Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxx Millanova.
Hi Maxx, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Maxx Millanova. I’m an emcee/musician and eastern medicine practitioner. Born and raised in Rhode Island. Previous long time resident of Boston, MA, and current long time resident of Miami, FL.
I’ve played piano since a young kid. Began writing rhymes and rapping in middle school and high school. Attended Berklee College of Music in Boston from 2004-2008 where I got into music production and started taking my rhyming and music more seriously.
But in 2009 my health rapidly declined and everything changed for me. While working at Notable Studios in Watertown, MA. I met my mentor and friend; eastern medicine practitioner, musical extraordinaire, and singer/songwriter of “7 Months” Mark Berland. I became immersed in eastern medicine, and although I tried to hang on to my pursuit of music, I had to dedicate all of my life force and focus on self preservation.
I went through many years recovering stability, living outside of what would be thought of as normal everyday life. I survived. And during that time I evolved as a seer, with many insights from then, now anchoring into this timeline. More on this later.
After that difficult time period, I found myself back in RI, getting back on my feet, and teaching piano with AS220 Youth Studio and at the RI juvenile detention facility. I met lots of artists and started collaborating on the mic and keys.
In 2014 I released my first single “Death at my Door”. It caught some attention in the local RI hip hop scene, and I was asked to join the lineup opening for emcee/producer Blueprint. That show kicked off things for me as an artist and performer.
Around 2015 I formed a trio with two talented artists who also doubled as my homies; Deejay Kellan and Konscious Keke. We rolled as Kali Ma HipHop and delivered our own unique flavor to the RI scene. In 2016 I released my first project titled “Darkness to Light”, with songs like “The Movement” featuring Spiritchild, “Death at my Door”, and “Magic” featuring Blueprint. This September is this album’s 10 year anniversary. If you’d like to give it a spin, you can find it on Bandcamp.
In 2017 I flew out to Miami to rock Miami Live, connected with some local DJ’s, producers, and emcees. Soon after I made my move official. I linked with PATH (Preserving, Archiving, and Teaching Hip Hop) and many other artists and friends. I’ve rocked my fare share of shows here, including the Vote Period Festival, Spoken Soul Festival, Breaking Convention, Miami Book Fair, and 305 Hip Hop Fest.
Shortly after my move I hit more bumps in the road health-wise, coinciding with the realization I needed to continue study of eastern medicine in order to maintain my health. In 2018 I enrolled in Acupuncture and Massage College and went on to complete my second Bachelor’s in Health Science and a masters in Oriental Medicine. During that time, in 2021 I released a mixtape titled “AcuRap”; a modern approach to ancient medical texts and esoteric tradition over dope beats.
In 2023, after another sharp decline in health post covid along with total burn out, I launched a GoFundMe to help assist in the completion of board exams and acupuncture licensure, as well as to help launch some music in hopes I could get it out in the most meaningful way possible. With that campaign I also previewed a temporary release/demo currently titled “Who We Gonna Call?”; an anti-war inspired song. I also discussed the need for coming together to defend democracy, human rights, and prevent war; all of which I had foreseen on the horizon. *It’s now 2026, and for sure your readers are starting to see what time it is.
That campaign helped me understand who was for me and who wasn’t. People fell off, and my people came through. With their assistance, I went on to complete Diplomate of Oriental Medicine status and licensed as an acupuncturist. I was awarded an artist grant from Miami-Dade County, and that helped me push more music forward.
Early 2024 I released “Maxxine” feat. TOJ; my cover of “Murder She Wrote” by Chaka Demus & Pliers as told from Maxxine’s perspective. By October 2024 I released “Can I Get Some (Freedom)” and it was featured on Chuck D’s “…And You Don’t Stop” Radio show.
Now in 2026 I’ve been preparing to release my latest project “niña”. I hope to get it out to the world this year, as “niña” has a lot to say and some space to clear before her follow up can make an appearance. But timing is not my own, and we shall see.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
See above 🙂
But in addition to all that, holding the vision over decades is not for the faint of heart. And every mountain I’ve climbed or progress I’ve made, I had to do it while trying to keep my physical body going; like constantly plugging the holes in a sinking boat. You never know just how strong you really are until being strong is your only choice.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hip hop artist; emcee/musician. Im the real petite woman on the mic saying whatever I’d like; doing it to heal my heart, and inspire girls and women like me. Some days you may catch me accompanying myself on the keys.
As far as my music; my next release “niña”; features songs that address the reality of the hardships and politics of war, it’s far reaching impacts, and the need for human connection. As well as songs that raise a toast to Miami 305 living, and encourage enjoying the connections we have. This project also hosts my feature track titled “No Kings”, a personal reflection on the current political climate and anthem of universal forward progress – no going back.
Proceeding “niña” will be “Paint The Roses Red”. This project features songs that highlight the importance of women’s rights, the importance of the rights and land stewardship of Indigenous peoples; calling out the hypocrisy and cruelty of institutions and their colonized minds, as well as songs that celebrate the journeys of love, self discovery, and perseverance through life’s trials and tribulations. I am especially excited for this project and look forward to bringing it to life. If you’d like to make a contribution to its efforts, please check out my GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/MaxxMillanova
A very special thank you to those who’ve contributed.
I am most proud of my resilience and ability to be myself and follow my heart. If you don’t care about what anyone thinks of you, and I mean REALLY don’t care, you’ve reached an elevated level of freedom. If you are aligned with Yourself and Creator you can never go wrong. I do what I can to live a life of service and with no regrets, because really not much else matters.
I think what sets me apart from others in the game perhaps will be the barriers I break and the friends I make.
My releases:
Can I Get Some (Freedom)
Maxxine
AcuRap
Darkness to Light
My features:
“Sincere”, Diatribe The Phantom Stranger’s; Into the Ether
“Positive Vibes”, Diatribe The Phantom Stranger’s; Into the Ether
“Intro”, Deejay Kellan’s; The Bizarre World of Rhode Island Public Transit
“One Love”, Sincere da Emcee’s; Sincerely Yours
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people underestimate me. They don’t expect me to do the things I do. I’m also very intentional with my work, and I’m prepared for the long haul.
“Victory does not always belong to the powerful!”
Thanks for passing me the mic again VoyageMIA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maxxmillanova.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxxmillanova/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaxxMillanova/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maxxmillanova
- Other: https://maxxmillanova.bandcamp.com
