If there is a glass ceiling above Jakwan Gatson, he believes he can break through it.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Ms. Gatson always knew she had to forge her own path. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move, maintain balance and posture.
But this condition is just one page in Gatson’s book of life. What really characterizes Gatson is his love and passion for music, and most of all, sharing his music and messages with the world.
“When you’re in trouble, you think we have to go it alone, but we’re not,” Gatson said.
Gatson started freestyling hip-hop music at the age of six and has been creating ever since. He records and produces songs on his SoundCloud, YouTube and Spotify under the moniker Rap J, a summer tradition. Gatson and his aunt often watched the TV show “Rap City” together and decided to give it an inspired stage name..
Gatson’s trademark is hope. His music is full of resilience. The lyrics of his song “Burden No More” insist that “even if you don’t know how, just keep believing.”
“(Music) is a voice to connect with the world,” said Gatson. He said that music has always invigorated him, but that his willingness to do so has only increased with time and experience.
June 10 marks a milestone in Gatson’s musical journey. He will perform live for the first time at a show that night at 8pm at Shank Hall. Rap J has released two full-length albums, Born Ready (2020) and Unstoppable (2022), but his greatest wish has always been to make a name for himself on stage.
Inspired by the music of Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson, Gatson is confident he knows a thing or two about stage presence. But Gatson’s path to chasing his dream hasn’t always been an easy one.
“Even after many emails, people just said I didn’t have enough fans, not enough people coming,” Gatson said.
For Mr. Gatson, it became clear that some people were unwilling to get over his condition. But he did not allow it to make him feel inferior.
Asked what he would say to people who doubted Mr. Gatson’s abilities, he said, “Labels and stereotypes are made to break.”
Mr. Gatson said that when he asked representatives of music venues in Milwaukee for a chance to perform, he was often turned down. However, things changed when his offer to perform at Shankhall was accepted.
Shank Hall’s longtime owner, Peter Gest, spoke of how thrilled he was to hear Gatson’s story and be given the opportunity.
Gest said Gatson was very positive, enthusiastic and inspirational in his love of music.
“When I see him, I just want a hug,” Jest said. “He is very kind and I appreciate it.”
Mr. Gatson echoed his admiration for Jest, and his sentiments were not one-sided.
“I never forget who gave me the first chance,” said Gatson.
if you go
Rap J will perform at Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave on June 10th at 8pm. For ticket information, please visit: shankhole.com.
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