J.P. performs songs off new album for USA TODAY Acoustic
J.P. performs “Strangers,” “Serenity” and “Took a Turn” for USA TODAY Acoustic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom on July 18, 2025.
As the seasons change, some of Milwaukee’s artists are offering their own intriguing transitions — from a veteran rock frontman gone Americana to a fun-loving rapper turned soul-baring singer.
Here are 10 top new Milwaukee songs, albums and EPs to check out this September, listed in alphabetical order.
Full disclosure: Longtime Journal Sentinel contributor Damon Joy is a part of this new group, but Joy (behind stage name Jank) proved his hip-hop bona fides in the local music scene long before we ran his reviews. His new old-school hip-hop project with Burgie Streetz is off to a promising start with this single, which also features contributions from one of Milwaukee’s premiere DJs, DJ Bizzon, and a shining turn from esteemed Los Angeles rapper Blu.
‘Bondage in the Afternoon,’ Alley Eyes
Don’t let the title scare you; feel free to gather the kids to listen to this expletive-free, Strokes-indebted five-song EP (and risk being asked some uncomfortable questions). Don’t skip a second, although there are some standouts in great towering rocker in “No Good.” and heart-pumping finish “Bloodstain.”
Our thanks to the Milwaukee band for making us wait just a few months for the second act of their sweeping, cinematic “City of Light” indie-rock collection. At the risk of seeming greedy: “Act III” by Christmas?
If the state of the world makes you want to scream, you may want to channel your frustrations using the latest album from furious, politically charged hip-hop duo Guerrilla Ghost. They offer their signature, scathing, unflinching takes on atrocities like genocide, corrupt politicians and systemic racism, along with personal reflections on sobriety and the lingering damage of trauma.
The Wisconsin State Fair didn’t end the way anyone wanted, with the historic flooding cutting the festivities short, but Matt Mueller’s playful country ode will keep the vibes alive until it returns next August. Especially love the rapid-fire rhyming shout-outs to some of the fair’s finer delicacies.
‘Limitless,’ Rap J
The title of Rap J’s latest album speaks to his attitude in life and in music. Born with cerebral palsy, the artist born Jaquawn Gatson fell in love with hip-hop as a child, began freestyling when he was 6, and has amassed an uplifting body of work shared through recordings and on Milwaukee stages. “Limitless” is just the latest chapter of that empowering, ongoing journey.
One half of Spanish-speaking hip-hop duo Browns Crew, El Sebas continues to expand his sound on what may be his catchiest single to date. It blends laid-back, disco-inspired beats with Latin grooves, smooth vocals and sharp rapping, evoking the innovative boundary pushing of Rauw Alejandro.
It was nice to see rock band the Delta Routine emerge earlier this year for a 20th-anniversary-tied victory lap. Even more gratifying: It evidently was just the beginning of a new chapter for frontman Nick Amadeus, whose unforgettable voice lends itself well to Americana music — which he explores on his first solo single since 2011.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen breakthrough artists like Lorde, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and, most recently, Sombr change the pop landscape while still in their teens. Jawny Jell-O, the stage name for high schooler John Abt, may be Milwaukee’s answer to those young pop phenomenons. His debut album is loaded with smart lyrics — and, most impressively, confident, creative and catchy production that draws from on everything from indie sleaze for (faux) brush-off “Just a Little Bit” to the jazz trumpet-dream pop one-two punch of “Freaking Out!” And “Never Learn,” his pairing with another teen artist, Stella Wilber (they both play in area band The Lightways), is a gem that even seasoned pop songwriters and producers can learn from.
The artist behind last year’s party starter “Bad Bitty” — the most popular song from a Milwaukee-based rapper in decades — takes a very different turn on the six-track R&B EP “Took a Turn,” letting his pain and vulnerability rise to the surface, expressed through a sublime singing voice. It’s an even greater testament that J.P. is a star in the making, arguably more so than his biggest breakout song.
J.P. performs ‘Took a Turn’ off new EP for USA TODAY Acoustic
J.P. performs ‘Took a Turn,’ the title track off his new EP, for USA TODAY Acoustic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom on July 18, 2025.
“Must-Hear Milwaukee Music” runs on or around the first of every month in the Journal Sentinel and at jsonline.com. If you have a new album, EP or song coming out, contact Piet Levy at [email protected] for review consideration. Follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.
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