THE ADVENTURES OF DON GHOTTI & DON PITTS: "My name is Lola Maxwell and I'm from Southeast DC..."

"My name is Lola Maxwell and I'm from Southeast DC..."
Written by Kent B. Fockwith

If my favorite film director Spike Lee was to shoot 'She Gotta Have it Pt. 2' it would be filmed in South East Washington DC instead of Brooklyn New York. The leading lady in this new film would be none other than Southeast DC born Jillian Napper, aka Lola Maxwell. Much like Nola the character in the first film, Lola our new character would be young, sexually-independent, and liberal-minded, yet in this film she'd actually fall for one man. This man would be named Hip Hop.

I can remember being introduced to this phenomenal talent by her publicist Imani Pope via twitter and I knew at that very moment I wanted to work with her. Her images reminded me of my Diana Ross vinyl cover in my closet. I was captivated and desired to know much more about her. I googled her name and was stunned of her intensive catalogue at the youthful age of 21. Her most recent project 'BASIK EDUKATION' is an instant classic. Lola shows artist how to make a re-cord (saying in a British accent).
The different textures of sounds are very reminiscent of an early Lauren Hill. I especially enjoyed the more edgier rock tracks on the project. This wasn't your traditional Hip Hop femcee with nerd glasses and a scarf, you know the type that claims she's different because she had an amateur guitarist riff on a record. Lola pics tracks like a tenured A&R and uses her vocals like an illustrious instrument.

Another quality about this recording artist is that she's a true soloist much like Rakim and Nas were on there first projects. She did not drown out her talent with tons of local features, nor did she play the political games that most artist play by featuring artist (with less talent) just so they could potentially advance their own careers. These qualities will set her on her own plateau in this crowded industry. I think we're witnessing the future of not just Hip Hop music but music as a whole. I'm a fan for life of this young lady "Who Gotta Have it'. Lola Maxwell.

Here's my interview with Lola. I hope you fall in love with this artist's music and brand and go out and suggest her to 10 friends and co-workers. Ciao.
1. How did you come up with the name Lola Maxwell?

"I saw the name Lola on some random website while I was doing some research for a paper and it stayed in my mind. changed my name on facebook to lola davenport, then lola maxwell. lola maxwell rolled off the tongue better so i stuck with it."

2. How would you define your style and what sets you apart from other recording artist?

"My style varies, that's what sets me apart from other artists. i don't stick with just one way of doing things. even though i experiment with different sounds i still hold onto the essence of real, unadulterated hip hop and of course lyricism. i typically don't "rap with the times" because i choose not to conform. i write stories, relive past experiences, and at times create illusions. i just do whatever comes naturally. i don't put on a front or show, or put up a gimmick."

3. How would you describe the music & entertainment scene in the DMV?

"The music scene in the dmv is bigger than i thought. there are so many artists in such a little space. i love it. i wish the hip hop music scene was shown more love though."

4. What are 5 things you take with you to all studio sessions?

1. my passion

2. my macbook

3. my blackberry

4. my nikon d60

5. my ipod

5. As a female in the music industry, do you think it's necessary to use a SEX to sell?

"Its always expected. i recently did a set at Hogate's in DC for an all white party, somebody asked me if the outfit i had on (a simple white off-the-shoulder mini dress and some stilettos) was my typical "show" outfit. i said no because sometimes i want to be glamorous and other times i want to be eclectic or eccentric... I'll always have on heels, though. the person proceeded to say "it should be". i caught offense, of course. but you can't expect much nowadays. i don't think its necessary to use to sex to sell. if you don't have the talent just simply sit your ass down and let the real artists get the opportunity to shine."

6. Who would you like to collaborate with that's already in the music industry and why?

"I would like to collaborate with lupe fiasco, lauryn hill, mos def, estelle, erykah badu, q-tip, common, outkast, gnarls barkley, and theophilus london because they are all amazing artists. i feel like i would make straight hits and classics with all of them and build a good relationship as well."

7. What;s your perspective of the Hip Hop genre today?

"Its so watered down compared to what it used to be. i feel like majority of artists out here are just doing it for the money and not for the love of the art form. i heard marques houston on the radio the other day say "i don't make music to make a living, i have a living. i make music because it's my passion." too bad 90% of hip hop artists out here don't have the same mindset."

8. Name your Top Ten Lyricist in past or present in Hip Hop.

hmmm..

in no particular order:

biggie smalls

lauryn hill

mos def

outkast

common

lupe fiasco

nas

j. cole

a tribe called quest

jean grae

9. Who would you compare your style to that's in the music industry (past or present)?

"I wouldn't compare myself to anybody. however, I've heard that my style is similar to lauryn hill, talib kweli, lupe fiasco, and mc lyte."

10. If you were not pursuing music & entertainment as a career, what would be your second career choice?

"My second career choice would be in fashion merchandising. i eventually want to own my own line of boutiques showcasing independent and amazing designers. if not that, then i would definitely take up kinetic imaging."

*Bonus Question* - Where do you see yourself {in your career} in the next 5 years?

"In the next five years i will be 26. i see myself being well established in my field, touring the world, connecting with amazing artists, directing videos, sitting front seat at fashion week, and helping others realize their greatness."

Complimentary Download