This is a big day for me. I knew I could make it here someday, and today I did.
The biggest grin at the Big Gig belonged to Jaquawn Gaston.
Gaston, a 2021 graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Audio Production program, writes, performs and produces rap songs, albums and videos under the stage name Rap J.
And the Milwaukee native realized a lifelong dream June 19 when he played an hour-long set on the opening day of Summerfest, Milwaukee’s annual lakeside music festival.
Gaston has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. His body might be constricted, but that didn’t stop his free-flowing rhymes and silky melodies from firing up a crowd of friends and admirers at the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Stage, which features local and regional acts during the nine-day event.
“This is a big day for me,” he told the crowd before he started his set. “I knew I could make it here someday, and today I did.”
See TV coverage of Rap J’s show
Wearing blue shorts, a Rap J T-shirt, gleaming white Reebok sneakers and aviator sunglasses, Gaston took center stage at the small venue. DJ Dscribe stood behind him, laying down backing tracks. Gaston sang seven songs during his set, dedicating one to his late mother.
“She gave me the strength and courage to chase my dreams,” Gaston told the crowd.
The oldest of four children, Gaston was born and raised in Milwaukee.. Growing up, he loved music. He said he busted out his first rap when he was 6 years old. As a teen, Gaston listened to Tyler, the Creator; Biggie Smalls, the Notorious B.I.G.; and Michael Jackson. He started writing songs and making his own music while attending Milwaukee Public Schools. He graduated from MPS’ Marshall High School in 2016.
Since graduating from MATC, Gaston has composed dozens of songs, released three albums and produced several music videos. In June 2023 he realized one dream by playing a live show at Milwaukee’s Shank Hall.
But Summerfest has always been the real goal, Gaston said.
“I am so thankful to the WAMI family for blessing me with this opportunity,” he said. “To all of the people who’ve supported me throughout my journey, I am forever grateful.”
At the end of his show, dozens of appreciative audience members snapped selfies with Gaston, hugged him and shook his left hand, which was covered in his trademark glove.
Among the fans were longtime friends Alice Piovesan and Anne Di Grazia, who both traveled from Sacramento, California, to see the show.
“There was no way I was going to miss this,” said Piovesan, who attended MATC with Gaston before moving out west. “This is such a great moment for him.”
Gaston said he plans to release a new album in August and hopefully play more live performances in the coming months. But on June 19, he was basking in the glow of a dream come true.
“Today is one of the greatest days of my life,” he said. “I’m blessed.”
Hear Rap J’s music and see his videos at https://www.youtube.com/@MyNameisRapJ
About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
