Milwaukee hip-hop artist Quentene Williams, performing under the name Funny $Money, was shot and killed on August 17 in the city's Old North neighbourhood at age 33. A second victim also died in the incident. Williams had established himself as a connective figure within the contemporary Milwaukee rap movement, recognised for his clever wordplay and ear for groovy, R&B-influenced production that evoked classic No Limit records.

Throughout his recording career, Williams collaborated extensively with emerging local talent and maintained consistent output during periods when the scene faced setbacks. In a December podcast appearance, he reflected on how watching other Milwaukee rappers achieve recognition while he was incarcerated ultimately inspired him to abandon street-oriented pursuits in favour of a full-time music career, a pivot that produced well-received projects including 2022's Don't Talk 2 Much and 2024's I Got the Hook Up Vol. 1: Big Bucks No Whammies.