Raphaël Pictures by : Jessica Attia
Abcdr du Son : You open Brandon Banks with « Meet Again », a letter to incarcerated friends, contrasting with Punken‘s « Work », depicting the life that could lead to prison. Was starting with « Meet Again » a deliberate choice?
Maxo Kream : « Meet Again » was initially slated as the album’s closer. However, after signing with Roc Nation, Jay-Z became directly involved in my project. He advocated for « Meet Again » to be the opener, believing it encapsulates the album’s essence and sets a powerful tone. Given the song’s impact, and respecting Jay-Z’s insight, we proceeded with his suggestion. It proved to be a wise decision. My intros are generally known for their strength and impact.
A : How did your mindset differ recording this album compared to previous ones?
M : My initial approach mirrored Punken, but Brandon Banks felt like entering a new chapter. Think of Grand Theft Auto: Punken was the story mode, while Brandon Banks is the online version. More missions unlocked, gameplay advanced. That’s our approach. Furthermore, I concentrated more on my father, a frequent subject in my previous work like Punken. This new chapter delves deeper into my dad because, as a junior, I see myself in him. Understanding him is key to understanding me.
A : When did you realize the extent of your similarities with your father?
M : It clicked when he was released from jail the second time. I was an adult by then. The first time he was jailed, I was around 11 or 12; he got out when I was 15. Then he went back when I was 17, and was released when I was about 22. At 22, the parallels between us became undeniable – the anger, the yelling, but also the drive to make money and hustle. I was actively making things happen, enjoying a flashy lifestyle. We shared a lot.
A : Your relationship with your dad, as portrayed on the album, is intriguing. Early songs suggest resentment, yet « Dairy Ashford Bastard » at the album’s end reflects understanding for his experiences. Was this a writing process evolution, or a pre-existing understanding?
M : It’s been brewing since #Maxo187. I knew I needed to express it in a specific way. A track like « Dairy Ashford Bastard » felt too profound for a mixtape. I aimed for depth, particularly in the second part of the first verse. I also consulted my mother beforehand, concerned about his reaction since he wouldn’t hear it until release. I anticipated he might overreact, being similar to me in temperament. But he embraced it. It’s the unvarnished truth. Everything I rap is reality. You can’t deny truth, especially when it’s based on lived experience. He raised me rightly, though I initially worried he’d misinterpret it and create unnecessary drama – perhaps even drop a diss track aimed at me! [smiles] But no, he’s not about negativity. He’s my guy.
A : In that context, was having him on the album for skits a blessing?
M : Absolutely. Initially, he disapproved of my rapping, claiming I wouldn’t succeed and should focus on education. I proved him wrong. Parents, naturally, want the best for you. Coming from a Nigerian household, education is highly valued. His intentions were good, but I demonstrated my own path to success. If you commit to something, you have to prove your dedication. I attended college for a while, but my heart was in the streets and in rapping. However, the dedication I would have applied to college, I channeled into my music. Countless hours studying music, beats, and refining my lyrics. I applied the same work ethic as if I were in college pursuing qualifications. Just because you don’t choose formal education doesn’t mean you’re averse to hard work. Laziness is unacceptable. I simply had to prove my chosen path was valid. Imagine if I had pursued college solely to please him, failed, ended up poor and without a degree. That would be truly pathetic, driven by trying to please someone else. Pursuing my own passion has brought me here – performing in Paris. It’s all happening.
« People questioned my aggression. To understand my younger self, you needed my backstory. »
A : This work ethic surfaces in « 8 Figures », criticizing those who flaunt undeserved wealth.
M : I used to be that young guy flashing money, doing all that. But real wealth is in the bank, in your accounts, not in your hands. If you’re holding onto large sums of cash, it’s actually not that much money. Honestly, a million dollars isn’t that significant. I’ve made millions annually; it’s still not a game-changer. Reaching that first million is the toughest hurdle. Once you have it, expectations skyrocket. People assume you can buy anything, start making plans for your money. But when you’re broke, nobody’s around. And a million dollars is surprisingly quickly spent. I could easily spend a million in five hours. Just a trip to Galleries… Lafayette? Gone. I almost got sidetracked before this interview at Balenciaga… nearly overspent. Look at me now, Balenciaga head-to-toe! I indulge in clothes; I love fashion. I don’t want to sound overly fashion-obsessed, but I appreciate looking sharp.
A : Punken included « Grannies », your first real dive into family ties. This theme is amplified on Brandon Banks. What prompted this shift?
M : When I emerged onto the scene, I was making tracks like « Shoota », « Trigga Maxo ». People questioned my aggression. To understand my younger self – because I’ve matured – you needed my backstory, my family history, my origins, the source of my anger. My brother and father were shot. I couldn’t let history repeat itself. I felt like, “They shot my dad, my brother. Am I next? Absolutely not.”
A : Whether discussing your backstory or rapping about it, you maintain raw honesty.
M : My heart pumps blood, not Kool-Aid. Many rappers are soft. My background is in trapping, drug dealing, direct customer sales. That’s the music and lifestyle I come from. Now, many young artists are about drug consumption. I hear rappers say, “I don’t sell drugs, I take them.” What? We all have vices, but it’s a different world. I’m from a different mold. Where I’m from, face tattoos signified OG status, a killer. Now, face tattoos mean you’re a SoundCloud rapper. You see suburban kids disrespecting their parents, neglecting family responsibilities. Authenticity is fading; everything’s becoming fast food music. Rappers boast about “pulling up in a Rover, speeding off in a Rari.” It’s not real life. Not everyone owns a Rover or Rari. Ironically, I actually did own a Rover while trapping. I gave it to my mother, but it was lost in Hurricane Harvey, flooded. The black Rover I used to rap about? Yes, that was real.
A : Continuing the family theme, « Brothers » features KCG Josh. Is he your actual brother?
M : Yes, my blood brother, my younger brother. He truly showcased his lyrical talent. I consider myself a lyricist, but he’s exceptionally gifted. I envision him reaching the level of artists like Logic, Kendrick, J. Cole. I’m a street-oriented artist, lived that life. But I ensured he didn’t have to endure that. I provided for him, clothes, shoes, kept him focused on basketball, away from the streets.
A : His verse starts humorously: “we used to steal from each other, but I would still kill for my brother.”
M : Oh man, he was a thief! He’d steal my weed… I was like, “Bro! How am I not making money this week?” For three months, I was puzzled about my lack of income, then I caught him smoking my stash. While he was stealing from me, I was buying him shoes – Space Jam Jordans, no less! My weed-stealing brother acting like that. When I was 18, my last year living at my mom’s, I only had a bed spring and mattress, no frame. I cut a hole in the bed spring’s bottom to hide my weed. He’d never think to look inside a flat bed spring. That’s how I hid my weed from him. [laughs]
« As long as they see me as upcoming, I’ll never be old news. »
A : Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott, also featured, feel like extended family, representing different facets of Houston rap.
M : My relationships with them are genuine. Megan and I have been friends for a long time, even before her current fame. I was actually considering signing Megan back in 2016, but legal issues arose, and I lost a lot of money. Travis, he’s my guy. He encouraged me to rap early on. I was mainly known for disrupting parties, causing trouble. I was also stylish, though. He’d say, “Bro, you’re rocking BAPE, you have that Biggie persona.” He’s always been serious about music. Back when I dropped raw, unmixed tracks, he was already getting his music professionally mixed and mastered in studios. Ask that braided guy next time you see him, he’ll confirm. He and Megan delivered great verses. It’s all Houston.
A : As a Houston artist, a city with significant rap history, did you feel pressure to uphold a musical tradition?
M : People might expect everyone from Houston to be chopped and screwed. But I was born in the 90s. I grew up with that sound, but it’s not my primary style. I stick to what I do. Some compare me to Scarface, which is flattering. I’m not a huge Scarface listener, but I recognize his storytelling and depth. Comparisons are made to our voices and rapping styles. I’ve been exploring Scarface and Jay-Z more recently. Nas is my all-time favorite rapper, definitively the best lyricist. But I’m also appreciating Jay-Z, like Kobe and LeBron – I admire Nas’s lyrical skill, but Jay-Z’s ability to deliver impactful truths succinctly is impressive. Regarding Houston, I just do my own thing. The syrup and chopped and screwed sound is dated. While it still exists, Travis and I represent the new wave. You might hear hints of the past – Travis referencing Pimp C – but we focus on our own evolution. Every time Houston is discussed, it defaults to the old guard. But forget the old, not disrespecting the legends, but let’s focus on the new.
A : In one track, you rap, “I ain’t a fucking rapper, I’m a fucking gravedigger.” Yet, with this album, aren’t you demonstrating your rapper’s craft?
M : You need the full line: “I’m a old school fool, don’t make me show my age, I ain’t a fucking rapper, I’m a fucking gravedigger.” That’s a Gucci Mane quote from his diss track to Jeezy. It’s one of my favorite lines. “Go dig your homeboy up, I bet he can’t say shit!” I also reference it on « Murda Blocc ». Gucci Mane heavily influences me. I wouldn’t call myself the new Gucci Mane, but I can tell stories about the past, yet also snap back to that earlier mode. But I won’t let that past overshadow my present. I’ve grown beyond that. I’m aware of who I was and who I can be. I’m calm now, but don’t push me. However, that past mode is unlikely to resurface. Expect to see more of the persona, big boss Maxo, continued progress, more rapping. Because I am a rapper, a skilled one.
A : Exactly, songs like « Brenda » showcase your writing and rapping talent.
M : I like « Brenda ». It was meant for Punken. I created « Brenda » and « Grannies » on the same day, way back, but the beat for « Brenda » was weak. I finally found a better beat for « Brenda », so it made it onto Brandon Banks.
A : Your Genius profile still labels you as an upcoming rapper. Your thoughts?
M : That’s fine. As long as they see me as upcoming, I’ll never be old news. Otherwise, it becomes, “Oh, he’s been rapping, we’re over it.” I’ll happily be an upcoming rapper for the next decade, making “upcoming” money. It means I stay relevant, always new to someone. It doesn’t bother me. Call me what you want, just pay me. I see myself like James Harden: improving every year.
