Maya Jupiter
Maya Jupiter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Melissha Martinez December 21, 1978 La Paz, Mexico |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, vocalist, songwriter, actress, MC, radio host |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Known for | Member of Foreign Heights; host of Triple J's Hip Hop Show (2004–2008) |
Melissha Martinez (born 21 December 1978), professionally recognized as Maya Jupiter, is a Mexican-born Australian artist known for her work as a rapper, vocalist, songwriter, actress, MC, and radio host. Her initial album, Today, was released in 2003. She was a member of the hip-hop ensemble Foreign Heights, alongside MC Trey and DJ Nick Toth, with whom she launched a self-titled album in 2007. The group earned a nomination for 'Best Urban Release' at the ARIA Music Awards of 2007 for their track "Get Yours (Remix)". Between 2004 and 2008, Jupiter served as the host of Triple J's nationwide weekly program Hip Hop Show. Subsequently, she embarked on a solo path in Los Angeles, unveiling her sophomore album, Maya Jupiter, in December 2010.
Biography
Born Melissha Martinez on 21 December 1978 in La Paz, Mexico, Maya Jupiter descends from a Mexican father and a Turkish mother. Her family relocated to Melbourne when she was one year old and later settled in Sydney at age four. She spent her formative years in southwestern Sydney suburbs such as Busby and Ashfield. Her upbringing included exposure to an array of musical genres, encompassing classical pieces, traditional Turkish melodies, jazz, soul, and Spanish-language songs. At age 14, she penned her first rhyme and adopted the stage name Maya Jupiter at 18 to honor her Mayan roots.
Her introduction to the Australian hip hop community occurred in 1998 at the Urban Xpressions Festival, where she identified MC Trey as a significant early inspiration. Beginning in 2001, she commenced recording music and made a brief appearance as a dance instructor in the film Lantana. August 2003 marked the release of her debut album Today under Mother Tongues, a label dedicated to nurturing female talent within hip hop. The song "Mamacita" explored intimate aspects of her familial heritage. That same year, she collaborated with Latin jazz-hip hop group Son Veneno, performing at prominent events including Homebake and Bacardi Festival and serving as support for American singer Kelis.
By 2003, Jupiter was presenting television programs such as Soul Kitchen and Freestyle on Channel V and facilitating hip-hop workshops. In 2004, she assumed hosting duties for Triple J's national Hip Hop Show. The year 2006 saw the formation of Foreign Heights with MC Trey and DJ Nick Toth; their single "It Goes On" debuted that year followed by their eponymous album in January 2007. The trio appeared at the Big Day Out festival in 2007.
Jupiter departed from Triple J's Hip Hop Show in April 2008 to focus on advancing her solo career based in Los Angeles. Her second album, titled Maya Jupiter, was released in December 2010 and co-produced by Quetzal Flores alongside Martha Gonzalez of Quetzal, featuring contributions from Aloe Blacc. This record stands out for its use of authentic instrumentation incorporating Latin American harp, requintos, jaranas, electric guitars, trumpets, keyboards, and live percussion instruments such as quijada and cajón rather than conventional MPC drum patterns. Critics have lauded it for its creative blend of social justice messages with Son Jarocho musical elements.
Maya Jupiter is married to Panamanian-American artist Aloe Blacc. The couple has two children: a daughter named Mandela born in September 2013 and a son born in January 2016.
Albums
- Solo
- Today – Mother Tongues (released August 2003)
- Maya Jupiter (released December 2010)
- Never Said Yes (released August 2018)
- with Foreign Heights
- Foreign Heights – Grindin'/Central Station Records (released January 2007)
Singles
- Solo
- "The Artless"/"Ordinary Night" – Mother Tongues (2001)
- "Funny Luck"/"Move" – Mother Tongues (2003)
- "It Goes On" (2006)