From a Karaoke Machine to A Stage
It wasn’t until recently that I realized that the single Big Money by Milwaukee rapper Munch Lauren wasn’t a world anthem. How often and proudly the track is played in local clubs, bars, and in the cars of Milwaukeeans, you would assume that the rest of the world was jamming to the same song, too. But this is the impact Munch Lauren has had on Milwaukee’s music scene for over a decade.
Munch Lauren, born Shamarr Crittendon, is from the Northside of Milwaukee, raised on 23rd and Hopkins. For some, Munch Lauren’s music was the first time they received a dance from a woman, or locally known as juking. His upbeat tempo music gets the women dancing and the men hype, and that was always the goal.
He said he considers his music “club dominant” because of the beats. He aimed to make music to dance to, but not the “cliché” twerk song. He added that he took the Milwaukee sound, sped up the beat, added a catchy flow, and then added bounce to it. Now, many local rappers have been inspired by his sound.
“I love that the city supports me,” said Munch Lauren.
He’s known all over the state of Wisconsin and across the country, and it started with a karaoke machine. He was around 10 years old when his uncle bought a karaoke machine, which Munch Lauren used to conduct his first performance in front of his family. The reaction he received back then fueled him to want to feel that feeling again.
At 13 years old, Munch Lauren’s father bought him his first beat machine. After getting a mic, he lined his walls with three mattresses to improve the sound, creating his first makeshift studio. He eventually formed a rap group with his brother and cousin, where they went around performing at local schools.
He originally started rapping to get girls, but music ended up becoming an outlet for him to use his voice. Since he considers himself an introvert, the stage is where he can fully let go.
“I feel like I’m a superhero and I’m getting more power,” said Munch Lauren. “It’s the ultimate feeling.”
The Switch
It was around late 2013, or early 2014, when Munch Lauren got booked for his first show outside of Milwaukee. He remembers performing for 700 people and realizing that maybe music was his way to a new life. Munch Lauren grew up in poverty, but never knew it because of how his parents took care of him and his brother. As a close-knit family, Munch Lauren’s parents instilled in him that he could be and do whatever he wanted in life, even if that meant making a living as a musician in Milwaukee.
Munch Lauren’s career really took off when his single Big Money went viral in 2015. The song was inspired by his late friend Sammy, who called him Big Money and encouraged Munch to always stay true to who he was.
It got to the point where he would walk into a club unannounced, and his music would already be playing. His music was becoming so big that he decided to quit his job to become a full-time artist, which meant learning the business.
“The business side is the most important. It’s like 80% business, 20% talent,” he said.
Learning the business meant documenting everything, something Munch Lauren admits he lacked when he once handed out 2,000 CDs with no proof.
As he continues to grow his career, he has plans on starting a label that will help independent artists, sort of like a one-stop shop to gain access to producers, graphic designers, videographers, DJs, and more to give people in the city a fighting chance at success.
“A lot of people just need opportunities,” said Munch Lauren.
Remembering Bankhead
When you saw Munch Lauren, you would also see another Milwaukee rap legend, Bankhead, right with him. The two met through a mutual friend, where they played basketball together.
Bankhead was known for his goofy spirit, funny videos, and battle rap skills. Munch Lauren said Bankhead encouraged him to keep going with music, no matter what.
“Every day he was pushing me,” said Munch Lauren.
Bankhead, unfortunately, passed away from cancer, but Munch Lauren plans to keep his legacy going through the music.
“He was like a lightbulb,” said Munch Lauren. “Just remember him, don’t forget him. He’s just as great as I am, even better.”
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
