Maxx the Doctor of Rap Needs Your Help!

Hey y’all! I need your help! I need to raise funds for my next two music projects and for this transition period in my life. Some of you know me and know my situation well. Most of you don’t. This is a quick rundown.

I haven’t been in the best of health for the majority of my life; the past 15 years have been most difficult, as I’ve been dealing with chronic fatigue and chronic pain related to mold toxicity and a suppressed immune system, amongst a variety of other ailments, and most recently covid sequela. Some of the more severe issues I deal with include shortness of breath, tachycardia, arrhythmia, poor circulation, and emaciation (predominantly upper body). Over time my liver and lung functions have suffered. There has not been a day that has gone by where I haven’t had to carefully monitor and attend to my physical needs. Not one. Things the average person can get done in a couple of days could literally take me months or more.

I never thought after all these years that I would still have to fight for a normal shot at life. But perhaps it’s best not to know the future when the road is set to be long and dark; almost never-ending. I’ve always wanted to do everything on my own, and heartbreakingly have never gotten that chance. I have done many things solo that most would never do, and I have been blessed to have had help where I’ve needed it most; just enough to not fall apart. Being unwell for so long is strange, unsettling, and disorienting to say the least. There’s never any ground beneath your feet, and there’s always something too heavy to carry.

This is me really emaciated a few years back. I'm not wearing any makeup; those are my cheekbones.

Most recently I’ve completed a Bachelor’s in Health Science and a Masters in Oriental Medicine. Many of these days were spent not knowing if I could keep it going, some days; if even I would wake up. Many years ago I came to know eastern medicine modalities as a way of stabilizing my health and as a path to healing. I chose the journey of the acupuncture and oriental medicine profession to be able to keep myself going and to help others suffering as I do.

This is me at my graduation. I was honored with Valedictorian. I was also awarded the 2021 Lynn Thames Leadership Scholarship by the Florida State Oriental Medical Association.

But my number one love is music! Music has been the joy of my life and gives me the reprieve I need. These days the whole world has so much conflict, pain, and suffering, and I more than anything want to still be a part of raising people’s spirits. I want to be a part of and create a community of Peace and celebration; one that stands firmly against War. It is what keeps my candle lit on the dark days and cold nights.

ACURAP:

I believe wholeheartedly that I can bring balance and facilitate healing and change. Through music I know that I can help spread knowledge on how our bodies work and heal; knowledge that is ours to know and understand. Check my latest project AcuRap for some insight on this.

AcuRap was released in April, 2021 (photo by: My Social Shoots)

As I scroll through social media I’ve seen many voice their need for artists and music that are different from the normal we’re seeing today. Here’s your chance to support someone who is different, who is talented, who is relatable, and who is powerful. If I’ve ever had the pleasure to have you attend one of my shows and you’ve seen me perform or have heard my music, then you know I’ve had your attention.

My hope is with your collective support, you could help to bring my next two musical projects to life, and help to keep me financially afloat through this transition time, as I try to gain some steady ground with my health and study for board exams for my acupuncturist licensure. I’ve had to incur $60K in student loans, and I only have a couple of months before my student loan payments will come due, and I am not well enough to hold down consistent work at this time.

As I realize attending university Is thought of as a choice, I have not had the choice to be able to work as most folks, and this career path is necessary for my long-term wellness and survival. It gives me a better chance of a longer life, and the ability to function in my day to day and in the music world.

If I can raise the cost of board exams and licensure, cover the cost of my student loan payment until I am licensed and can practice, and get these two projects out I would be humbly indebted to you all for helping me get back on my feet. I promise to use my platform and voice to help fight for the rights of the common man and woman with dignity, and surely to be different from the representation that we currently have. Music is prayer, music is dance, music is community, and music is the fight for the rights of freedom for all people. With that in mind, I am asking for my goal of $30,000, and have provided a breakdown of cost analysis further below.

Vote Period Festival, Miami FL, 2018 (photo by: Nkosi)

MY NEXT MUSIC PROJECTS:

These projects are a representation of a shift in consciousness while remaining grounded and true to the heartbeat of everyday life. They are voiced in the language of the day and backed by the frequency of the stars. Some of these tracks were created to lighten the heart load and embrace the fun we’ve lost, and others will encourage you to raise your voice and get you on your feet and on the move. Some were created to help you connect to your innermost being, and others are odes to navigating everyday tribulations of the heart. Music is powerful, music is influential, and with your help, I know we can build a better future of hope, and take back the wheel from the talking heads of these times.

My aim with the music is to be a model for others, and to uplift the spirit of the community to succeed during this time of adversity. I really want to bring these projects to life sooner rather than later, as the times of conflict are marching on. We are in a state of emergency as we are quickly losing our Democracy, and real news is intentionally pitting good people against each other. I will use my platform to be a force for unification and clarity.

I ask for your help now, and I promise to return the favor. In fact, that is the path.

Thank you!

BOARD EXAM/STUDENT LOAN COST ANALYSIS BREAKDOWN:

Registration for board exams: $595

Cost per board exam: $310 x (4) boards= $1240

License fee once boards are passed: $405

Student loan payment due per month: $535 x 9-12 months it takes for me to pass my boards= $6420

TOTAL COST to hold me down until licensure: $8660

MUSIC PROJECTS COST ANALYSIS BREAKDOWN:

Studio Costs:

Hourly Rate: $50/hr

2 Hour Sessions: $100

1 Session per track at 7 Tracks 1st Project: $700

1 Session per track at 12 Tracks 2nd Project: $1200

Total Studio Costs: $1900

Mixing & Mastering for the 2 projects at $100/track (x19) + masters: $2200

Artist Features: ($250 x 4): $1000

Promotional Material Costs:

Photo Shoot Cost: $500

1 Photo Shoot per Project (x2): $1000

Music Video Cost: $600-$1000

Videos per Project [ (3) x 2 projects]: $6000

Music Publicist cost per month: $500

Hired for 3 months for 1st release: $1500

Hired for 3 months for 2nd release: $1500

Total Promotional Costs: $10,000

TOTAL MUSIC PROJECT COSTS: $15,100

Ways you can help: