FBI Called Him The “Youngest Drug Boss in Milwaukee”: Big Wan’s Rise & Fall

Milwaukee's Complex Landscape

• 🏙️ Milwaukee's north side is characterized by struggle, abandoned factories, and a pervasive drug trade involving heroin, crack, and fentanyl, which shaped the environment for its youth.
• 🎶 Despite the hardship, the city fostered a vibrant and unique rap scene in the late 2010s, known for its dark, personal sound and storytelling about survival and pain.
• 🤝 The local music community had a DIY energy, with artists, videographers, and DJs collaborating and supporting each other to create a distinct Milwaukee sound.

The Rise of Big Wan

• 🌱 Dawan Turner Jr., known as Big Wan, grew up in this environment, starting to record rap verses at 11-12, inspired by local artists and using music as a way out.
• 🎤 He co-founded Young Paperchasers (YPC) with friends, embodying a lifestyle of "music, money, and motion" through raw, authentic music recorded in basements and performed at block parties.
• 🚀 His 2019 track, "Fast Lane Lifestyle," became a local anthem, showcasing his unique blend of humor, street wisdom, and Milwaukee pride, quickly gaining widespread attention and bookings.

Federal Charges and Public Perception

• 🚨 In 2020, Big Wan's name was linked to a massive federal investigation into the "Buffam My Necki Boys" (BMBB) drug operation, leading to his indictment for possession with intent to distribute.
• 📰 Despite his minor role (not a leader or organizer), news outlets and social media quickly labeled him "Milwaukee's youngest drug boss," creating an internet myth that overshadowed his artistic identity.
• ⚖️ He pleaded guilty and received time served and three years of supervised release, avoiding a long prison term, but the damaging label persisted and spread beyond Milwaukee.

Artistic Resilience Amidst Pressure

• 🎤 Big Wan continued to create music, releasing tracks like "Eggshell" and the project "Dog Slayers Volume 2," which reflected his paranoia and resilience while maintaining his signature humor.
• 😂 He used humor and confidence to navigate the public scrutiny and the "drug boss" nickname, often making jokes about his situation in lyrics and social media posts.
• 🤝 Supported by peers like Wonderbread Reed and DJ Jerry, he performed locally, connecting with fans and demonstrating his commitment to music despite probation restrictions and growing tensions.

Tragic End and Enduring Impact

• ⚠️ By late 2021, Big Wan faced increasing paranoia and street rivalries, leading him to become more cautious and express a desire to change his sound and leave Milwaukee for a fresh start.
• 🕊️ On November 26, 2021, at just 19 years old, Dawan Turner Jr. was fatally shot in his home on Buffam Street, with no suspects or arrests made.
• 💔 His death sparked widespread grief in Milwaukee, leading to vigils, tribute songs, and a mural, solidifying his legacy as a talented artist whose story became a symbol of the blurred lines between rap and real life.