Maiya The Don didn’t come into music chasing virality—it found her while she was becoming herself. Long before playlists, press runs, and sold-out shows, she was a Brooklyn girl with a sharp eye for style, a strong sense of self, and something to say. That combination, rooted in personality rather than polish, would eventually push her from phone screens to speakers across the country.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Maiya grew up surrounded by the energy that has shaped generations of New York artists. The city’s rhythm—fast, direct, unapologetic—shows up in her music and the way she carries herself. Creativity came naturally. In high school, she studied cosmetology, balancing academics with hands-on work that let her explore beauty, presentation, and confidence on her own terms. Even then, self-expression wasn’t a trend for her—it was a language.
When the pandemic shut the world down in 2020, Maiya turned to social media as an outlet. What started as beauty and makeup content on TikTok quickly evolved into something more personal. Her charisma, humor, and honesty resonated. People weren’t just watching tutorials; they were watching a personality develop in real time. As her following grew, so did her comfort speaking directly to an audience—and that’s where music entered the picture.
In 2022, Maiya released “Telfy,” a bold, catchy track that felt effortless but intentional. The song took off organically, spreading across social platforms and streaming services without the machinery of a traditional rollout. It wasn’t just the hook that landed—it was the attitude. “Telfy” introduced Maiya as confident, self-aware, and rooted in her identity, signaling that she wasn’t interested in fitting into anyone else’s mold.
Momentum followed. Tracks like “Chiraq,” “222,” and “ILL NANA” expanded her catalog and sharpened her sound, blending New York swagger with playful flexes and unfiltered self-assurance. Maiya proved she wasn’t a one-moment artist—she was building something. Her presence began showing up beyond her own releases, including collaborations and appearances alongside artists like Flo Milli, Lola Brooke, Lay Bankz, and Ty Dolla $ign. Performances at events like New York Fashion Week further blurred the line between music, fashion, and culture—spaces where she moves comfortably.
Her debut mixtape, Hot Commodity, released in October 2023, marked a turning point. The project showed range: confident without being repetitive, bold without feeling forced. Songs like “Dusties,” “Luv U Better,” and “Expensive” highlighted her ability to balance sharp bars with personality and restraint. The tape felt like an artist stepping into her own, not chasing validation but claiming space.
Maiya’s influences are clear but never overpowering. She’s spoken about the impact of women like Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B—artists who set standards instead of following them. At the same time, the broader New York lineage runs through her work, from delivery to mindset. She understands where she comes from, and she understands how to update it without losing its edge.
In 2024, Maiya The Don was named to the XXL Freshman Class, a milestone that confirmed what listeners had already been paying attention to. The recognition wasn’t about hype—it was about trajectory. She represents a generation of artists who build from authenticity first, letting the audience catch up instead of over-explaining themselves.
What makes Maiya stand out isn’t just her music—it’s her clarity. She knows who she is, where she’s from, and what she brings to the table. There’s confidence in her voice, but also awareness. She’s not rushing the process or overplaying the moment. She’s growing in public, on her own terms.
Maiya The Don’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: she’s not here temporarily. Brooklyn made her, the internet amplified her, and the music is keeping her here.
