Much can be said about Oveous Maximus. The Artist, Poet, Writer, rapper, graphic Designer best described as a “messenger for the people”, also known for the passion that he brings when on stage. He is a painter who tells you a story, inspires you with idea’s or excitingly moves you to do something. Though his tools aren’t brushes or color combining’s of paint, their simply a collaboration of words. Some colorful, some painful, some funny, some uncomfortable but most of them real. Real words inspired by death, life or simply the guy down the street whistling at your mom.

His passion is driven by the spirit of his late and dearly missed older brother though the loss awakened him not sit around in grief. Instead Oveous Maximus picked up where his brother left off and becoming a Poet was not a question, simply something that had to be done. It became his purpose to speak for the people on behalf of the people. To touch on sensitive subjects and show the courage to do so. This in itself is why Oveous has become a respected Artist gracing stages including Harlem’s Apollo Theater, featured in his first film “Spit”, a documentary exploring the history of Spoken Word and becoming a Def Poet for Russel Simmons HBO special Def Poerty. (With credit to Kamilah Forbes). All of which he considers to be some of his best achievements.

Going back to where it all started we find Oveous Maximus growing up in the Dominican Head Quarters of New York City also known as, Washington Heights. A place that is bound to influence and expose anybody to strong traditional Dominican Culture and everything that comes with it. “Do you even know how great our oatmeal is, with the nutmeg and the cinnamon”?! Sometimes making food references in his poems, you could say that food is a big deal in Latin culture. Also adding music to his influences Oveous explains that he grew up listening to everything from Bob Marley reggae tunes, to Salsa, Hip Hop, Jazz and later on House music. “With all this around you, your bound to have someone like myself bounce off of it and try to make it my own or do something with it”.

Its August 2007 and Oveous Maximus is in Austin Texas to attend the National Poetry Competitions. He sits down in a café and on a piece of paper he writes; “Ironic how I am creating you life in this poem, your life is ending”. It’s a line written to his grandfather as Oveous has just gotten the news that his grandfather is on life support. “I was thinking wow, I am not going to get to see him or thank him for all the knowledge and pay respect to his knowledge”.

These words became a thank you letter. A poem honoring his grandfather and paying tribute to everything he contributed to the family. Its clear that his grandfather has been a great inspiration and influence in his life.

Between family, music and culture influences, Oveous adds that growing up in New York is the best life experience in the world. Its the reason why his lyrics are about everything he sees around him and why he gets inspired by the little details of life, “including the guy who did not get the bagel the way he wanted it or something funny that happened on the train”.

When all of his world comes together you get the rawness, the purified real deal. Its what makes his work accessible and easy for people to relate too, on a human or day to day level. He considers himself a public servant of the Arts and takes his work as an artist very serious. “Its messed up to think that you can just say anything and not think that words don’t hold weight”.

Explaining that being in the entertainment industry, is not just entertainment when kids listen to every word an artist says or become influenced by the words they speak. Words do hold weight and Oveous therefore considers people being touched in positive ways “by his words”, the greatest achievement ever.

“When and if people can get something positive out of what I do, it lets me know that I am doing the right thing and is why I want people to hear the voice who is speaking on behalf of that young kid that never got a chance to speak”, referring to his brother. “That’s why people see the passion in me, its also two people sharing the stage”!

Look out for his Album “Future Intentions” coming out soon and his clothing line “Mileage high Club” now available in Japan, China and Europe.

Written by Ayra Kip
True School
Super Delegate - London

www.myspace.com/oveous
www.mocaarts.com
HBO Def Poetry Performance
www.myspace.com/spitthemovie