Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, and producer Prime Maximus is kicking off 2025 in a major way! On February 21, he’s set to drop “Vibes,” the lead single from his debut album CELEVATION, and trust us—this track is about to be your next obsession.
“Vibes” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. A fusion of energy, emotion, and storytelling, the track reflects the highs and lows that come with success. “It’s more of an awakening,” Prime tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “It captures the agathokakological energy that comes with success — the highs of joy, accomplishment, and achievement, but also the lows of envy, hate, and jealousy. It’s a reflection of how your mind, body, and spirit absorb the energies around you.”
Musically, “Vibes” is a masterclass in sonic innovation. Drawing from his deep roots in New Orleans, Prime blends elements of jazz, bounce, and hip-hop with international influences he’s picked up throughout his travels. The track is layered with pulsating beats, hypnotic melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics that transport listeners into Prime’s world.
Prime also reveals that the song’s creation was an intense and deeply personal process. “Every word was carefully chosen, every vocal delivered with raw emotion. The harmonies hit deep, lifting you up in all the right ways,” he explains. “From the moment it was created, it’s been a standout — alive, powerful, and unforgettable. It’s been on repeat ever since, and I’m proud of it from start to finish. Chef’s kiss.”
Prime Maximus’ journey as an artist was profoundly influenced by surviving Hurricane Katrina. Losing everything — his home, his childhood memories, and thousands of unreleased beats — forced him to rebuild from the ground up. “It gave me an unstoppable, relentless spirit — the kind that just doesn’t quit,” he shares. “I had to start from scratch after losing all my music equipment, hundreds of songs, and over 2,000 beats. But that’s life — it’s full of resets. Some are joyful, others hit hard, but every reset is a chance to grow.”
Through resilience and determination, he transformed tragedy into inspiration, using music as a tool to process the pain and find purpose. “Katrina was heavy, no doubt, but it pushed me onto a new path—one that ultimately brought me here. And for that, I’m grateful.”
The experience shaped his unique sound, blending the raw energy of survival with the celebratory spirit of his hometown, New Orleans. “Music became my way of rebuilding—of proving that no matter what happens, you can always rise again.”
Born and raised in New Orleans, Prime Maximus is no stranger to blending global influences into his music. “Everything I do always traces back to my hometown roots,” he says. “New Orleans taught me that true artistry comes from the soul. It’s a melting pot of rhythm, resilience, and raw passion.”
His journey in music is nothing short of legendary. From opening for icons like Alicia Keys and Master P in his teens to producing viral hits like “Jizz in My Pants” with SNL’s “The Lonely Island,” Prime has proven time and time again that he’s got the magic touch. His work on Lloyd Banks’ “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” solidified his place in hip-hop history, earning him major recognition, while his contributions to DMX’s Exodus album landed him a Grammy nomination alongside Jay-Z and Nas.
So, why is now the time for his debut album? “Inspired by the 64th Annual Grammys, I had a bold idea: to create a song for every genre and showcase my God-given talent,” Prime shares. “With the help of my music family — Makaio Luciano, Todd Mushaw, Donovan Dark, Freddie Williams, Sly Piper, and Juelz Santana—we crafted an incredible body of work to share with the world.”
CELEVATION is more than just an album — it’s a deeply personal journey. The project is structured like a narrative, guiding listeners through different emotional and sonic landscapes. “This album is a journey from start to finish, with each track carefully and strategically placed to tell the story in its entirety,” Prime explains. “It begins with themes of adrenaline and survival, transitions into confidence and self-worth, and then moves through suspicion and betrayal. From there, it delves into heartbreak and the dark night of the soul, followed by the process of letting go and overcoming. Ultimately, it concludes with healing and a celebration of benevolence.”
One of the standout tracks, “Gotta Let Go,” is particularly meaningful to him. “It came straight from my soul to the mic — one take, no edits. Full song, less than five minutes,” he reveals. “This track is all about release — letting go of past pain, past regrets, and the weight that holds you back. It’s about moving forward, embracing the future, and trusting that what’s ahead is better than what’s behind. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply personal. The harmonies carry the weight of the message, making sure every note resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled to move on.”
For anyone new to Prime Maximus, CELEVATION promises to be a powerful introduction. “This album is a testament to a truth we all know: ‘Life be lifing.’ Through every high and low, this is my story—a shared experience meant to inspire you to keep pushing forward.”
Beyond the beats and the bars, Prime Maximus has a fun and unexpected secret—he loves to dance. “I dive into my footwork every day—whether in the studio or when I’m alone — it’s my way of reconnecting with myself,” he reveals. “I’ll put on TBC or Big Six Brass Band from start to finish with my son, or vibe out to some Daliwonga or Sgudi Sync to fuel my spirit and set the tone for the day. It’s my personal joy, my reset, and my reminder to keep moving forward.”
So, what’s the best setting to listen to “Vibes” when it drops? “Anywhere you can tap into that frequency. Trust the vibes — they never lie.”
Mark your calendars for February 21 and get ready to elevate with Prime Maximus. CELEVATION arrives this March, and if “Vibes” is just a taste of what’s to come, we’re in for an unforgettable ride!
