Back in 2018, the Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved the creation of Hip-Hop Week MKE. “Hip-hop has the unique ability to bring communities together and stimulate conversations about relevant issues in our society,” said Ald. Khalif Rainey, who proposed the event. “I am thrilled to bring this event to our community with the help of my colleagues.”

Now, more than a year later, Hip-Hop Week MKE returns for its second annual blowout. “Milwaukee has made history as the first city in America ever to create an official ‘Hip-Hop Week’ focusing on the power of Hip-Hop to help transform urban communities,” Rainey said in a recent press release. “I invite the entire city to check out the many great events and performances next week that will touch on strengthening the community from a business and health standpoint, to a financial and political standpoint and beyond.”

Opening ceremonies kicked things off yesterday. Here are the rest of the events:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

Noon
King Gillie & Wallo267 @ Sherman Phoenix

3 p.m.
DJ Tony Touch Youth DJ Tutorial @ Mitchell Street Library

6 p.m.
F Yo DJ Podcast Live @ The Cooperage

7 p.m.
Kick Inspiration: Coming To America screening @ No Studios

10 p.m.
After Party: DJ Tony Touch @ The Cooperage

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

Noon
Health Fair @ Ascension St. Joseph’s Campus

6 p.m.
Washington Park Wednesdays: Linqua Franqa + Devin Drobka, Barry Paul Clark @ Washington Park

6 p.m.
Healthy Bars: Stic Man (of Dead Prez): A Hip-Hop Conversation About Health and Fitness @ Sherman Phoenix

6 p.m.
Backspin: The Final Episode @ 88Nine Radio Milwaukee

8 p.m.
2nd Annual Hip-Hop Trivia @ 4th Quarter Sports Bar

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

11 a.m.
Job Fair @ Ascension St. Joseph’s Campus

5 p.m.
The Hip-Hop Museum and Pop-Up Experience Exhibit and Happy Hour @ The Rave

7 p.m.
Ladies First: Atui Marie + B-Free, Brit Nicole, Dailen Harris, Grey Genius, Jayne Joyce, Kia Rap Princess, Kyndal J. Music, Ms. Lotus Fankh, Findymudy, Shle Berry, Nikki La Bomba @ Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

7 p.m.
Megan Thee Stallion @ The Rave

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

3 p.m.
DJ Envy (The Breakfast Club): A Hip-Hop Seminar on Financial Literacy and Real Estate @ Gee’s Clippers

5 p.m.
The Hip-Hop Museum and Pop-Up Experience Exhibit and Happy Hour @ The Rave

5:30 p.m.
Music on the BLT: Corey Pieper + Shle Berry, Jazzaveli, DJ Nu Stylez @ Beerline Trail Performance Stage

7 p.m.
The Hip-Hop Legacy Concert and Awards: Scarface + Bun B, Mystikal, Devin The Dude, Do Or Die, Coo Coo Cal, Benny The Butcher @ The Rave

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

1 p.m.
Hip-Hop & Criminal Justice Reform Seminar: Free Meek screening @ Wisconsin Black Historical Society

1 p.m.
Hip-Hop Goes to the Polls: Brad “Scarface” Jordan @ Wisconsin Black Historical Society

1 p.m.
The Turnup DJ Spin Session @ Deer District (Chords & Curds Festival)

4:30 p.m.
Rec Riddles + Guerrilla Ghost, Nile, Whaler @ X-Ray Arcade

5 p.m.
The Hip-Hop Museum and Pop-Up Experience Exhibit and Happy Hour @ The Rave

8 p.m.
Kevin Gates @ The Rave

9 p.m.
Breaking And Entering Hip-Hop Week Showcase: Mudy + Nile, Twan Mack, Larry Bull, Jaecar, DJ Phoenix

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Noon
The Hip-Hop Museum and Pop-Up Experience Exhibit and Happy Hour @ The Rave

7 p.m.
Summer Jam Band Bazaar: Coo Coo Cal + Baby Drew, Ray Nitti, Ray Rizzy, Adi Armour, Cigarette Break @ Mr. J’s

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Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.