'A message of solidarity': Milwaukee rap artists to perform inside Milwaukee Public Library Sept. 3

It comes days after a Brady Street bar was widely criticized for a "no-play list" that leaked on social media, which many considered to be racist.

"I wish we'd be celebrating the city and celebrating hip-hop music and celebrating what we got going on, rather than, everybody's talking about it in a negative sense," said Djay Mando, a Milwaukee-based DJ who regularly performs at Summerfest and other large venues.

Mando and his brother, music producer Sunny Lou, were disappointed to learn about the "no-play list" allegedly given to DJs at The Garage, a Milwaukee nightlife bar.

"As an establishment, you have the right to play whatever you want, but for me, it was just like, a lazy, not thought-out way to go about it," said Sunny Lou.

The list circulating social media names dozens of mainstream Black music artists and specifies in bold: "NO MILWAUKEE RAP."

"When we play it, everybody's just vibin', you know," said popular Milwaukee rapper 414BigFrank. "Everybody's having a good time, so it shouldn't be like that." 

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414BigFrank is headlining The Rave in Milwaukee on Saturday, Aug. 29, the last stop of his current national tour.

He tells us his songs have been played at The Garage before.

"It's just music. It should make you feel good. It should make you want to tap your feet," he said.

While you might not hear Frank at certain bars, one unique venue will host him for the first time next Thursday.

Dubbed "The Library Show," the concert on Sept. 3 will feature live performances by 414BigFrank, DJay Mando, Sunny Lou, and more inside the Milwaukee Central Library's rotunda.

"It's a message of solidarity, it's a message of positivity, and it's at the same time, educational and promoting literacy and making it fun," Mando said. 

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The Milwaukee Public Library has been planning the event alongside local label Run Along Forever and music event brand On What?! MKE for a year, to celebrate September as National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

"I think the biggest thing is, no matter what walk of life you come from, no matter what music you listen to, you're always welcome at the Milwaukee Public Library," said Joey McMahon, Milwaukee Public Library's research and policy coordinator.

Now, the special show means even more to those putting it together.

"It's a beautiful, fun thing, that's like, the exact opposite of what other folks decided to do," Sunny said.

"I just hope that people come here, and they see that Milwaukee music isn't scary. It's just this great community-based thing," said Nolan Busalacchi, the founder of Run Along Forever.

The artists hope to send a message that Milwaukee's music scene is all about fun, with community at its core.

"They're willing to let hip-hop and let Black people and Black artists into their spaces, and have a good time for everybody," Mando said. "If the library's willing to do it, why wouldn't you want your bar to do that?"

The Library Show is Sept. 3rd at 6:30 p.m. It's free to attend.

There will be food trucks on site, along with library card sign-up stations. Special edition Run Along Forever library cards will also be available.

The first 50 attendees to sign-up or renew their library card will get a free lineup T-shirt.