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Mandela Barnes sits down to discuss 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'

Two men smile at the camera with their arms resting on each other's shoulders in front of a Radio Milwaukee logo.
Erin Bagatta

Today, HYFIN launched its new series: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Every episode will connect you with influential HYFIN-ators in our orbit to dig deep into how music shapes their life. We also learn more about them on a personal tip as they sit down with on-air DJ Anthony Foster to discuss:

  • YESTERDAY — ”Soundtrack of your life” songs and artists that are favorites from their youth. Think: sweet memories-type music or tracks that simply make you say “That’s my sh*t!”
  • TODAY — Artists/music they would define as their "go-to, no questions asked, request time off, clear the calendar and the 401K, hop on a flight, you are there no matter what" kind of artist or sound.
  • TOMORROW — An artist from today that may be under the radar, or even widely known, that they recommend and expect BIG things from. An artist they want to share with the world.

Our first guest is none other than Milwaukeean and former Wisconsin lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes. Elected in 2018, Barnes is the first Black American to hold this position and the second to ever hold statewide office. In 2022, he ran for U.S. Senate but conceded to incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson.

Barnes is a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a massive range of musical interests. He’s a fan of Nas, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Kool Moe Dee, Sudan Archives, Lil Baby and many others. He’s also a former MC (but you’ll have to listen to the conversation for more about that one…).

Listen below for a taste of the interview, then head over to HYFIN to find out what’s been on Barnes’ agenda since the senate race and, most importantly, his favorite songs, artists and music memories.