Return of the Real: Elle Maxwell is the DMV’s Black Madonna (Exclusive Interview) Posted by ThroatChopU on 01/28/11 | Filed under Features, Underground, Return of the Real, Elle Maxwell, DMV

I don’t sing. I don’t rhyme. I can’t produce tracks. I’m often the only non-rapper in a room. But I’ve always had an ear for good music and because of that, folks have respected my honest opinion. I don’t hold back. I’m also a fan of music. I actually remember when that meant something. RefinedHype has given me the opportunity to showcase a dope artist weekly, someone who is on the rise that has caught my ear and that you should definitely check out. This is "Return of The Real". Chea!

She's still Lola to me but you’ll find her these days going by Elle Maxwell. She's the talented twenty-something-year-old emcee out of the DMV that first caught my attention last year with "Basik Edukation". I remember how captivating her flow was on “Assembly” off of that project. I became a fast fan.

From "Basik Edukation", I found myself backtracking and checking out her older music and videos. Elle is talented. While she raps, she doesn’t allow her sound to be determined or locked into one genre. Her recent project, "The Black Madonna Soundtrack", pushed the boundaries even further with it’s sample heavy sound, that came off as 80’s tracks with new generation rhymes. It was dope.

Her musical vision stays fresh. Her perspective on the sound she wants to create is always clever. If you aren’t already, you should pay close attention to Elle Maxwell. In our interview, we talked about her name change, the DMV music scene, her upcoming projects and more.

Meet Elle.



ThroatChopU: So, right up front you’re an artist who takes on the role of whatever project you are working on. Is that part of the name change from Lola to Elle?

Elle Maxwell: Actually the name change stemmed from the constant mix-ups with rapper Lola Monroe and myself. A lot of people would get us confused when both names were brought up in discussion. The similarity also hindered from getting certain interviews and features so I felt it was time for a change. I like this name better, though. When said in the right tone and pitch it has kind of a sultry feel to it (laughs).

ThroatChopU: Ok. That makes sense. So, what's the upcoming project you're working on and who else is involved?

Elle Maxwell: I actually have a few upcoming projects I'm working on. I've been in and out of the studio recording songs for my EP titled "RUSH (Rap Until Something Happens)". I'm pretty excited about it too, because I really go in and speak my mind about my career and all the trials and tribulations that come along with trying to pursue it. With that project I'm working mainly with a production team called Night Runners based out of Maryland. I'm also in the process of putting together a live and unplugged mixtape with a band and everything! Yeah, I'm also pretty stoked about getting started on that one as well (laughs).



ThroatChopU: If you look at your last two projects, "The Black Madonna" and "Basik Edukation", it seems like two different sides of you. What tracks from those projects would you say speak to who you are as a person and why?

Elle Maxwell: I like the fact that you said "two different sides of you" because I don't want to be considered a one-genre type artist. My music taste is very diversified so I want my music to show that. For the songs from "Basik Edukation" that speak to me the most personally, I would have to say “The Realest” and “Distorted Outcast.” The two songs both describe me as a whole and not just my artistry. As far as "The Black Madonna Soundtrack" my favorite tracks from that would have to be “Black Madonna (Y.O.U.)”, “Holiday”, and “Human Nature.” “Black Madonna” is just my favorite jam from that project, “Holiday” I can never get tired of listening to, and “Human Nature” shows a side to my listeners that I could only show through song. I could never leave little to the imagination.

ThroatChopU: On the other side of that, what tracks from those two projects would speak to who you are as an emcee and why?

Elle Maxwell: As an emcee all the tracks from those projects just relay the fact that I'm not solely a Hip-Hop artist and I don't just rhyme. I paint pictures and create fantasies.

ThroatChopU: Ok. I can see that. So, Elle, as an artists what impact do you want to have on the people who listen to your music?



Elle Maxwell: I want the people that listen to my music to realize every femcee's not the same. I want to show not only other aspiring femcees but female artists altogether that you don't have to take the same route as their precedents in order to carry out their dream or gain recognition for their talent. Ultimately, I don't want my listeners to see me as a stagnant artist or one they can hear only in one genre of music but one that has the ability to connect with various individuals on numerous levels.

ThroatChopU: Ok. I dig that vision. You know, it seems like in the last few years the DMV music scene has exploded. There are folks like Phil Ade, Oddissee, RAtheMC and of course Wale. Who else should folks be checking for out of the DMV?

Elle Maxwell: You're right about that! It's a like a whole generation of artists, mostly rappers, have recently emerged from the DC area. I think it's beautiful. I love seeing people realize their talent. I think people should also be checking for dope artists such as Nike Nando, K Sinatra, Nate Greyski, M1 Platoon, Hassani Kwess, Chris Barz and a few others. (There’s) Definitely a lot of great talent there!

ThroatChopU: When we talk about the music scene, how do you think folks see the DMV music scene outside of the DMV?

Elle Maxwell: I really have no idea how people view the DMV music scene. I'm pretty sure they're scoping out the next hot thing, though. A lot of music events and weekly showcases have popped up over the last couple of years and the turnouts have been pretty big. Yeah, I would definitely say more people are getting hip to the music scene in the DMV.

ThroatChopU: Ok Elle, we've talked a lot about your music, but who are you listening to? Who's on your iPod/mp3 player?

Elle Maxwell: At the moment I'm listening to Cee Lo, Jazmine Sullivan, Janelle Monae, J Cole, classic Jay Z and Kanye West, Little Dragon and Theophilus London. I absolutely LOVE Cee Lo's new album! I'm also getting more into dubstep and grime.

ThroatChopU: Ok. So, when you look back on your work five years from now, what would you have wanted to accomplish?

Elle Maxwell: Well, if I'm not signed yet I would have wanted to have gotten signed (laughs). Seriously though, I probably would have wanted to take more risks and worked with more artists along with doing a lot more traveling.



ThroatChopU: Last but not least, a question I ask everyone featured on Return of The Real, what's next for you?

Elle Maxwell: After I cross the stage in May I plan to take my career from 35mph to 80mph. Like I said previously, I have a mixtape and an EP in the works. I'll have more time on my hands to really get into my craft, so the listeners can expect a lot more music and shows coming from me.

For more from Elle Maxwell, connect with her via Twitter and check out more music via her BandCamp and personal site.

For more from ThroatChopU, follow him on Twitter and check out TheMadBloggers.com.

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