Fame, Tragedy, and Unfulfilled Potential: The Untold Stories of Charmayne Maxwell and Khia Edgerton

0:03 At times in this journey called life, we may stumble during our ascent to greatness and often times that tumble is brought about. By a sorrowful event. One that may even lead us to. The grave today. We bring to you 2 tales of women in music whose. Lives were cut short. Leaving behind a legacy of talent and potential unfulfilled. The first story. Delves into the demise of songstress Charmaine maxina Maxwell, known simply as Maxi, she rose from humble beginnings in Guiana, dreaming of making it big in America and bringing her family along for. The ride despite. Facing financial struggles, she never lost her passion for music and persevered through numerous auditions. It was during one such audition that she met Nikki and Mimi, kindred spirits who would soon join her in forming the iconic group Brownstone.

1:00 With their debut. Album produced by none other than music legend Michael Jackson himself. Success seemed within. Reach but. Behind the scenes, there was turmoil. Maxi's marriage. To super producer Soul Shock. Born Carsten Shack was riddled with rumors and drama and just as Brownstone was reaching new heights with chart topping hits. Tragedy struck. Maxi's life ended abruptly and mysteriously in 2015. In our next tale, we will journey through the life and death of Kia Danielle Edgerton, better known as DJK. Swift hailed as. Baltimore's club queen, her passion for music began at a young age and she worked tirelessly to climb the ranks in the male dominated industry amidst the bright lights and rising fame. Tragedy struck as the gifted.

1:51 DJ met her untimely demise in the depths of her own pool. The true. Circumstances surrounding her death remain shrouded in mystery, leaving a heavyweight on the hearts of those who knew and loved her. But let us gather together. To unravel the enigma of these unfortunate deaths and honor the. Legacies of these. Exceptional black women in music welcome, dear friends, to no. Tears for black girls. Despite Maxi's unwavering determination, Brownstone continued to soar with their 1995 single Grapevine, reaching #49 on Billboard's Hot 100 and claiming the 6th spot on the Hot RnB and Hip Hop Song chart. They were highly.

2:39 Sought after for interviews and performances. But whispers of trouble. Began to circulate when Mimi was no longer seen by their. Side. Some murmured that she had fallen I'll with. Bronchitis, while others. Hinted at internal strife within the group, it was during this time that Maxi and Nicki stepped up in place of Mimi, just in time for the release of their second album Still Climbing in May 1997, the hit single 5 Miles From Empty. Solidified the Lady's powerful voices. As an unstoppable. Force. But soon after, Maxi made a fateful decision to. Pursue a solo. Career in an Instagram Live session, Nikki.

3:22 Revealed that despite. All of the changes within the group, she never. Doubted their future. However, it was ultimately Maxi who brought them together in the 1st place and her departure left a void in their dynamic. In 1997, amidst the release of their second album, Brownstone disbanded. Maxie ventured across the seas to London to continue her musical pursuits, signing with Mercury Records. Her singles When I Look Into Your Eyes and This Is Where I Want to Be gained moderate success on UK charts but not enough to secure the release of her upcoming solo album. She returned to LA in 2000 and three 2004 and welcomed a son with her husband, Soul Shock while living a. Quiet life as a devoted.

4:10 Wife and mother Maxi remained close with Nikki. After much reflection, she was ready to reunite Brownstone in 2007. With new music in the works and shows lined up, they officially reunited. By 2015, Brownstone was back on track, and Maxie was. Thrilled for what the future held. But on February 27th, she spent the day at her 11 year old son's soccer game before returning home. There are conflicting reports, but it is unclear if Maxie's son accompanied her. Back to the house or if. She was alone regardless. It is said that she had a. Few glasses of wine while enjoying some downtime on her back patio. As the evening progressed, Maxi got up from her seat to go inside.

5:00 Perhaps due to the? Alcohol. She stumbled and fell on the threshold of her. Patio door. Tragically, she was. Holding a glass of wine that shattered upon impact, cutting her throat in two different places and severing Major. Arteries. There was a woman named Maxi. Who left? This world too soon. The story. Goes that she. Fell and sustained a head injury, bleeding out alone until her husband found her. Hours later. Rumors swirled, some saying she took her own life in depression. While others whispered. Of the strange ways of her. Soul shocked. Husband. It's unclear how the truth emerged, perhaps through cameras or skilled investigators. But police ruled.

5:44 It an accident and her brother rebuked the false claims spread online. Her passing shook not only those. Close to her. But also fans and fellow artists who admired her talent. Brownstone, the group she belonged to with Nikki and Mimi, struggled. After her death. But eventually carried on with music and performances. Nikki shared a precious memory of Maxi's kindness towards her, keeping it close alongside a photo. Of their trio. Though gone from this world, Maxi's voice lives on through timeless songs still loved by many. And Speaking of love. Whispers suggest soul shock. May have been linked to both Maxi and Tracy in the past and present, though it could simply be a collaboration. As Tracy revives.

6:31 His music career only time will. Tell if there's. More than meets the eye between these two musicians. But for now, let us remember Maxie. 'S fearless spirit. And hold on to the memories we have. Of her. In the heart of Maryland, there lived a young soul with a love for music that flowed through her veins. Born on an autumn day in 1978, Kia Danielle Edgerton was. Cherished by her. Parents and adored by her younger sister. Her father. 'S love for DJ ING sparked a fire within her, and at only 11 years old, she knew her calling. With determination and passion, she honed her craft in secrecy until she revealed her dreams to her family at the age of 15. Together they searched.

7:22 Pawn shops for her own set of DJ equipment and soon she was mixing and mastering beats like a. Pro. By the time she reached 11th grade, Kia had mastered. The Art of. Beat matching and scratching. She would host. Basement parties where friends danced in the dark to her club music. Her talent did not go unnoticed and soon she was booking gigs. At local clubs. Adopting the name DJK Swift, inspired by female pioneers like Coco Chanel. Jazzy, Joyce. And Spinderella Kia. Believed she too. Could make a mark in the industry. After. Graduating high school in 1990. Six, she briefly. Attended Community.

8:03 College but her. Love for D Jing pulled her away. Her mother. A dedicated educator. May have been surprised by this decision, but she believed in Kia's ability to move people through. Music at just. 17 years old, Kia landed an internship at a local radio station and with hard work and dedication, became the host of her own show alongside DJ Squirrel. Wide. In a short amount of time. Kia proved. That age and gender were no. Barriers to success. In a male dominated industry, her natural talent and unwavering work. Ethic spoke for itself. Kia K Swift. Was more than just Baltimore's club queen.

8:44 She was a shining star whose light illuminated the. Hearts of all who heard her beats. And though she left. This world too. Soon, her legacy lives on through her music and the memories she left behind. At the start of her career, Kia was filled. With a flutter of nerves, but she possessed an inner strength. That refused to allow failure. She poured hours. Into perfecting her transitions and mixing skills until hosting became as natural as breathing. Her show? On the biggest urban station in Baltimore commanded the attention of 28,000 listeners every 15 minutes. The city crowned her the Queen of the airwaves with her unique blend of club mixes and Motown.

9:28 Hits DJK Swift. Became a household name in the nightlife scene. When she spun at clubs like Hammer, Jacks and Paradox, the crowds overflowed with excitement. The pulsating beats in her mixes were like a primal call, beckoning people to get up and move. Her talent caught the attention of MTV, and they turned to Kia for an insider's look at Baltimore's club scene. In 2006, she was crowned There it Girl and Club Queen of Baltimore. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Kia was simply a woman from B Moore, a humble soul who never forgot where she came from. She extended a helping hand to.

10:09 Fellow DJs Pork. Chop and Kelson when they fell on hard times. As her success grew. So did her personal journey. She made the brave decision to. Prioritize her health. And lost an incredible 175 lbs. But even as her looks transformed, she remained true to. Herself, always. Dressing in casual urban wear and embracing her natural. Beauty for Kia, it was always. About her artistry and drive not. Just physical appearance. She stayed grounded in the love and support of her hometown Baltimore, where she had been crowned best Club DJ multiple years in a. Row Kia's.

10:52 Spirit was infectious, fun loving, loyal to her radio family and always. Ready to throw a great party? And on one Memorial Day weekend in 2008, she did. Just that. Hosting a successful celebration for family and friends at her home and just a few. Weeks later, she would take the stage as the DJ for Artscape. One of Baltimore's most beloved annual events. The city was. Alive with excitement knowing that the legendary club queen. Herself. K Swift. Oversaw the music. She had planned another pool. Party A. Celebration of her showcase on Sunday, July 20th, and it went exactly as she had envisioned. Kia welcomed friends to her home on Arizona Ave. with open arms and drinks flowing.

11:39 Music filled the air. As they laughed and danced into the night. But sometime around 12:20 AM on July 21st, an emergency call. Shattered the peaceful. Atmosphere Kia had suffered an accident in the pool. Despite the efforts. Of EMS. Who arrived? At 12:28 AM, she could not be saved. DJK Swift Eggerton, just 29 years old. Lost her life. That fateful night. It was reported that she dove head first. Off her deck into the pool and struck her head on the wall, causing a fatal neck injury. There were others in the pool with her, but they did not realize she never resurfaced until it was.

12:21 Too late, they pulled her. Out and laid her on the deck, but no one knew how to perform. CPR or perhaps? They were too intoxicated to think clearly the police initially. Suspected foul play, but later reports revealed that a. Broken neck and alcohol in Kia's system may have contributed. To the tragedy. Some still believe there is more to this story. While others accept it as a. Tragic accident. Her funeral was held at Morgan State University, where thousands gathered. To pay their respects to the beloved DJ K Swift. She had accomplished so much in her short. Life. From chasing her dreams as a young teen to making a name for herself in Baltimore's music scene even after her passing, Kia's legacy lives on through artists like.

13:08 TT, the artist who idolizes her as the. Blueprint and TT continues to honor K Swift's memory by including her in a documentary collaboration with Issa Rae and Netflix. Called dark. City Beneath the Beat as well as launching Club Queen Records. In the year following her death, Kia's family filed a lawsuit against her former business partners for fraud. Her parents believe that their daughter's name was being exploited and that they were being denied. Rightful royalties, but despite their efforts. There have been no updates on the case. No matter the circumstances of her death, one thing is certain. DJK Swift. Made an indelible mark in Baltimore and beyond as one of the most talented, captivating and unforgettable female. DJs to ever.

13:57 Grace the turntables. She may be gone, but her spirit lives on through her music and the memories she has left behind. Thank you for tuning in to NO. Tears for black girls This series is skillfully. Crafted by acclaimed writer and producer Jon. Reedberg with the. Guidance of Unapologetic host Samantha Paul. Catch New. Episodes every. Tuesday and Thursday on all major podcast platforms. You can listen anywhere, anytime and if you truly enjoy our content. Please leave A5. Star rating and positive review Remember to stay. Loved, stay blessed. And stay safe.