Name:
Prime Maximus
Occupation:
Recording Artist, Songwriter, and Producer
Bit of bio:
Prime Maximus is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, and producer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Prime turned the adversity of surviving Hurricane Katrina into a source of artistic inspiration, earning Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications along the way. Prime Maximus has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Chris Brown, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, and Pusha T.
A pivotal moment in his career was producing the viral hit “Jizz in My Pants” with SNL’s The Lonely Island in 2009, which has amassed over 101 million views. His production of Lloyd Banks’ Billboard-charting anthem “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” which was ranked as one of Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of 2010, further showcased his versatility. Prime’s contribution to DMX’s posthumous album Exodus in 2021, alongside Jay-Z, Nas, and Swizz Beatz, earned him a Grammy nomination and further solidified his legacy in hip-hop.
How do you define a guru?
A guru is more than just a teacher or expert—it’s someone who illuminates the path for others by sharing wisdom gained through experience. A true guru doesn’t just have knowledge; they inspire transformation, helping people unlock their full potential. Whether in spirituality, business, or creativity, a guru leads by example, offering guidance that empowers others to succeed.
What does a normal work day look like for you, starting from the moment you wake up?
My day begins with purpose and intention. I rise early, taking time to center myself, pray, shower, and prepare for the energy and challenges that lie ahead. Mornings are dedicated to focus—whether I’m strategizing, creating, or refining ideas, it’s when I set the tone for the day. By midday, I find balance, incorporating moments of movement and reflection to stay grounded.
The afternoons and evenings are devoted to execution and collaboration, making tangible progress on key projects. I prioritize deep, meaningful work but also ensure I carve out space for inspiration and recalibration, allowing myself to remain flexible and adaptable throughout the day.
What time do you wake up?
On typical days when I’m in the studio by 12 PM, I’m up between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. Early hours give me clarity, letting me lock in before the world begins its demands. But when I’m on the grind with overnight studio sessions—8 PM to 8 AM—the script flips. I crash by 9 AM, wake up around 3 PM, and start my mornings by 4PM. Blessed, Showered, and ready to go.
What do you have for breakfast?
Something light yet energizing—typically a smoothie, eggs, or oatmeal with fruit. I tend to keep it clean and simple.
Do you work out?
Yeah, movement is a must—not just to stay in shape but to keep my mind sharp. Some days it’s strength training; other days, it’s a run or a long walk to reset. But I’ve found my peace in working out—it’s the perfect time to zone in on the music I’m creating, mixing, or need to finish. Something about that movement unlocks creativity and keeps the ideas flowing.
Do you have a special routine to get you in the zone? Meditation type maybe?
Absolutely. I believe in setting the tone for the day, whether through meditation, breathwork, or simply a few minutes of focused intention. Music plays a huge role—it shifts my energy instantly.
What time do you get to work?
I stay locked in, no exceptions. Sometimes I dream ideas and wake up and go straight to my studio. The real blessing? My work is my play. Creativity isn’t just part of the job—it’s the driving force. Building ideas from scratch? That’s the challenge I thrive on. Managing the business side of creativity? That’s just as exciting.
Whether I’m working solo or leading a team, I wake up ready to strategize, execute, and dominate key tasks before distractions have a chance to get in the way.
What do you have for Lunch? Do you even eat lunch?
I approach food the same way I approach the music I create. Growing up in New Orleans—an epicenter of food, music, and spirit—every day brings a fresh and exciting culinary adventure. To me, food is all about the experience. I love mixing it up—whether it’s Cajun, sushi, Italian, jerk, or dishes that match the vibe of the music I’m making.
For example, if I’m working on a Caribbean-inspired track, I’ll cook up a Caribbean lemon coconut soup with king crab, Spanish mackerel, and other seafood delights. When I’m in the mood for something with a New Orleans flair, I’ll prepare red beans, gumbo, or white wine chicken and andouille sausage rotini.
Are working lunches something that works for you?
See above!
How much time do you take for yourself during lunch?
As a native of New Orleans, I believe music is inherently woven into the food process. Just as food inspires music, music also influences the way we approach food. It’s all about the vibe, with each element complementing the other seamlessly. They go hand in hand.
How much work are you hoping to achieve in your working hours?
I prioritize impact over hours, aiming to complete my most critical tasks by midday and maintain momentum throughout the afternoon.
Do you take a break in between?
I take brief breaks—sometimes as short as five minutes—to step away and reset. These moments provide an opportunity to recalibrate and refocus.
What does settling in look like for you?
It’s all about getting into flow. That might mean reviewing my goals for the day, organizing my space, or playing music that puts me in the right headspace.
Do you turn off your phone when you’re getting emails from work?
Not necessarily, but I do limit distractions. I keep notifications off and schedule focused work blocks where I’m unreachable, allowing me to dive deep into what matters.
What does a normal wind-down look like for you?
Winding down is all about spending meaningful time with my son—it helps me reconnect and find peace after a fast-paced day. Whether we’re building together, reading stories, exploring the Petersen Museum, or bringing his toy characters to life, his presence offers the comfort and calm I need to truly unwind.
These moments allow me to de-stress and recharge, grounding me in the simple joys of fatherhood while inspiring and motivating me for the tasks ahead.
