MILWAUKEE— A Milwaukee bar is responding after a list of rap and hip-hop artists that DJs were reportedly told not to play, went viral and sparked backlash online.
The list included about 40 artists, most of them Black hip-hop performers. DJs were reportedly told the directive came from ownership and that they could lose work if they did not follow it.
The post also included the words “No Milwaukee Rap” which created a lot of backlash in the local community.
@ishdarrspam NO MILWAUKEE RAP is a weird flex but hey I’m just a customer 🤣🤷♂️ … thoughts? #milwaukee #bradystreetmke #414 #pov #fyp ♬ original sound – ishdarrspam
The owners of The Garage and HiHat Lounge addressed the controversy in a social media statement Monday night.
They said the list was created by an employee and was not approved by ownership.
According to the owners, the goal was to keep music references to violence or guns from being played and create a more relaxed atmosphere at the business.
However, they said creating a list of specific artists was the wrong way to accomplish that.
In a statement Monday, The Garage said the list was created by an employee and was not approved by the owners.
The intention was allegedly to keep music containing references to violence or guns from being played in an effort to create a more relaxed environment.
The owners said they addressed the situation with the employee responsible for the list and explained why the decision was unacceptable.
They also said they are proud of their diverse staff and customers and continue to support the diversity of the Brady Street area.
The list has also generated criticism from local musicians, some of whom said they’ve viewed The Garage as a place where Milwaukee artists could connect and network.
The controversy centers in part on the number of Black artists included on the list and the specific reference to Milwaukee rap.
The owners have not indicated that the list reflects a new ownership-approved ban on specific artists.
The Garage and HiHat Lounge have not provided additional details about what, if any, changes will be made to their music policies moving forward to WTMJ.
