In honor of another fantastic 414 Day, it's another fire edition of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow — HYFIN's interview series that invites guests to take a closer look about their past, present and future through the lens of music.
Because it's Milwaukee's official holiday, I decided to sit down with Shake James, a revered community member and avid sneakerhead from the 4-1-4. Shake, who grew up on Richards and Keefe (EASTSIDE!), shares his early memories of playing basketball and his introduction to the world of hip-hop.
A pivotal moment in Shake's life was meeting the legendary Jam Master Jay, who not only became a friend but also influenced his journey into music and sneakers. Shake recounts the unforgettable experiences of traveling, playing basketball with Jay and Run-DMC’s world famous Hollis Crew, and the profound impact Jay had on his life and career.
After Jay's tragic murder in 2002, Shake dedicated himself to honoring Jay's legacy through community involvement, launching initiatives like the Jay Academy and giving back to the Milwaukee community with Adidas-backed events and scholarships. Shake emphasizes the importance of dreaming big, leaning on the wisdom of OGs and uplifting the youth, aiming to foster a better future for the next generation in Milwaukee.
Check out the full interview using the player on this page and Shake's super-dope special edition 414 Day sneaker over at Clicks.
