MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man with a serious health condition is beating the odds.
Ever since Jaquawn Gaston was 6 years old, he had a dream of performing. After decades of practice, he’s finally getting the chance to live out that dream as he prepares for his first live shows.
Gaston, better known as “Rap J,” said music is in his soul. For him, rapping has always been a goal.
“I feel like whenever I’m doing music, you know, I just become like anything I want to be,” Gaston said.
Gaston has been using these past few months to prepare for his upcoming performances in Milwaukee. He said it’s surreal for him to perform in front of a live audience for the very first time.
“That’s a lifelong dream come true,” He said.
Gaston has cerebral palsy. It limits his mobility, but it isn’t stopping him from achieving his goals. The 25-year-old has already overcome so many obstacles in life. He said his music has been a saving grace, and a way for him to connect with others. Many of his lyrics are motivational.
“Being in my condition, I feel like people might think of me in a certain way,” said Gaston. “But when they hear me rap for the first time or freestyle, they are shocked and impressed, and I just love that feeling.”
Rapping has not only helped him with his self-esteem, it’s also gotten him through some tough times. Gaston lost his mom in June 2021. He said it was a dark time for him. She was his biggest fan and supporter.
He said it was music that helped him find his light again.
“Whenever I’m rapping or whenever I’m working on a song, I just feel free,” Gaston said.
He will perform on stage at Shank Hall this summer in honor of his mom. He said her love inspires him to carry on and continue going beyond his limitations to build his own legacy.