MAY18_XXXXXL56: A Rising Star in Japan
MAY18_XXXXXL56, also known as Max or simply "M," is a rising star in the Japanese rap scene. Born and raised in Tokyo, Max began writing and rapping in his early teens, inspired by the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator.
Max's music career took off after the release of his debut album, "MAY," in 2018. The album features a unique blend of trap, J-pop, and experimental beats, and Max's fast-paced, energetic flow has drawn comparisons to popular American rappers like Travis Scott and Playboi Carti.
Since the release of "MAY," Max has gained a massive following both in Japan and internationally. He has performed at several high-profile music festivals, including Summer Sonic and Fuji Rock, and has collaborated with notable artists such as Kohh and Kojey Radical.
JAGNEXSMAX: A Collaborative Force
Max is not known only for his solo work. He is also part of the hip-hop duo JAGNEXSMAX, alongside fellow Japanese rapper JAGGLA. The duo first gained attention with their 2019 EP "YEAH," featuring standout tracks like "SHITENNOU" and "WE LIT."
JAGNEXSMAX's music is characterized by its intense energy, combining JAGGLA's aggressive flow with Max's more melodic style. Their collaborative work has earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to release new music together.
With JAGNEXSMAX, Max has opened for international acts such as JID and Denzel Curry, further broadening his exposure to a global audience.
Hennessy: A Bold Move in a Male-Dominated Industry
In 2021, Max made headlines for being the first female rapper in Japan to become a brand ambassador for Hennessy. The cognac company has a history of working with hip-hop artists, but Max's appointment represented a major milestone for female representation in the industry.
"I'm honored to be the first woman and rapper to represent Hennessy," Max said in a statement. "I hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams and break barriers in music and beyond."
Max's partnership with Hennessy has also resulted in the release of the limited edition "MAY18_XXXXXL56 x Hennessy" bottle, featuring Max's signature style and a custom Hennessy label.
The Future of Japanese Hip-Hop
Max's success as a rapper and her groundbreaking partnership with Hennessy demonstrate not only her talent and hard work, but also the changing landscape of Japanese hip-hop.
Japanese hip-hop has often been criticized for mimicking American styles, but Max and other artists like her are bringing a unique perspective to the genre. With her innovative blend of trap, J-pop, and experimental beats, Max is a shining example of the creativity and originality that Japanese hip-hop has to offer.
As Max continues to break barriers and push boundaries, she is sure to inspire a new generation of Japanese artists and fans alike.
