Music that encases you upon mere seconds of listening really sticks.
Especially when the growth of said music and its artist remains consistent, forward-reaching, and steadily breaking barriers. The auditory adhesive that Maxx Good$ produces binds to your gray matter with each whoomph of bass. Every lyric that's crafted and placed with intention. Through captivating sound and purpose-driven engineering, Maxx aids the charge in keeping Greenville hip-hoppers distinctively pinned on a large map of artistic excellence.
I first discovered Maxx’s music in 2019, when I still lived in the Midwest.
While I can’t remember the exact artist I was looking at, I found him through someone’s “Similar Artists” page on Spotify. Back when the only uploads were his quintessential springboard “HOT SAUCE!” and his “no* sun” collab with L.A. KENZIE (though I wouldn’t fully realize it was KENZIE until around July of 2021). As I go on with being freshly married, hurling sparks at my customer service/writing career, and eventually moving down to Greenville, I keep “HOT SAUCE!” and Maxx swimming in my library and the back of my mind.
I hadn’t heard the name come out of anyone else’s mouth until meeting my friend Camden Johnson. We were working for an independent publishing company together and within my first few days there, I asked him what local artists he knew of/was close with…when he said, “Salti Ray, Scotty K, Barryle, L.A. Kenzie, Maxx Good$...”
I said, “Hold up, Maxx Good$ is from around here?” Needless to say, Camden was a bit shocked (but definitely proud) that I had even known who Maxx was.
I’ve had the delight of experiencing Maxx in passing a few times over the past couple of years, but with ever-wanting to know more about the ticks and tocks of great up-and-comers and beyond, I now have the pleasure of featuring him on my blog spot! What you’ll read below isn’t a tell-all, hyper-focused delve into Maxx’s life (biographies should always come a bit later on, anyhow!), but it is an effort to continually bring Maxx and his music to as many people as I can.
That said… Welcome the one, the only! Maxx Good$ (MXGD$ aka FASTLANE MAXX)!
MBM: So where did your love of music and sound-shaping begin?
MAXX: My love of music started around 8 years old. Up until that point, I was surrounded by music (mostly jazz, r&b, hip-hop, and reggae). One day while spending time with my dad, I stumbled upon his iTunes playlist and discovered an Elton John song. The song itself didn’t blow me away, but the idea that I had the option to listen to such a wide range of music ignited my fascination.
MBM: Tell the Moved more about your artistic process; how do you get in the zone to make these bops?
MAXX: My artistic process consists of me searching for inspiration through sounds, emotions, conversations, movies, and art. I have several approaches when it comes to piecing together all the components to make a song; all in all my secret is to just keep creating. No matter how “grand” the idea is, I do my best to bring all my inspiration(s) into reality. I don’t limit or judge myself while composing and, occasionally, what comes of that takes on a life of its own.
MBM: Though you possess many facets, what specific beat/flow style do you enjoy doing the most?
MAXX: There are a few styles that excite me at any opportunity I get to exercise them. I’d have to describe my favorite at the moment as “underground.” Not totally off the cuff that it’s uncomfortable, but far enough to stretch the idea of what is possible. That’s what keeps me engaged and ready to create everyday; knowing I have the power to “push the needle” in my own way.
MBM: What would the show's theme be if you could have your own National or International tour? In addition, what two artists are you bringing along?
MAXX: At this point, in my career, I would like the theme of a major tour to feel aspirational; without getting into specifics with the set design itself. The overall goal would have my audience leave the concert feeling like we’re on this journey together. Reflecting the possibilities in their own lives and aspirations. I would have to drag L.A. Kenzie and $aucellina with me.
MBM: Only reveal as much as you can/are comfortable with, but let the Moved know what else you’ve got comin’ in 2023!
MAXX: The only exception is consistency. Key words being: more, bigger, and better. I’m throwing the paint at the wall in 2023!
Maxx’s collaborative spirit and emphasis on togetherness are the epicenter of his craft.
There is unity in artistry and in between those bars and beats, from his charismatic essence to his infectious laughter, Maxx doesn’t hold himself back when it comes to enacting and experiencing his life to its fullest reaches.
Far and wide, Maxx’s music beckons people to find serenity with their inner peace…but to also have a damn good time in the process.
Check out his freshly dropped FELLOW$hIP EP along with the rest of his backlog; and keep Maxx Good$ on your feeds and in your ears; his repertoire will only show signs of advancing!
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