"MKE Hip-Hop All Star Basketball Game” Allows Artists to Network and Give Back to the Community
It's a Team Kaizon Ent. fast break, as L Cutta takes his chance to score. (Picture by Dylan Deprey)
It was Team #NoSleep versus Team Kaizon Ent. in the first MKE Hip-Hop All Star Basketball game at Lindbergh Park on Sept. 13, 2020. Flashes of red and purple scattered across the court. Team #NoSleep captain, Billboard Burn’Em and Team Kaizon Ent. captain, Erl Will drafted local rappers, singers, producers and videographers for the game.
The two artists recently collaborated for the first time on their song, “BALL OUT.” To celebrate, they decided to host a basketball game and shoot a music video for their new track.
Pictures by Dylan Deprey.
“We always wanted to work together and the song came about. We tried to put something collectively for all of the Milwaukee scene artists to spark some interest and showcase what we’ve got going on in the community,” Will said.
Burn’Em said the event was about bringing the community together and erasing the notion that artists from different sides of town cannot collaborate.
“Some people here have never met each other and definitely should because their music is on the same caliber,” Burn’Em said. “The whole stigmatism of Milwaukee being so segregated—we want to end that and connect the bridge.”
MKE Hip-Hop All Star Basketball Game.
Team #NoSleep rocked purple jerseys and included: Billboard Burn’Em, C-Mill$, Day Dotta, Jay McGhee, Blockah, Shaun Love, Magmo Mark, J.Wingo, Zionel and Bandup Clutch.
Team Kaizon Ent. sported red and featured: Erl Will, Jay Comp, Black Aladdin, Ready Ross, SF Cito, Dez B, L Cutta, Da Streetest, S1 and Don Vin Don.
The game was initially supposed to be played at Mitchell Park, but the rims just so happened to be missing. They ended up relocating to Lindbergh Park.
The “I’m Over It” rapper, C-Mill$ was actually excited with the last-minute venue change.
“It’s a blessing to have the event in my hood, where I grew up and played a lot of basketball,” he said. “It’s nothing but family here.”
DJ OG Gotti of 102.5 FM MKE, reffed the game along with a cameo from 414 Video Spotlight’s Melvin Gordon. The two were also featured in the music video, which was shot during the game.
Whether it was fights with the refs or mobbing at half court, the crowd got to experience a two-for-one, socially distanced Hip-Hop event.
“We wanted to bring some food out here and share it with the people and youth,” Will said. “We’re hoping to make this bigger and keep moving this positive thing because during these dire times, this is what we need.”
Between the fast breaks and friendly ribbing, the artists put everything they had on the court. In the end, Team Kaizon Ent. took the win 21-19 over #Team NoSleep. Though the competition was fierce, it was all love from the fans and artists.
Burn’Em said that he plans to make this a monthly event at an indoor location. He said the two other teams, Executive Board Music Group and 96’ Bulls will play in the near future.
“We love doing these events where we bring everybody together,” Burn’Em said. “All these artists need a way to burn some steam off, so let’s do it in a positive way.”
Event sponsors included: 102.5 FM The Pulse MKE, Newbie clothing, 7Scoops and Kornee Buzz.
For more information on upcoming events, click here.