John Kuester, aka Kid Millions, passed away July 7.
John was the embodiment of what made the Milwaukee music scene so special. He was generous, humble, active, ambitious, kind and, above all else, dope.
My first experience with John was at a hip-hop show in the UWM Student Union. I think I was 17 years old, and I met him at an underground rap concert. We exchanged information, and months later he gave me my very first gig I ever played in Milwaukee: a DJ set opening up for him, as he opened for Def Harmonic at the Riverwest Commons.
It still blows my mind that at 18 and 19 years old, I was playing shows with artists who I still hold in such high regard. It was an incredible opportunity for me to be a part of this community at a young age and instilled in me a work ethic that continues to drive me today.
John wasn’t just a rapper; he was also an entrepreneur, a record-label owner, a music curator and a venue operator. But we’re not sad today because we lost a man who helped open a cool bar. We’re sad because we lost a kind-hearted, generous friend. A friend who was loud with his actions but soft and quiet with his words. A man who, to my recollection, never said one critical thing about anyone in the scene — even the ones who sometimes deserved to have critical things said about them.
He was a man who would literally open his home for people to buy records, talk about music and be part of a community. He brought people together through music, which has left a lasting impression on so many people, myself included.
I’ll be spending my time this week listening to the amazing discography of music he left behind. I encourage you to do the same.
