For some time now, some in the Brew City hip-hop scene have complained about being ignored by local media, saying that Clear Channel-owned V100, Milwaukee's largest hip-hop radio station, continually plays the same songs from the same out-of-state artists who glorify sex and violence while turning a blind eye to the diverse collection of hip-hop artists in Milwaukee.

Now a group is letting their voices be heard.

On Saturday, Aug. 5, "Ace 'Em Up Day" will be held Downtown, between 3rd and 6th streets along Juneau Avenue. Organized in part by Ald. Mike McGee in collaboration with local hip-hop artists and community members, Ace 'Em Up Day is billed as a celebration of peace, music and cars.

Named in honor of Stacey "Ace" Currie, a car wash owner who was murdered for the rims on his Chevy Nova in 2004, Ace Em Up Day is about spreading a message of "positivity in the community," in the words of McGee.

This is the second year Ace 'Em Up Day will be held; last year it was at the former Ace Em Up Car Wash (now Hopkins Street Wash & Detail) at 4744 N. Hopkins St.

Hip-hop fans may note that a larger event with the theme of peace and music is taking place nearby on the same day. The V100 Jam 4 Peace is also set for Aug. 5 at the Bradley Center. This is no accident.

"We're not getting a fair chance," says Milwaukee rap veteran Ice Mone.

Ice knows this all too well. While his songs like "Shawty Thick" have received airplay in places as far off as Oklahoma City, Birmingham and even Japan, local radio has been less receptive.

"Radio stations here give all the exposure to national artists, and that makes it an uphill battle for (local artists.)"

While the Jam 4 Peace features artists like TI (from Atlanta) and Clipse (from Virginia), the music at Ace 'Em Up will have an overwhelmingly local flavor. In addition to Ice Mone, Milwaukee's own Coo Coo Cal, Baby Drew and DJ Spyder D will perform.

Ice Mone doesn't have anything against rappers from outside Milwaukee getting spins here, but has a message for a station promoting peace in the community with a minimal selection of artists who are from the community.

"Most of the artists who play Jam 4 Peace won't still be in the community when the show's over. We're always here."

Ice Mone doesn't see Ace 'Em Up as a protest against Jam 4 Peace, and invites any local or national artists playing at the Bradley Center to stop by. D-Rock of the Ying Yang Twins, who has collaborated with Ice Mone in the past and will be at Jam 4 Peace, is expected to make an appearance.

The promotion of local talent is what Ace 'Em Up is really about. Paulette Smith, Ace's mother, is proud to see people come together and celebrate the black community in Milwaukee.

"Ace loved this city, he loved music and he loved cars. This is a celebration of what he was about and reflects that these things can be positive."

Ace 'Em Up Day runs from 12 until 8 p.m. on Aug. 5. There will be food, live music, and a car show. Admission is free.

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