MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee music and hip-hop community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and influential figures. John Kuester, known to many as Kid Millions, passed away on July 7, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, creativity, and deep dedication to the culture he helped cultivate.
Kuester was more than just a rapper. He was a mentor, label owner, venue operator, and tastemaker who poured his heart into building Milwaukee’s underground hip-hop scene from the ground up. As one half of the powerhouse team behind Dope Folks Records, Kuester helped unearth and preserve rare gems from hip-hop’s golden era, earning global respect from collectors, artists, and fans alike.
Friends and collaborators describe Kuester as the soul of Milwaukee’s independent music movement—a humble yet visionary artist whose passion created space for others to shine. His longtime business partner and co-founder of Dope Folks Records, Chris, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Kuester “the driving force” behind the label and “a true Milwaukee icon.”
“If you knew him, you know he was the real deal,” Chris wrote. “We started Dope Folks 15 years ago over a shared love of obscure, unknown hip-hop. He was the one behind so many of those connections. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Kuester’s reach extended far beyond his own music. He opened doors for countless others, often giving young DJs and rappers their first real opportunity to perform. One musician recalled meeting Kuester at a hip-hop show at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee when he was just 17. A few months later, Kuester gave him his first gig in the city—an experience that would shape his career and inspire his work ethic.
“John wasn’t just an artist,” he said. “He was a generous friend, a mentor, and someone who lived his values—quietly, but powerfully. He was never critical, never arrogant. He led by example.”
Through Dope Folks Records, Kuester and his partner built a bridge between Milwaukee and the wider world, connecting with artists and fans across the globe. Despite the label’s success, Kuester remained grounded—always more focused on elevating others than promoting himself.
Beyond the music, Kuester was known for his kindness, humility, and infectious enthusiasm. His passing has left a void not only in the creative community but in the hearts of friends, family, and fans who knew him as much more than a performer.
The news has sent waves of grief through the city and the hip-hop world at large. Tributes have poured in across social media, with many describing Kuester as a true original—a quiet force whose impact will continue to resonate for years to come.
No details about services or memorials have been released as of yet.
As Milwaukee remembers John Kuester, one thing remains clear: the city didn’t just lose a rapper or a label founder—it lost a legend, a community builder, and a man who made everyone around him feel like part of something bigger.
Rest in power, Kid Millions.
