“Earth is Ghetto” is at the heart of Milwaukee’s contemporary hip-hop scene

Milwaukee’s hip-hop scene is ever-changing, with new artists emerging while older artists move away from the spotlight. However, turnover is so gradual that it is easy to overlook it while it is underway. Sometimes it’s just an afterthought that these changes look like earthquakes.

Looking back at the last 10-15 years of Milwaukee hip-hop, there are several projects and events that mark major shifts in the scene. One of them was Prophetic’s album Mo Profit Mo Progress, which announced the appearance of the Umbrella Music Group. The rise of the House of M was another event. WebsterX’s monumental “Doomsday” video of his ushering in New Age narcissism should also be up there. Looking back, I think producer Deuce LB$’s album/compilation “Earth is Ghetto” could also be one of those moments he could be.

Deuce LB$ (pronounced “pound”) produced the entire project himself, but mostly Camb, Tyso Sprme, Mudy, Dom’Mcneal, Emmitt James, Lahn Harper and von Alexander.

If you follow the city’s hip-hop scene even a little, you’re probably at least a little familiar with some of these names. Many of these acts have collaborated or shared shows together in various ways, many at the Cactus Club. But “Earth is Ghetto” formalizes their connection and claims collectively as a movement. At the very least, this compilation is a snapshot of a good chunk of the city’s hip-hop scene at this particular moment.

Duce’s work unites these collaborations. It’s a sumptuous, thick nod to R&B and neo-soul, but the sounds historically associated with Milwaukee barely feel like they’re going back in time. His collection of rappers takes a similarly modern approach. This isn’t music that builds walls out of what’s on the radio, it’s music that responds to contemporary style playoffs, presenting alternative angles that can bend new sounds.

The project has highlights like this Latin-accented confection from Rahn Harper.

…or Mudy showing off her cookmanship in this jam:

…or this piece of Bay-indebted smoothness by Tyso Sprme and Camb:

…or this amazing spoken word piece from Lakeisha Allen:

You can stream the entire project below.