Maxo Kream has brought us Personification, his fourth official album of his underappreciated career. The Houston storyteller had given us several potential glimpses into this project throughout the year. At times, they were extremely hard-hitting and personal. “No Then You A H*e” still holds the top spot in terms of our favorite Maxo tracks from 2024. However, the episodic recalling on “Big H*e Me” is certainly in contention as well. But instead of continuing to hone his already well-established tracks in this vein, he’s been giving us some more loose bangers such as “Bang The Bus” too. This diversity is something that Maxo Kream was looking to achieve on this new album.
There are three perspectives that he raps from on Personification and they are Trigger Maxo, Punken, and Emekwanem. Trigger is the more brash and gangster-like profile, so “Big H*e Me.” As for Punken, a reference to his fourth overall project, is the more introspective and thought-provoking side. Then, there’s the latter which is his government name, and it represents his current lifestyle as a father and role model of sorts. The overall idea of Personification is an interesting one, however, it doesn’t feel fully realized. Maybe dividing the personas into discs may have helped get the idea across more effectively as all of them feel jumbled together. But there are good tracks that most fans will appreciate.
Denzel Curry has been chipping away at the KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH title for quite a while. He dropped a mixtape with the title in 2012, then an album in 2024. It still wasn’t enough. Curry opted to record a few bonus tracks, rearrange the tracklist, and drop the complete version of the album on Friday. It was well worth the wait. KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH encompasses every facet of the Denzel Curry experience. It showcases the rapper’s aggression, his commercial sensibility, and his consistently stellar lyricism at every turn.
It’s not easy to make a lyrical album that knocks, but Denzel Curry does that exact thing here. The rapper pays homage to the Waka Flocka Flame hit “Hard In da Paint” with “STILL IN THE PAINT.” He adds to the blistering instrumental, and trades bars with the likes of LAZER DIM 700 and Bktherula. It’s an obvious tip of the cap to the music Denzel Curry grew up listening to, and he manages to put a fresh spin on it. The other bonus tracks features less notable samples, but they are of equal quality. “ANOTHA LATE NIGHT” is a nocturnal meditation on sex and love. “P.O.P.,” meanwhile, is a smooth riding anthem with additional bars from Sauce Walka and Key Nyata. It might be the best song on here, even if it’s subtleness will lead to it being buried.
Let us know what you think of this brand new album, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Maxo Kream is back with a fourth — or perhaps, eighth, if you count by his reckoning — album, Personification. A showcase of the Houston native’s storytelling prowess, Personification sees the Brandon Banks rapper following up 2021’s Weight Of The World with a synthesis of his three “big personas”: Emekwanem, Maxo’s real name; Punken, the more reflective version of the rapper, and Trigga Maxo, the version of Maxo that once recklessly ran the streets of Southwest Houston.
Finally free of “all his cases,” as he put it via Zoom, Maxo’s latest album gives him an opportunity to unpack the hard-fought lessons he’s learned over the past several years of conflicting lifestyles. Yes, he was once a young, wild gang member terrorizing the community, but he was also an athlete, a member of a team. Now, he’s a father, an entertainer, a teacher. Personification is Maxo’s attempt to reconcile these roles and the choices he’s made within them to offer contrasting views of each.
So, while there are plenty of “shoot-’em-up” tracks like “Mo Murda” and “Triggaman,” there are also joints that look back on those times with the furrowed brow of experience. “Big Hoe Me” and “Cracc Era” see Maxo examining the consequences of those youthful mistakes and the insecurities that led to them, while songs like “Walk By Faith,” which features his younger brother Josh under a new rap name, take a more meta view, laying out the game and letting listeners decide where they fall on the board.
Personification is a rapper’s story, injecting difficult truths into the rap tropes. Maxo deconstructed the album with Uproxx, expanding on the insights he expresses in its 14 tracks with his signature blunt honesty, and uncompromising wit.
Personification was a tough listen for me because some of the content on it reminded me very much of how I grew up and where I grew up. First and foremost, “Big Hoe Me.” It’s got such a harsh outlook toward negative mentorship. I wanted to ask, what made it so important to you to compare and contrast positive mentorship, versus that kind of negative mentorship?
Yeah, bro, a lot of these n****s be hoes. A lot of these n****s don’t really be that. They be living through their 2nd childhood to little n****s all on the side. Not everybody like that. I didn’t have no big homie that was a hoe. But I know some hoe ass big homies.
I’ve been doing this shit since 2003. We in 2025. I played sports, everything, rap, all that. So, it just shit in the hood. It’s not only with gang shit. It’s mentorship. It’s parents like that. It’s fathers like that. It’s coaches like that.
We actually been on corners back in the day. That’s how I knew my homie. A lot of these n****s know each other from Instagram and motherf*cking GTA. That’s how they know each other. They don’t even stay on the same side of town. They gotta come and drive to the block. They’re commuting to the hood.
I do rap about the turned up side and sliding, the drilling, the riding for your n****s. But I also talk about, okay, as soon you go home, this comes to your door. The opps might come slide on you and slaughter your people by mistake. Looking for you. I show the pros and cons. There’s a lot of rappers that don’t do that.
So, that leads me into why I had such a big laugh on “Smokey.” “Out of town, banger, go to Cali and get laughed at.” Can you elaborate on that principle? Can you elaborate on what gets gotten laughed at from out here?
Hell yeah. I feel like in Houston, they’re riding Cali n****s dick, and the Cali n****s don’t give a f*ck about them for real. They respect n****s that come from Houston and rep their own sh*t. I’m from Forum Park [Crips]. We got our own history. They respect that. I never came to Cali, came to Hoover Street, came to the Hoovers [a Los Angeles Crip set], like, ‘Yo, I’m looking to be down.’ I’m coming over here like, ‘I do this. Y’all do this’. It’s respect. I was at the studio with Hit-Boy and Big Hit. When I’m saying the sh*t, they felt that. And they respect everything I do.
It does feel like there is, on this one, a little bit more sense of disapproval or maybe remorse of Cripping lifestyle. Did your outlook on the lifestyle begin to change recently and if so, what caused the shift for you?
I ain’t going to say it changed. With me being older and having kids and seeing these young n****s that look up to me… I never crashed out a young n****. I had never told my n**** to go slide or drill or nothing like that. I’m like, “Come to my concert. Come to my show, come on tour, and come to the studio.” I did it because when I was a young n****, I did it on my own. Or did with my niggas, but we past that, bro. I ain’t going to send no young n**** to do nothing. Then he go to jail or send the young n**** to do something, and they die because then that’s on me.
Because I did that. I’m responsible for that. I just speak on the Crip sh*t because I’m a retired gang member. I’m not a gangbanger. I used to actually bang. So, I’m really respected. So, it’s different when you hear something from, like, a teacher. But when you hear something from a n****a that you idolize, and it be the same shit that you been through, it hit different. You don’t understand, being a rapper… We really got more focus on the household than the parents, bro. That’s why people be so mad at the music. So I’m like, bro, so if I’m going to talk about it, I gotta cover something about what happened after this. Or put out a jail song. Because that’s going to happen to your ass. If you’re doing all the sh*t I rap about, avoiding jail is not real.
They’ll put you on probation for 15 years.
Come on, man. Freed Young Thug, but he ain’t all the way free.
What’s the best part about working with your brother?
The best part about working with Josh, that motherfucker cold. That n**** never wrote a rap in his life. I told him to write a rap. And he didn’t rap for 3 months. When I took him to the studio, I think one of the first songs he did was “Brothers.” I can’t wait for him to lock me into his full fledge shit, so then I can sit back and just, “Alright. Josh hot as hell. Let me do a song with Josh.” I came from writing. But if I got to write at this point, I’m going to say “f*ck rap.” A lot of shit was written up to Punken. That’s when I start writing for real. I’ll look at the difference between Brandon Banks versus Punken. And that was my two biggest albums. Now today, look at Weight Of The World. You feel me?
We have this conversation again in a year. Where do you wanna say that Personification ended up and what has happened in that year since?
I want to say that sh*t, add another package to my catalog. I’m touring amphitheaters. And KCG Josh or Josh Kream, Joshua Biosa — whoever that n**** is — my brother is big as hell, and I can piggyback off this n*** and I’m a coast. And we in the motherf*cker doing big sh*t on PJs. Getting property for my mama. Just living, bro. I wanna be living. A lot of these n****s die. I want to be old. Out living. That’s where I want to be.
Personification is out 11/15 via RCA. Get more information here.
This Friday, November 15, Maxo Kream will release his fourth (or eighth, if you were to ask him) studio album, Personification. The rollout for the album has included the release of his singles “Talkin In Screw” featuring That Mexican OT and “Cracc Era” featuring Tyler The Creator, and a few guest features with the likes of Denzel Curry, with whom Maxo collaborated on “Set It.” Curry also appears on the tracklist for Personification, which Maxo shared this week, and also has appearances from fellow Texan BigXthaPlug, Houston rap legend Z-Ro, rising starts Rob49 and Skilla Baby, and Maxo’s brother, who has renamed himself Josh Kream.
Also, earlier this week, Maxo broke down the philosophy behind his new album with a short film shared to Twitter (which I will never call “X”). In the caption, Maxo writes, “Emekwanem. Trigga Maxo. Maxo C. All me all in one. I’ve had it all and lost it all. Thankful for my angels and I regret nothing. I’m still here dropping albums and my new one comes this Friday.”
Maxo Kream is in a groove. The rapper has build up a fanbase over the last several years, but it feels as though he’s on the cusp of a commercial breakthrough. The hype has never been more deafening than it has been for his upcoming album, Personification. Part of the reason is that Kream is honing his skills as an artist, and simply getting better. The other part is that the singles for Personification have been stellar across the board. Maxo Kream has been working with some of the most exciting rappers in the game and holding his own. Now, we have the album tracklist.
Maxo Kream is not making the mistake that so many of his genre peers make. Personification is a tight 14 songs, ensuring that it will not overstay its welcome. The solo singles are accounted for here, like the soft and contemplative “Bang the Bus” and the retro-sounding “Big Hoe Me.” It’s the collabs, however, that’ll draw most of the attention. Tyler, The Creator and That Mexican OT shined on “Cracc Era” and “Talkin In Screw,” respectively. Both songs were released ahead of the album, and prove that Maxo Kream can slip into any style and vibe imaginable. The star power continues on the songs that have yet to be released.
“Smokey” will see Maxo Kream trade bars with BigXthaPlug, while Rob49 and Skilla Baby drop by for verses on “Higher Than Ever.” Kream also brings in Denzel Curry for what is sure to be a standout cut, “Triggaman.” Z-Ro and Josh Kream round out the guest features on the album, but the producer list on the album is also worth highlighting. Tyler, The Creator lends his musical talents to the aforementioned “Cracc Era.” Hit-Boy, meanwhile, will produce “Smokey.” Other established names like Nick Grand, Beat Butcha and Cubeatz pop up in the credits.
Maxo Kream remains a prominent yet underrated figure within the Southern hip-hop region. The Houston native has been having a pretty remarkable year amongst the megastars in his area such as Megan Thee Stallion, Don Toliver, and Travis Scott. For example, he’s been developing a tight knit relationship with underground producer evilgiane with the rauchy “Bang The Bus” and heat-seeking “Eye Know.” You can also take a look at his respectable feature run in 2024 which consists of the assistance of 03 Greedo, Denzel Curry, That Mexican OT, and more. However, his efforts in which he’s been the featured act are arguably the most impressive. “No Then You A H*e,” is a touching and painful tribute to his late father, who tragically passed earlier this year.
It’s a tremendous story-telling record, and one that displays just how talented of a writer he is. That similar level of excellence shows up on Maxo Kream’s latest single, “Big H*e Me.” It’s one of the tracks that will appear on his upcoming album that will be out on November 8, Personification. Based on the title and creative artwork, it looks like we are getting all of Maxo’s personalities, ranging from earnest and serious, personal, and carefree. “Big H*e Me” looks to fit in the former of the categories, as the nearly five-minute cut explores into betrayal and personal experiences with back stabbers. It also touches on being around the right people, something that Maxo had to learn from the age of 14. He continues to wow us this year and we cannot wait for the album.
Denzel Curry continues to promote his new album, King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, with a glitchy, trippy video for the menacing “Set It Off” with Maxo Kream. The track is reflective of the Memphis goth-trap that defines the album, which can be seen on “Hot Ones” with TiaCorine and Ferg and “Hoodlumz” with ASAP Rocky.
The video evokes the blurry, black-and-white footage of a security camera, while also adding visual effects that mirror the results of a pharmaceutical trip. In his verse, Zel boasts, “My reign of terror is not for the weatherman,” while Maxo just straight up cuts to the point: “Play with Maxo, chopper shoot his baby mama.”
Curry is wrapping up the tour for King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, which has wound its way from Nashville to Detroit, in the coming week, concluding the 39-date run at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. You can check out the full list of remaining tour dates below.
Watch Denzel Curry’s video for “Set It” with Maxo Kream above.
King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 is out now via Loma Vista. You can find more information here.
10/04 — Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/05 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
10/06 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center
10/08 — Chicago, IL @ United Center
10/09 — Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum
10/10 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
10/11 — Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
Houston rapper Maxo Kream is set to release his highly anticipated new album Personification on November 8th. Known for his raw lyricism and evolving artistry, Maxo has remained true to himself throughout his decade-long career. The album will be available on all digital platforms and vinyl via his own label, Stomp Down, and is currently available for pre-save.
Personification marks Maxo’s first full-length project since Weight of the World in 2021 and its 2022 deluxe edition. The album explores Maxo’s life and career through the lens of three distinct personas that have shaped his artistic journey. Trigga Maxo represents his early days as a gritty street rapper, characterized by hits like “Cell Boomin” and the #MAXO187 project. This persona reflects the raw, underground Houston sound that helped Maxo break into the rap scene.
The second persona, Punken, named after Maxo’s childhood nickname and his 2018 album, reflects his growth into a more refined artist and storyteller. Tracks like “Grannies” and albums like Brandon Banks showcased Maxo’s ability to craft elevated narratives, solidifying him as one of rap’s top lyricists.
Finally, Emekwanem, Maxo’s real name, represents his present self—a business owner, family man, and artist focused on building a lasting legacy. This persona integrates the street grit of Trigga Maxo with the wisdom and growth of Punken. Fans got a glimpse of this evolution in the single “No Then You A Hoe,” a heartfelt tribute to his late father.
With Personification, Maxo Kream is set to offer an introspective and authentic look into his life, blending his past and present with an eye on the future.
Previously, Maxo returned with his latest single, “Cracc Era,” enlisting friend and frequent collaborator Tyler, The Creator. Known for his gritty storytelling and dark soundscapes, Maxo’s two-stepping flow brings the underworld to life over a beat that channels Tyler’s horrorcore era. Tyler sets the tone with eerie synths and relentless bass, while Maxo delivers raw verses, reflecting on his days before rap: “Way before I did this rappin’, I was out here jackin’ n****s.”
Tyler complements Maxo’s vivid tales with a tongue-twisting 16, adding his own twist to the grim soundscape: “Two-tone two door/Watchin’ Juno, you know/Who dem is when you see/N****s in them Unos.”
“Cracc Era” marks the duo’s second collaboration, following their 2021 track, “Big Persona.” The single continues Maxo’s streak in 2024, following releases like “Eye Know” and “Bang The Bus,” both produced by Surf Gang’s Evilgiane. Maxo’s music this year has been particularly reflective, using tracks like “No Then You a H*e” to honor his late father, Brandon Banks.
After shedding over 75 pounds, Maxo is in better physical and mental shape and gearing up for the release of his next album, a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Weight Of The World. Fans can expect more from the Texas titan as he navigates a new era in his career, blending past experiences with newfound clarity.
Maxo Kream and Tyler The Creator last linked up on 2021’s “Big Persona,” a chest-beating display of their burgeoning chemistry. In 2024, that chemistry remains as strong as ever on “Cracc Era,” the first single from Maxo’s upcoming follow-up to his 2021 album, Weight Of The World. As usual, Tyler handles the beat, a burping, bumbling throwback to his early career (and the closest thing we’re ever going to get to a new Neptunes beat from here on out, apparently).
Lyrically, T remains as boastful as ever, while Maxo gets contemplative, recalling his young, wild days prior to rap. “Way before I did this rappin’ I was out here jackin’ n****s / I mean like jackin’ was my skill, jack your pounds and jack your pills/Catch you lackin’ by the hill, we jackin’ n***s, Jack & Jill,” the Texas native raps.
While there isn’t much information about the new album in the press release for “Cracc Era,” there is this positive note: “Now in better mental and physical shape than ever before – Maxo has lost more than 75 pounds over several months – Maxo is ready to make a statement with his next album.” You gotta love to see your faves getting healthy.
Check out “Cracc Era” featuring Tyler The Creator above.
Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator exist in different spaces. Both rappers boast eccentric and distinct voices, but the similarities stop there. Maxo makes unrelenting bangers. Tyler makes experimental and musically lush genre hybrids. Despite these differences, the two rappers link up for an electric banger. “Cracc Era” is manages to play to the strengths of both Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator. Maxo gets to sound gritty as ever, while Tyler manages to dig back in his Odd Future bag and play to the darker side of musical palate.
The instrumental is nuts. It sounds like something the Neptunes would have cooked up for Clipse or Slim Thug back in the mid-2000s. The Slim Thug analogy is particularly relevant here, as the combination of Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator feels like a modern counterpart to Thug and Pharrell. We digress. It’s great to hear Maxo spit over the sparse, creepy instrumental. Tyler, The Creator is the real scene stealer here, though. It’s been a long time since fans have gotten to hear the OF founder sound so menacing, and we’re here to confirm that he hasn’t lost a step. Maxo and Tyler make for one of the stranger and more satisfying combos of 2024 thus far. Hopefully there’s more collabs in the future.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Running the relay, feel like the 06TK Me and, (Brr), riding ’round, I put white MAGs on my PK That’s a BMX woadie, man I run like recorder I just copped a new onе, Wallace just put in the order
