Max Profile

Where were you born?
Lovely Birmingham home to Broad Street, Handsworth Carnival and Debbie, the best hairdresser in the world!

Your favourite hobby and/or present as a kid
Collecting music was my thing back when I was a kid. Actually I still do that, also collecting hats then shoes. I'm also a right film anorak I go cinema at least once a week, more sometimes, with a box of sweet popcorn, a pack of sweets by my side and a good companion.

How you got into being a DJ/presenter
I started off working as a music journalist interviewing musicians and reviewing music for my local paper. By chance I met a radio programme controller who was impressed with my talents (not in that way - get your minds out of the gutter!). He gave me my first radio gig. From there I worked on various radio stations in the Midlands and Newcastle, ended up getting headhunted by MTV, moved to London and now I'm here at 1Xtra.

Your biggest influence(s)
My best mate who is a total sweetheart. He is one of the kindest, realest and most hardworking people I know, he inspires me to not let any obstacles stand in my way and follow my dreams. Oprah Winfrey, chat show queen. She has achieved so much as a woman of colour. Trevor Nelson and Jonathon Ross. Two very different guys who I have listened to on radio and watched on TV growing up. They have both been consistent for years and are great presenters.

Biggest achievements
Going without pizza for two weeks! Seriously though, hosting Alicia Keys Unplugged for MTV in Brooklyn baby, NYC! Big look, I will always remember it. Common, Mos Def, Damian Marley and Adam Levine took to the stage with Alicia it was an incredible gig and I was lucky enough to be getting paid to be there for work.

Key tune that you love or inspired you
Computer Love by Zapp Rodgers always makes me feel good. Tupac - Keep Ya Head Up, positive track and lyrically amazing.

Favourite lyric and why
50 Cent - 21 Questions, "I love you like a fat kid loves cake." Pure jokes!

Your dream gig or collaboration
Tupac resurrected. I would love to see him perform all his classics live. Maybe it could be an intimate gig with me as the only audience member, that would be perfect.

Interests / hobbies outside music
Eating out with mates, going to the movies and watching America's Next Top Model!

Three rules you live your life by
1. Don't hate, congratulate!
2. Live life to the fullest!
3. If you really want something and it doesn't seem possible, dig deep and graft. You will get there, you've just got to be dedicated.

What's your weakness?
Pizza and a hot bag of chips with loads of vinegar. Also cute skaters that have the look of Skateboard P!

If you ran the country what would you change?
I would make the likes of David Beckham, Richard Branson and the lovely Jonathon Ross, who are some of the most well paid people in the country pay 50% of their over-the-top salaries to help kill poverty in third-world countries. I would also get rid of all the takeaways and bookies in low income areas and put theatres, galleries and free cafe bars there instead.

Favourite piece of clothing and why?
Bikini, as I know when I'm wearing it, I'm on holiday!

If you weren't a DJ / presenter, what would you be and why?
I would be a beach bum, selling beads or attempting to braid tourist's hair on a beach in Barbados. Or maybe working in a cinema so I could watch free films!