Ever the rebel, West London singer/songwriter Maxi Millz selects a classic album rather than a mixtape…
What’s your favourite mixtape ever?
I would say ‘The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill’ even though it’s not a mixtape!
Why is it so significant to you?
Growing up on motown, jazz, blues leading into R&b/neo soul and hip hop, I think as I got older this project was the perfect balance between ballads, R&b/neo soul reggae infused hits and straight rap. It’s also her only project, I think that’s amazing; she doesn’t even need to do anything else, it’s so complete and well constructed I don’t even blame her. On top of this she’s from New Jersey and that’s where my grandma’s house was growing up. Anything from that area gets me excited… A Tribe Called Quest for example.. and The Sugarhill Gang.
Were there any artists or producers that you discovered through this tape?
Yes loads, D’Angelo, Mary J Blige, and I believe Carlos Santana are on the tape, it also opened my eyes to the world of The Fugees. There’s a certain musicality and swag that the whole East coast of America had at this time which I fell in love with.
Did it come into your life at a significant time?
Well I was two at the time so I reckon it shaped my taste in music a lot! It was almost like the standard of what I deemed as good. If it didn’t give me Lauryn vibes, I hated it. And because she wasn’t as old as the other greats I listened to, she defined for me what progressive music was at the time.
How did the mixtape cover make you feel?
A black lady with dreads on that fire-textured old school table. She just reminded me of my mum or older sister, minus the dreads. So I guess comforting.
Did you have a physical copy?
CD and Vinyl but I lost both 🙁
No? Which is your favourite that you have a physical copy of?
I have ‘Songs In A Minor’ by Alicia keys on vinyl but I’ve never spun it.
Describe the mixtape in three words?
Timeless, Amazing, Goosebumps.
What song is your personal favourite?
‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ is everyone’s favourite. I don’t have one, depends what mood I’m in. ‘Used To Love Him’ bangs. So does ‘Forgive Them Father’.
If you could put a price on this mixtape, how much would you pay?
It should be free!! First time buyers should personally find Lauryn and giver her a bill.
