Debut-recording artist, Maddi Madd (Marlon Grimes) is poised to take this rap industry by storm with the coming of his debut album, Midwest Juggernaut on Grown Man Records distributed by 280 East/Lightyear/WEA. The charismatic emcee received his moniker by growing up on Madison Ave, also known as The Mad Block in Ohio.
Discovered by Grown Man Records President, Ivan Jones, Maddi Madd's first foray into the music industry became internationally known as an extremely prolific writer. Maddi wrote the majority of the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed documentary, Pimps Up Hoes Down, directed by Brent Owens.
Maddi Madd's early beginnings in Ohio were described as truly memorable. He says, I was always known for rapping in the hood. When I was younger, I had a knack for it. In elementary school I used to get up and dance all the time, and I constantly memorized and recited songs off the radio. Growing up in the projects, he was exposed to all forms of music, however, he credits Chaka Khan and Earth Wind and Fire among his strongest musical influences. His grandmother even turned him on to jazz great, Miles Davis. The young rapper describes RUN-DMC among his early recollection to Hiphop culture. They made it look good, he opines, The chains, the black leather, and the ADIDAS.
Citing problems with the law, Maddi's dad skipped out early but his Mom remained steadfast, struggling with two jobs. Now all I had to look up to were dudes with the flashy cars, clothes, and stuff. I was constantly being exposed to cats that were into the wrong things. That's all I saw. Due to the lack of community organizations for kids to get into, Maddi strives to reinforce basic values in his lyrics. He says, I'm telling the youth that you don't need to get into negativity to get what you want out of life. I want to show the youth that all that flashy stuff is not gonna last, however, hard work WILL last.
However, it wasn't until Maddi Madd relocated to Atlanta at the tender age of 3 years old, that he became turned on to a whole new genre of rap witnessed by the rising emergence of Southern rap artists. It was definitely a change as he became exposed to underground rappers with Southern accents.
On my new album, Midwest Juggernaut, He says, I want to let my audience know that it's not all that cool to glorify diamonds, platinum, and champagne, because that is not what Hiphop culture is all about. Not to be labeled a conscious rap artist, however, Maddi's lyrics visually depicts the going's on in his community. He will use whatever it takes to relate and reach the youth using his lyrical thuggery rhyme style.
Before Maddi got knocked (locked up), the budding rapper experienced a lot of peer pressure that caused him to write tons of songs. He also admits that making some really bad decisions led to his bid, therefore laying the foundation for his debut album, Midwest Juggernaut. Some cats start to pray when they get knocked. I always prayed even before I got knocked so when I went to jail, I continued to pray, He says, I got a talent and I'm focused. I am a very spiritual person.
Midwest Juggernaut boasts high-level production by Fred Frederico Hicklin who also serves as the vocalist on the radio-friendly Emotional , an ode to the art of pimpin'. On this blazin' joint, Maddi Madd rhymes over a remake of the Carl Thomas hit. The new set also boasts bangin' joints such as: A Million Ways (featuring Young Zee & Rah Digga of The Outsidaz ). He lashes out on all player haters on Haters will Be Haters as he raps, From projects to skyscrapers/haters will be haters. Maddi Madd describes his experience in the recording studio like a being a kid in a candy store, nonetheless, he claims to draw his energy from live performances.
Easygoing and hardworking, Maddi Madd's future aspirations include blowing up Grown Man Records, and owning his very own record label and publishing company. He also plans to open up a community center for youth in his constant quest to be a positive role mode for the kids. Maddi Madd is a success story waiting to happen and it's only a matter of time before the whole world rocks to the beat of his spoken word.
