Twan Mack has solidified his position as one of Milwaukee’s most talented and respected rappers. Armed with an unmatched ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics with infectious beats, he has garnered a devoted following that spans across the globe. Twan Mack’s adult contemporary hip hop music inspires listeners with his raw emotions and empowering messages. As a founding member of one of Milwaukee’s first hip hop indie groups, Kali Tribe, Mack continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Mack has also partnered with another Milwaukee hip hop legend, Speech Thomas, of Arrested Development, for the group’s 18-leg European tour. Thomas has a rich and historic contribution to the city’s hip hop scene. He was a founding member of one of Milwaukee’s first hip hop groups, Gumbo. Gumbo’s hit single “Basement Party” merged hip hop and the spoken word in a way that predated groups like Digable Planets and A Tribe Called Quest. I sat down with Mack to discuss Milwaukee hip hop, the tour and much more.
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.