Milwaukee freestyler works for enjoyment and the craft

Jason, “Taiyamo Denku,” Miller was dismayed both because his regular band mates from W.A.S.T.E.L.A.N.D.S. (Wisdom Activates Serenity Throughout Entities Living Allah’s Nurturing Divine Science) were absent for his performance at Grassroot’s open mic in the Miramar Theatre, and because when he took the stage, as the second of two featured guests, over half of the audience left. “I feel like the ugly kid, everybody’s bouncing on me. I feel like the ugly kid, I don’t understand people,” Miller said at the beginning of his performance.

Miller is no novice to the music scene. He has been producing music for over 10 years and says his real motivation is his love for the craft, "I just love making music. I don't really care about going up, as long as I'm doing what I like doing, and if people like it, that's what's up," he explained.

Miller brought out a cacophony of different beats, energetic with some classic undertones. At times he played tracks with band mates on them. One that he mentioned by name was Keith Murray who helped him release his latest CD, “Articles of Mind.”

Miller’s lyrics and attitude dripped with satire and sarcasm. He claimed in his lyrics that “Hip hop died today,” and “Nowadays, everyone’s a rapper. Nowadays, all I hear is laughter.” He took time to explain the difference between “freestyle” and “free verse.” According to Miller, “Free verse is when someone takes a verse they know and call it freestyle.” He then asked the audience to pull out random objects and proceeded to freestyle with them taking great pride in his ability to rap on the spot.

Between New York and Chicago, Miller has made Milwaukee his home. This is not entirely satisfactory because of a lack of support from other artists and the fact that his label, Uncommon Records, is based in New York. Miller stated, “If I was in New York, I’d have more shows with the label with the label. This city’s rough. It’s like everyone does it but nobody supports anybody else.” 

He criticized the hip hop scene in general for being too "Hip-hoppy" and that it relies on sex too much to sell itself.  Miller explained, "I've had girls come up to me and say, 'I like you're stuff, but I can't dance to it.'  That's not hip hop to me.  I'm like, 'But, did you hear my lyrics?'"

Miller claims that he is in Milwaukee because it is out of his price range to live in New York. He has become a regular to Grassroots Wednesday at the Miramar Theatre because he likes the “vibe.” Incredibly approachable, Miller made a number of contacts after the show making plans to collaborate while answering interview questions.

More information on Miller’s most recent work as well as his group may be found at http://www.chimilmusic.com/fr_home.cfm. An interview with Miller and some links to his music can be found at http://www.uncommonmusic.net/taiyamo-denku/.