We recently had the chance to connect with Maxx Millanova and have shared our conversation below.
Maxx, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to reconnect!
I can say with certainty that standing up for myself has cost me friendships and relationships. But its a great practice to get into the habit of doing. Especially for women, because we are taught to just go along and be easy. It keeps the people and energies away that have no business being around you.
I’m sure standing up for human rights and being vocal about our current political climate has cost me to lose engagement and reach in the social algorithmic sphere. But that won’t change me. In fact, I’d like to take this opportunity to give a shout out and express much gratitude to the folks on the ground protesting and protecting the vulnerable communities being targeted in this country. Doing so at a risk, but standing stronger together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maxx Millanova. I am a Hip Hop Artist; Emcee/Musician. Originally from Rhode Island, currently from Miami, FL. Im the girl on the mic that’s saying whatever I’d like, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people. I do it to heal my heart, and I do it for the girls and women like me.
I’ve released a few projects over the years, most recently my song titled “Can I Get Some (Freedom)” ; a plea for a fight for sovereignty and human liberties at a time when our rights are in jeopardy, and threat of nuclear war plagues the world. This song was featured on Chuck D’s Oct. 18th, 2024 episode of “…AndYouDon’tStop” radio.
For the past few years I’ve publicly been pushing for folks to come together and realize the current seriousness of the times, and stressing the importance of collective unity and resistance. In 2022 I put together a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to help me through a tough time, and to more importantly, assist in the funding of the next two music projects I have in the works that are reflections of the course ahead.
My album “Niña” features songs with vibrant hiphop/latin/reggae instrumentals and lyrics 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. The official video for this song along with the album are set to be released in 2026. I’ve included images from the video for this interview for a sneak peak into a visual of an everyday woman’s contemplation on resistance in a crumbling world.
My album “Paint The Roses Red” features songs with an energizing hiphop/pop feel that highlight the importance of women’s rights, and 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, with much gratitude I humbly ask to please check out my GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/MaxxMillanova
I’d like to extend my warmest thanks and appreciation to those who have generously helped me with donations thus far. You are the ones who will continue to bless this world, and I am so thankful for your support.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am who I am. If anything each passing year is a continued unravelling that reveals more of my true nature. There’s a particular thought that usually comes to mind; that I’m everything and everywhere everyone expects me to not be.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In 2014 when I started performing my music. I released my first song titled “Death at my Door”. It got some attention around the local Rhode Island hip hop scene and I was asked to perform for my first show; opening up for the musical artist Blueprint. I had gone through a lot of suffering at that point for many years, hence the song title. I had worked on music throughout those years, but because of my health I hadn’t had the opportunity to express myself in that way. That song pretty much jumpstarted my career and I began to build and collaborate with other artists around Providence and beyond, and that helped me really come into my power. “Death at my Door” is included on my first album “Darkness to Light”. This album along with “Can I Get Some (Freedom)” and the rest of my music is available on my website: https://www.maxxmillanova.com/
Then again In 2022 when I shared my GoFundMe, publicly asking for help after a prolonged difficult time with my health (healing, as I have continued to learn, is not linear). That moment in time helped me to see who was for me and who wasn’t. It revealed community, and allowed me to organize and showcase myself musically in a more impactful way.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to my purpose and my music no matter if it takes me until I’m 80 years old. I’ve been steadfast in it this long, might as well keep going. Plus I don’t feel like I’ve gotten my chance yet to really get started. I think I’m just approaching that time now.
I will make an impact. And maybe it won’t be obvious or traditional, or it will…. But it will be. Plus, I figure the older I become as a woman in the music industry the more of a chance my success will upset people, and that fits the theme.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think most people don’t understand me now. I trigger a lot of people’s insecurities, doubts, and fears. I’m an old soul, a free mind, a free spirit, and I’m a woman. That’s enough to make most people spiral.
With that being said, I think my directness and musical efforts may be misconstrued by some to be egoistic and alarmist; which I might add here, that my words have already proven to be true over this past year, with more to come. I really do what I do to try to help. As much as I love what I do, I could totally disappear into solitude tomorrow and be at peace with that.
But I say all that to say this. Time will tell. And people will think of you what they will, and it will have nothing to do with you. Everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror everyday. And everyone will one day answer to God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maxxmillanova.com
Image Credits
Edgar Cruz
