John Kuester Obituary

John Kuester, also known as rap recording artist Kid Millions, died on July 7, 2025. He was 48. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Luckey, and his father, James Kuester, as well as his brother, Anthony Kuester.

"John was the embodiment of what made the Milwaukee music scene so special," wrote Jordan Lee of Radio Milwaukee in a June 9th tribute. "He was generous, humble, active, ambitious, kind and, above all else, dope." John first became involved in hip hop in 1993 as a member of Brew City's 3'z Company. He later signed a solo deal with a local label and released his first album in 2001 titled "Words Get Around." Besides being a musical artist, John was also a DJ and a vinyl record dealer. For many years he was part of the ownership team of Lotus Land Records in Riverwest; after closing the store he continued the record business online. He was a partner with the Dope Folks record label, and also a part of the operating group of the Wiggle Room, a popular Bayview bar specializing in DJs and the records that they spin.

"We're sad because we lost a kind-hearted, generous friend," concluded Jordan Lee in his Radio Milwaukee write-up. "A friend who was loud with his actions but soft and quiet with his words. A man who, to my recollection, never said one critical thing about anyone in the scene - even the ones who sometimes deserved to have critical things said about them."

Besides music, John was a passionate skateboarder and enjoyed the outdoors. When he had the time, he was also a good cook in the kitchen. John is survived by family members and many, many friends. A celebration of life will be held later this summer; details to be announced at a later date.

Link to Radio Milwaukee tribute to John:
https://radiomilwaukee.org/local-music/2025-07-09/kid-millions-john-kuester-obituary