HYFIN’s Most Read Stories of 2022

We’re not even one year old, but the HYFIN team is making sure to keep you connected to the culture. Since our inception on June 19, we’ve continued to bring you a mix of music, entertainment and news. Sometimes these come from our neighborhoods, and other times they have national (and international) reach.

Here are the Top 10 HYFIN stories that caught our readers’ attention in 2022.

10. As MATTHÙ, Kevin Bush shares his voice and state of mind on new EP ‘Montana’

The sound of guitarist and producer Kevin Bush’s new project, MATTHÙ, isn’t a far cry from his work with his brother Will as sibling duo Immortal Girlfriend. But for anyone familiar with Kevin’s talents, it’s markedly different in ways that are both eye-opening and absorbing.

9. Music Legend Kurtis Blow Celebrates the Holidays with Hip Hop Nutcracker in Milwaukee

To date, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” has been performed more than 200 times in 70 cities, reaching tens of thousands of audience members across the country. The live show celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. Who better to lead this cast in delivering that message than hip hop legend himself Kurtis Blow? He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, B-boy, DJ, public speaker and he’s even a minister. He is also the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label.

8. Award-winning, Vegan Chef Bryant Terry talks intersections of food, politics, poverty & family traditions

“And the thing that I think our families often do, even if unconsciously, is when they’re feeding us, they’re passing down culture, they’re passing down history, they’re passing down memories, they’re passing down stories. And I think that as an adult, especially as someone who studies and has been working in this field of food for two decades, I’m very clear that they were showing me how to eat to live.” – Bryant Terry

7. Creator of Milwaukee run group F.E.A.R. talks community, inspiration in new ASICS campaign

Having a sound body and a sound mind are central to a person’s overall health and wellness. It’s the concept behind global running brand, ASICS, and the focus of their latest campaign – Live Uplifted. This year, ASICS told the stories of five runners from across the country, who use movement to create healthier lifestyles for themselves and for others. Milwaukee’s own Tenia Fisher is featured in this campaign, as creator of her running group F.E.A.R. – Forget Everything and Run.

6. Chingy Drops new single ‘Can’t Blame Me’, returns to music scene with nothing to prove

You don’t even have to say his name and most likely – when you hear his voice – you’ll already know who he is. Chingy has built a massive fanbase since his 2003 debut, but after attorney mishaps and various disputes, we started hearing less and less of him on mainstream airwaves. Well, Chingy is back with new music and much more on the way.

5. Zed Kenzo gets personal on ‘Zechariah’ EP, talks inspiration, sobriety and message to fans

HYFIN sat down with Zed Kenzo for an open, honest, fun and brave conversation about her music, her health journey with substance abuse, why she left Milwaukee and the freedom that’s guiding her life now. Zed calls this new EP a re-introduction, and it definitely gives insight into who “Zechariah” is and why.

4. Milwaukee business tech hub expands to create more opportunities for communities of color

There’s a continued push to keep talented young professional and creatives from leaving Milwaukee. Many initiatives, organizations and people are devoted to this, especially when it comes to creating safe spaces for Black and Brown people to thrive. The Milky Way Tech Hub is one of these places.

3. Emmy-Winning Milwaukee talent featured at upcoming Cultures and Communities Festival

Milwaukee Film’s Cultures and Communities Festival returns with new stories to share, including an Emmy-winning movie produced by local talent. This year, the fest will also include two movies directed or produced by Milwaukee natives.

2. New tech portal allows people to upload health data for medical research and gets paid for its use

Until now, your health records mostly benefited you during doctor’s visits. A new Milwaukee-based biotech startup hopes to use that data to transform the world of medical science — and put money in your pocket as well.

1. Bob James: The Jazz Musician Who Unknowingly Helped Create the Sound of Hip Hop

While he’s now recognized for his profound impact on hip hop, Bob James was not always a direct part of the process. But he isn’t bitter, and instead says he’s humbled and gracious to have his legacy woven into the global art form.  And now, he’s collaborating with other hip hop artists to create new music for fans to enjoy.