The media most often associates hip-hop with profanity and violence, not charity. Jonathan Poppe, a music manager, producer and former hip-hop blogger for OnMilwaukee.com, wanted to take away this negative perception of the genre by starting the Hip-Hop Hates concert series, which raises money for a different charity with every event.
The fifth concert will take place this Friday, April 29 at Cactus Club on 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. and is titled Hip-Hop Hates Cancer. Cactus Club will donate the concert space for the event and all cover charges to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s oncology department, more specifically for kids suffering from terminal cancer. The first concert, Hip Hope Hates Multiple Sclerosis, was held in 2010 in honor of Poppe’s mom.
“There are a lot of negative perceptions of hip-hop – that it’s misogynistic, racist and indecent,” Poppe said. “I wanted to flip it around and have hip-hop hate on stuff we all hate.”
Poppe started working in the Milwaukee music scene in 2007. Although he doesn’t perform, he has released three albums, one in 2009 and two in 2011. Poppe said this will be the last concert he runs himself.
“I’m not as involved in the Milwaukee music scene as I used to be,” Poppe said. “Other people are doing positive things for hip-hop. It’s time to let the younger generation take over and let it be what they want it to be.”
All of the artists performing have worked with Poppe before and have donated their time to this fundraising event.
“Milwaukee is a city with an immensely talented hip-hop community,” Poppe said. “This is a chance to come see them before they travel all over the country.”
AUTOMatic is a hip-hop duo that will perform at the event. They consider their music to be a soulful, traditional hip-hop heavily influenced by jazz.
“Every event focuses on a different element of raising money for a charity, said APRIME, a member of AUTOMatic. “Music is a testament to our values.”
The artists feel that the event not only helps a good cause but also brings a sense of togetherness among Milwaukee musicians.
“A lot of us are fans of each other’s music, we just don’t get a chance to see each other perform,” APRIME said. “They’re not just good musicians but good people.”
The cover charge for the event is $5, although at least a $10 donation is suggested. Doors open at 9 p.m. The lineup will start with Pharaoh Mac & DMT at 10 p.m., AUTOMatic at 10:40 p.m., Klassik at 11:20 p.m. and SAFS CREW will close the show with a midnight performance.
“You’ll get a great snapshot of what Milwaukee hip-hop brings to the table,” Poppe said. “Your support can help put Milwaukee on the map.”