Harlem-based rapper Max B, born Charly Wingate, has been released from a New Jersey prison on November 9, 2025, after serving approximately 16 years behind bars. His release follows a 2016 plea deal that reduced his original 75-year sentence to 20 years. The rapper’s comeback marks a significant moment in hip-hop, with French Montana and the broader music community celebrating his return to freedom.
Known for pioneering the melodic “wavy” sound that influenced modern East Coast rap, Max B remained culturally relevant even during his incarceration, continuing to release music and maintaining connections with collaborators like French Montana. His release on French’s birthday created an emotional reunion captured across social media platforms. For more context on his original case, see our hip-hop cultural coverage.
Max B’s 16-Year Prison Journey & November 2025 Release
From Conviction to Freedom
The legal events that shaped Max B’s incarceration and release
Max B rose to prominence between 2005 and 2006 after signing with Jim Jones’ ByrdGang label, establishing himself as a key voice in Harlem’s rap scene. His melodic style—later termed “wavy”—set him apart from contemporaries and influenced generations of rappers that followed. For more on Harlem rap’s evolution, check out our coverage of hip-hop culture and industry leaders.
He built a prolific collaborative run with French Montana, most notably on the influential Coke Wave mixtape released in February 2009. This project showcased their creative synergy and remains a cornerstone of mid-2000s New York hip-hop.
During his 16-year incarceration, Max B continued releasing music. Albums like House Money (2019) and Negro Spirituals (2021) were created while he was behind bars, demonstrating his sustained creative output and cultural relevance.
Max B’s Influence on Hip-Hop
His musical legacy and cultural contributions to rap music
Community Reactions to His Release
Support from fans and hip-hop community members celebrating his freedom
Max B’s release on November 9, 2025, after serving 16 years, closed a significant chapter in his legal struggle and opened a new phase in his artistic life. The timing of his release on French Montana’s birthday created an emotional moment widely celebrated across hip-hop communities and social media platforms.
His journey—from his 2009 conviction to the 2016 plea deal that reduced his sentence—reflects both the severity of the original charges and the long-term legal process that eventually led to his freedom. His own statements on The Joe Budden Podcast and subsequent interviews show determination to re-establish himself musically while embracing personal growth. For ongoing coverage of music industry developments, see our recent Grammy coverage and artist news.
The rapper’s influence on East Coast hip-hop culture remains undeniable. The Coke Wave mixtape with French Montana, his “wavy” aesthetic, and his prison-era releases demonstrated sustained artistic commitment. As he moves forward, his return to active music creation, touring, and industry collaboration will define the next chapter of his career and potentially influence hip-hop culture moving forward.
Max B’s story encompasses law, music, friendship, and personal redemption. His November 2025 release marks a turning point for the Harlem artist as he re-enters a hip-hop landscape that has evolved during his absence yet continues to recognize his foundational influence on melodic rap and East Coast culture.
