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Oveous Maximus, Spoken Word Artist
and Designer. All photos by Thosh
Award Winning Spoken Word Artist & Designer Oveous MaximusNew York. Los Angeles. Amsterdam. Paris. Hawaii. Oveous Maximus, 31, is a world traveler not because he chooses to be but because the demand for his 'gift' allows him to be. He's an internationally recognized and award-winning Spoken Word Artist that touches the lives of every individual that happens to come across his path. The beginnings of his spoken word career came after his brother, Carlos “Ziiinc Blue” Salcedo, tragically ended his life. This hardship inspired Oveous to live the life he wanted his brother to live and share his brother's brilliance to his current followers. You may already recognize Oveous as he was featured on Showtime at the Apollo, as a HBO Def Poet, on CurrentTV, and as Grandslam Poetry Champion. His presence is growing even stronger as his tour schedule continues to get longer by the day. Learn more about Oveous Maximus, check out one of his shows or catch him on the big screen when the documentary film he's featured in (“SPIT”) releases in January 2007. Read on as we profile his talents in this week's Young & Professional Profile.
Company
MOCA ARTS
Founded
1975
Website
www.mocaarts.com
Name and Title/Position
Oveous Maximus
Spoken Word Artist
MC & Designer
Age
31
Hometown
Washington Heights, New York
Current residence
New York, New York
Education
Rhode Island College, Double Major in Sociology and Graphic Design
Ethnicity
Carribean Latino by way of the Dominican Republic
What's your story? How did you get started?
It started when my brother's life ended. My younger and only brother Carlos "Ziiinc Blue" Salcedo was a brilliant mind who couldn't find his place in this world. So he ended his life. His death inspired me to live the dream I wanted for him. He was an amazing Rapper, Author and Poet. When he passed, his spirit entered my mind and body and then suddenly, I found myself at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York every week in the Summer of 2003. I began hitting up all the open mics in the city and also started competing in slam competitions. In time, people began to acknowledge me and what I was doing for my brother so from there opportunities began to appear.
What's your day-to-day look like?
Wake up. Check emails. Return calls. Go to a meeting. Might fax a contract or something. Might need to ship a DVD to a customer. Write. Rehearse. Write again. Hit up a show. Hit up a party. Go home round 5am. Sleep. Wake up. And you know...do it all again!
List your most notable milestones
- SPIT (the doc film that features my personal story along with 3 other
really dope poets SHIHAN, ALBE BACK, MOLLIE). This will be coming out in theaters February 2007
- I was featured on Showtime at the Apollo
- Featured in the new HBO DEF poetry Season 6
- Featured in Current TV video "The Millions"
- GrandSlam Poetry Champion of the LouderARTS 2006 slam team
- Placed Third in the National Poetry Slam with LouderARTS
What's the niche?
ME..my history, my culture, my voice, my heart, my friends, my family, my work, my style, my bad habits, my honesty...my brother.
What's the biggest challenge?
Staying independent and self-employed. Motivating yourself everyday and creating the work that people respect and love you for.
What's in store for the future?
i'm hoping to be involved in film somehow either through acting, producing, or directing. I would love to be published someday as well. Of course, i'm hoping to write and record more music.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Quentin Tarantino, because he's the illest filmmaker. Kanye West or Pharell because I respect their music to the fullest.
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Best way to keep a competitive edge
Stay humble. Work hard. Always recognize that there isR more to learn and to master in your craft.
Guiding principle in life
Respect.
Yardstick of success
The happiness meter.
Goal yet to be achieved
A film with Quentin Tarantino. Lol! Nah, actually I am dead serious!
Best practical advice
Be real. Always stay true to who you are.
Memorable supportive words from a family member or friend on what you do
"F*ck rules. Make your own son!" --Carlos "Ziiinc Blue" Salcedo
Mentor(s) and why?
My Pops because he's real and has shown me what hard work does. My Moms as she taught me how to respect people. My crew of friends that I've known for the last two decades. They keep me grounded and point out things I can't see. Also, the poets I've met that have shown their loyalty and support.
What motivated you to get started?
My brother of course - Carlos "Ziiinc Blue" Salcedo
Like best about what you do?
The travels and the way you can touch people.
Like least about what you do?
The uncertainty of success in the road ahead.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A video game designer.
What was your first job?
At a supermarket bagging groceries.
Biggest pastimes outside of work
Watching movies and BBoying. Oh and and sneaker shopping.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
God... because yo...how ill is she... what! But if that can't happen... then Oprah is next on my list.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
Bill Gates. Because, Microsoft has taken over the world.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I love classic Nintendo games
2. Never smoked a cigarette, never did drugs either.
3. I'm both a Vegetarian and a Meat eater...u figure it out.
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Intellectual
2. Funny/silly
3. Passionate
Three greatest passions
1. Writting
2. Performing
3. To love
Favorite book
Dude, Where's my Country! by Micheal Moore
Favorite cause
We need to stop hunger and poverty. No one should be hungry.
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