Last night, The Rave was transformed into a musical paradise for the annual Wiscansin Fest, curated by singer and rapper T-Pain. Inspired by T-Pain's viral rhyme in his hit song "I Can't Believe It" – where he paired "mansion" with "Wiscansin" – the festival has become a much-anticipated event on the Milwaukee summer music calendar. And this year's edition did not disappoint, bringing together an eclectic lineup of performers that spanned multiple genres and generations of hip-hop and R&B.
Headlining the festival, T-Pain – known for his auto-tuned anthems and infectious stage presence – pulled out all the stops to create a night to remember. Alongside him were industry heavyweights like Akon, the multi-platinum artist known for his smooth vocals and hit singles like "Smack That" and "Lonely," and Soulja Boy, who has kept crowds hyped since his breakout with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)."
The lineup also featured the Ying Yang Twins, whose crunk hits have been club staples for years, and Waka Flocka Flame, whose high-energy performances are legendary. Adding to the diverse mix were artists like Pink Sweat$, bringing soulful melodies, and Yelawolf, whose unique blend of hip-hop and Southern rock provided a fresh twist.
As the day turned to night, The Rave and the Eagles Ballroom echoed with the sounds of hits old and new, uniting fans in a celebration of music and community.
Here are ten standout moments captured in photos from the unforgettable event:
1. A mansion in Wiscansin
T-Pain, known for hits like "Buy U a Drank" and "Bartender," made a grand entrance for his headlining set. The stage featured a giant video board that created a digital mansion, bringing the Wiscansin mansion vibe to life. The elaborate visual set the tone for a night filled with high-energy performances and vibrant entertainment.
2. Akon sets the night on fire
Akon, the artist behind chart-toppers like "Smack That" and "Lonely," delivered a fiery performance right before T-Pain took the stage. His set was a powerful reminder of his impressive catalog of hits, and the crowd couldn't get enough. Akon's energy and charisma alone made the festival worth attending.
3. Crank that selfie
Soulja Boy, the rapper who rose to fame with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," proved he is a man of the people by jumping into the photo pit early in his performance. He took selfies with fans while rapping his biggest hits, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to be close to the action.
4. LaRussell shops local
Hailing from Vallejo, California, up-and-coming rapper LaRussell showed some love to Milwaukee by rocking an Unfinished Legacy crewneck. His support for a local brand endeared him to the crowd and showcased his appreciation for the city's culture.
5. Yelawolf plays his tracks
Known for blending hip-hop with Southern rock, Yelawolf brought his unique train DJ booth to Wiscansin Fest. Fresh off his performance at the AmFam Amp less than a year ago, Yelawolf's set was a visual and auditory spectacle that stood out as one of the festival's highlights.
6. Pink Sweat$ brings the soul to Wiscansin Fest
Pink Sweat$, the soulful singer from Philadelphia known for hits like "Honesty," had the ladies in the audience swooning with his beautiful voice. His ability to hit high notes with ease made his performance one of the most memorable of the night.
7. Flacka goes hard in da paint
"Hard in da Paint" rapper Waka Flocka Flame performed after it was announced that Dillon Francis had to cancel his set. Waka Flocka's unmatched energy kept the party going and then some, ensuring that the festival never missed a beat even if a major act was missing.
8. Twinning
Known for crunk hits like "Whistle While You Twurk," The Ying Yang Twins closed out The Rave stage before all performances moved to the Eagles Ballroom. The rap veterans proved they still have it, and their infectious energy had everyone dancing and singing along.
9. A kaleidoscopic suit
T-Pain's elaborate and vibrant outfit, which looked like it was pulled straight out of Willy Wonka's closet, was a visual treat. The colorful ensemble added an extra layer of excitement to his exceptional performance and was the perfect cherry on top of another successful Wiscansin Fest.
10. Soulja Boy gets freaky
Soulja Boy also showed his love for Milwaukee through his outfit, proudly rocking a Giannis Antetokounmpo jersey. The nod to the Greek Freak delighted local fans and added a special hometown touch to his already engaging performance.
Wiscansin Fest 2024 was a day filled with incredible performances, vibrant outfits and unforgettable moments. These photos capture just a glimpse of the energy and excitement that made the festival a huge success. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendar for the next Wiscansin Fest – you won't want to miss it!
