Black Elephant. Photo courtesy CXD.
Milwaukee, WI—A darling of the college touring circuit featured in national magazines like The Source, Milwaukee-based hip-hop band Black Elephant will reunite for a special one-night-only performance at The Cooperage on Friday, November 29. This performance will mark the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking 2004 project, Eat This Album. This highly anticipated event will celebrate the trio’s lasting influence on Milwaukee’s music scene and national impact over the past two decades.
A Pioneering Force in Milwaukee Hip-Hop
Black Elephant, featuring Verbal (Derrick Harriell), Element (Element Everest-Blanks), and Dameon (Dameon Ellzey), first broke onto the scene with their debut album, Hiatus, in 2002. Known for their innovative sound and engaging performances, the group quickly became one of the most prominent acts in Milwaukee’s hip-hop scene. Their follow-up project, Eat This Album, was released on July 15, 2004. It solidified their legacy, earning a feature in The Source magazine’s “Off the Radar” section, which spotlights emerging hip-hop talent nationwide.
The 17-track opus showcased the group’s distinctive blend of thought-provoking lyrics and creative production, resonating far beyond Milwaukee. Their dynamic live band setup set them apart, leading to high-energy performances at festivals like Summerfest and earning them a spot on the college touring circuit, with shows from Missouri to Connecticut.
Celebrating Legacy
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Nutrition,” was honored in Radio Milwaukee’s 2019 roundup of the “10 Most Important Songs in Milwaukee Rap History.” The song’s clever lyrics and infectious beat made it an anthem for the local scene. In 2023, the Milwaukee Record published a retrospective on the group, further cementing Black Elephant’s status as one of the most influential acts in Milwaukee’s music history.
Fans can expect a powerful, nostalgia-filled evening as Black Elephant’s vocalists—Everest, Ellzey, and Harriell—reunite with the original members of their instrumental band: bassist Alex Julien, drummer Mike Evans, and keyboardist Anthony Martin. The renowned guitarist for national acts such as Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott, Shonn Hinton (Shon Hinton & Shotgun), will join them, adding a new dimension to the classic lineup. The event will also feature music curated by DJ Bizzon, creating a unique mashup of tracks from Eat This Album and classic hip-hop hits.
For tickets and information, visit www.culturexdesign.com.
Event Details:
Black Elephant Reunion + 20th Anniversary of Eat This Album Celebration
Friday, November 29
Doors at 7 p.m. | Show at 8 p.m.
The Cooperage, 822 S. Water St., Milwaukee, WI
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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