Maxwell f. Nas, “Help Somebody (Remix)”
The original version of Maxwell’s “Help Someody” appeared on his grammy nominated BLACKsummers’night album. He’s recruited Nas for a return to his politically charged form for the (RED)WIRE project. The end to Nas’ verse, “The best feeling that I ever have is when I’m giving,” seems especially fitting in light of his ex-wife Kelis’ recent 50k-plus alimony and child support award.
Download: Maxwell f. Nas, “Help Somebody (Remix)”
Maxwell “Bad Habits”
Is it hot in here? Cause Maxwell turns it up quite a few notches in the video for “Bad Habits.” The song is about that person you know is bad for you, can never get enough of and just can’t seem to shake. With Kerry Washington as his drug of choice, the video gets hot. Very hot. Seemingly already In a happy relationship with somone else, Washington draws Maxwell back time and time again though he knows she’s no good. “Bad Habits” is just one of many sultry tracks from BLACKsummers’ Night, and album so many (myself included) can’t get enough of.
Live: Maxwell in NYC
So, last night I was gifted with tickets to the greatest show on earth! Yeah, I’m talking about Maxwell, people. To make things even better, the songstress Chrisette Michele opened the show with her new album’s title track “Epiphany” and this girl, if you don’t already know, can SANG, with an A. What you might not know, however, is that she can also do great imitations while she SANGS—she did her best John Legend, Anita Baker and Erykah Badu impressions and I tell you- she killed it in both her voice and theirs. I can’t help but always imagine her on a baby grand piano, with long gloves, and one of those long cigarette holders belting out her tunes. After ooing and aahing over Ms. Michele it was time for Maxwell and the anticipation was great. Coming out with no Kanye West insane stage setup, Maxwell and with his KILLER band opened with “Get To Know Ya.” The energy in the room shot to record breaking heights. Read the full story
15 Minutes with Maxwell
Maxwell may have ostensibly disappeared over the last eight or so years, but suddenly, the sultry soul singer is a very difficult man to pin down. Amidst a whirlwind schedule to promote his forthcoming trilogy of albums, BlackSummer’sNight, he has embarked on a rigorous tour that doesn’t cease until well into 2010, and possibly beyond. Every second of his time is on a schedule, particularly since the first installment in his collection, BLACK, dropped yesterday. But Maxwell found the time to call us between appearances on Hot 97’s Angie Martinez show and BET’s 106 & Park so we could finally pose the question, “Max, where you been?!” He was more than happy to answer. —Julianne Escobedo Shepherd
Suite903 Podcast 001
1. Maxwell – Cold
2. Chrisette Michele feat. Ne-Yo – What You Do
3. Erykah Badu – Vibrate On
4. Mos Def feat. The Ruler – Auditorium
5. Sa-Ra Creative Partners – The Bone Song
6. Amerie – Why R U
7. Slum Village feat. Marsha Ambrosius – Cloud 9
8. Lorett Fleur (Yann Kesz remix) – Slam
9. Miles Bonny – JZS Children (Exclusive)
10. Ryan Leslie – You’re Not My Girl
11. Drake feat. Lykke Li – Little Bit
12. Mark De Clive-Lowe feat. Lady Alma – I Can’t Help It
13. Michael Jackson (Tangoterje Remix) – I Can’t Help It
Download: Suite903 Podcast 001
Download: Suite903 Podcast 001 (m4a version, chapters supported)
Mixed By OP!
Bridging the Gap of Maxwell’s Seven Year Hiatus
Not to bite Ludacris, but the term back for the first time seems like a fitting way to phrase Maxwell’s return to music. Maxwell’s reemergence in 2009—sans his signature blowout ‘fro—is as hair-raising as his debut in 1996. Back then, the slender crooner whose demeanor was reminiscent of Marvin Gaye raised eyebrows as soul music’s “it” guy. But with Max’s extended absence, just how forgiving will an already downsizing industry be after a seven-year wait?
Fear not Urban Hanger-ons, Maxwell’s about to hold it down for three summers. This July, New York’s veteran soulman releases Black, the first installment in his Black Summer’s Night trilogy. The plan is to drop an album consecutively through 2010. To bring you up to speed with Maxwell’s moves leading up to the comeback album(s), we’ve compiled a few things you should know about the icon’s past, present, and future.
Read the full story
Maxwell, “Pretty Wings”
In a moment we’ve been waiting for since he so inconspicuously popped up in some Gap ads, Maxwell makes his triumphant return to our earlobes by way of new music on his myspace. “Pretty Wings” is the first single off of his upcoming album BLACKsummers’night and is all that you would hope a Maxwell comeback would be; Maxwell singing about letting someone go, freeing himself up for our adoring embrace. C’mon home, Maxwell. You can always come back home.
Download: Maxwell “Pretty Wings”
