP, the follow up to 2014’s “…Again”, set to be released in October. The track revolves around a thick bass line and some spacy synths, which has come to be Millions & Schwarm’s calling cards.”

Sean Smart – “Rolling Stoned”

What we said in 2015: “Fresh off of a recent mutual split with the Higher Education Records crew, Sean Smart is setting out to start a new era of his solo career with some style, and definitely some originality. The product of turning over a leaf starts with the “Rolling Stoned” promo video, uniquely shot as 360 panoramic video. If you view it on Google Chrome, or on the mobile versions of your YouTube app, feel free to swipe and roll around as you please, and maybe catch some cameos from local Milwaukee natives as well.”

Dana Coppafeel & SPEAKEasy Featuring Haz Solo – “2 MPH”

What we said in 2015: “Yes, you’re gonna recognize the sample in this track from Uni-Fi Records’ Raplords, Dana Coppa and SPEAK Easy featuring Haz Solo. But beyond that, this is just flat out a smooth song to ride to. All three emcees bring the unique flavor that we’ve come to know and love from them, and as always Mammyth provides the laid back beat to set things off. Combined with the edit from Milwaukee’s Xavier Ruffin, this is a locally produced work from start to finish with some style. “2 MPH” will be on the upcoming “#Raplords” album due out in the near future.”

Soul Low – “I Want To Die”

What we said in 2015: “Complete with live footage from a house show and more enthusiasm than the recorded version of the song, the guys still make a song about wanting to die somehow very catchy. The clip is was recorded by Harrison Colby, and filmed/edited by Dan Black, who made the most of some sweet retro-style 4:3 footage.”

Wave Chapelle Featuring IshDARR – “Let’s Win”

What we said in 2015: “A pair of Milwaukee artists that are no strangers to the larger spotlights just dropped a collaboration that sounds like a motivational speech for the city. Standouts Wave Chappelle and IshDARR came together for “Let’s Win”, produced by local producer Maajei Vu and Meza. The track is a good look for everybody involved, and hopefully another crack in the glass ceiling that seems to surround Milwaukee hip hop artists.”

Yo-Dot Featuring Vincent Van Great – “The Get Back”

What we said in 2015: “Yo-Dot has been relatively quiet as of late, but all of that is definitely about to change in a major way, with the upcoming release of his anticipated “Burleigh Bodega” project with producer CAME One. Our first sample of things to come is the extra-tough visuals for “The Get Back” featuring SAFS Crew’s Vincent Van Great. This is yet another impressive looking video coming out of Milwaukee, this time the product of director Luke Marlowe. It’s great to see so much quality music and equally visually great videos like this one.”

Mike Regal Featuring Fivy – “Pain”

What we said in 2015: “Pain” is a wonderfully shot clip by Damien Klaven, who you may know from some of the more recent New Age Narcissism videos. The track is a single from Regal’s upcoming album, “Premonitions”. With a smooth beat, a laid back flow, and complimenting vocals from Fivy, this is a solid piece altogether.

Emaad – “Champions”

What we said in 2015: “The fresh faces in Milwaukee are making noise, especially with tracks like this one from Emaad. Armed with a beat to make any trap star bounce, “Champions” is definitely a track that can rattle some trunk speakers. With a cosign from local standout IshDARR (who sent us the track), and the skills to stand on his own, Emaad is going to be a name to watch for in the future of Milwaukee hip hop.”

Job Jetson – “Brain On Drugs”

What we said in 2015: “Spontaneity is sometimes key. On a whim, Job Jetson released a brand new track today, entitled “Brain On Drugs”.  Featuring some top-quality production, and a healthy dose of autotune, Job takes us through a slurry, mellowed out track about, well, drugs. The song, produced by Marc Benjamin$ and Bromar, is in anticipation of his upcoming project, “The Astral Playing”.”

King Bravo – “Nothing 2 Lose”

What we said in 2015: “One of the more underrated names to watch in Milwaukee is King Bravo, a hungry emcee with an ear for quality production. Fresh off of a solid response from his last couple of singles, Bravo dropped “Nothing 2 Lose”, his latest mixtape. With an array of slick beats and an ample flow over the top of it all, King Bravo is making a name for himself by any means necessary.”

You can check out more Milwaukee music history by browsing our archives.