Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Malcolm Maximillion started rapping in the third grade. He eventually would become obsessed with rhymes after hearing Eminem. While in middle school, he wrote books of rhymes and began competing in rap battles. Eventually, in high school he would join a rap group which would cause him to produce and rap.
He would eventually put production to the forefront citing RZA, Madlib, and J Dilla as early influences. At the age of 15 he worked two jobs to gather enough money to purchase his first sampler, a Boss Sp 505. After selling a beat to Cappadonna, which went unused, he began making beat tapes and remix tapes. He wanted to make an album which other artists would perform over his sampled based productions.
That project was never completed. However, it would help him meet with other producers in the Baltimore area. After hearing about “beat battles” from another producer, he began participating in them. The last beat battle he entered is where everything changed.
Originally, Malcolm only planned on entering the beat battle. He didn’t know there was an opening in the emcee battle that night. After his friend persuaded him to participate in that too he realized he had a voice. Although he lost, he gained respect from his peers for holding his own against a well known local emcee. That was the night everything changed.
Since then Malcolm has been planning to release an album and will finally do it this June. His album is called, “Memoirs of Purgatory”, and it is a representation of the struggle for success this young Producer/Emcee is having. He also has another project in the works called, “Black Wednesday”, with fellow Producer/Emcee Broken Pen where he provided the sonic soundscapes for Brokens vocal drawings. He plans to release both through his website http://myradioisamillionaire.com/
After all he says, “My radio is a millionaire because my sound is rich”.
How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?I feel that hip-hop and the music industry is the way it is because of the people who support it. Some say it’s bad financially and good artistically. Some say it’s both. I say it depends on what you choose to support.
Do you think that the recession is over?
No. There are still people out of jobs. Homelessness is still an issue. Until that is fixed the recession will never be over.
What steps do minorities need to take to create a better community for our children?
We need to take more responsibilities for the education of our children as parents and role models. Children lack direction only because of we let them. We need to show these kids our communities are important by educating them and being active in their lives.
What do you think do you think about the divorce rate being at %50 percent and what do you think could change this?
People need to really think about the person they are about to commit to before doing so. Some of these couples don’t even last a month after marriage. It’s a damn shame.
Do you believe that college or higher education necessary to be successful?
I think that depends on a person’s definition of success. However, in my case I believe so. Almost all of the higher paying positions require a college degree. Awhile ago, you could get an entry level position with a high school diploma. In current times it’s starting to take a Bachelors and experience. You really have to know your stuff just to get in the door now.
What is your definition of SUCCESS?
My definition of success is waking up knowing that I don’t have to struggle financially and that my loved ones are proud of me.
"Lyricism is the AIDS of Hip-Hop. Young rappers (and some older ones) want nowhere to be found near a lyrical rapper or MC—for fear of contamination, and subsequent public censure." thoughts??? http://tinyurl.com/yzd6fqs It’s all opinion to me. I know what I like. I like lyrics. Far as it being AIDS that’s a pretty harsh term. Lyrics give people beyond what’s on the surface. AIDS corrupts the immune system until it slowly kills its victim. I think ignorant rappers that make statements like that are the AIDS of Hip-Hop. This is the only genre of music where artists within it openly disrespect it and if that isn’t killing Hip-Hop, I don’t know what is.
How do you feel about the word ‘Negro’ being on the 2010 census form??
I didn’t really care much about it. It’s not like ‘Nigger’ was on the census form. We still have people alive that were classified as ‘Negro’. Why not have it on the census?
How far do you feel we as Americans have gotten away from “Family Values” and is there any reality in a “White-picket Fence” dream??
I don’t feel like Americans have totally gotten away from “Family Values”. I just don’t think we don’t protect them enough. You see it with some of the children of this generation they’re lost. But, in other children you see values. It’s weird. There is a reality in a “White-picket Fence” dream. It is up to us to make that dream a reality.
Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career??
It’s going to sound cliché but follow your heart! Your heart will always lead you to the right path. You’ll make mistakes but learn and grow from them. Don’t just jump into anything without financial security. Keep your day job until you’re fully able to sustain your career.
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Malcolm Maximillion
www.myradioisamillionaire.com
www.myspace.com/millionaireradio
Pretty Cool Interview.
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