Max B, born Charly Wingate, is one of Harlem’s most influential yet controversial rappers, known for pioneering the “wave” sound that inspired a generation of artists, including Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, and French Montana. Despite spending years behind bars, his name continues to dominate hip-hop conversations, especially as fans eagerly await updates on his release date. With his distinctive melodic flow and raw street storytelling, Max B remains a cultural icon in the rap world.
Charly Wingate, famously known as Max B, was born on May 21, 1978, in Harlem, New York City. Raised in one of the toughest neighborhoods, Max B faced hardships early in life, including the loss of family members and encounters with street life that later shaped his lyrical content. There’s little public information about his formal education, but his “street education” became his biggest teacher—fueling his music with authenticity and grit.
Max B keeps his personal life private. He is reportedly married and has children. Despite his legal troubles, he stayed positive and focused on his music. His resilience turned him into a symbol of strength and survival in hip-hop culture.
Harlem rapper Max B is finally free after spending 16 years in prison. The 47-year-old artist, whose real name is Charly Wingate, was released from Northern State Prison in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday (Nov. 9).
Max B was first sentenced to 75 years in 2009 for his role in a robbery that turned deadly at a New Jersey hotel. His sentence was later reduced to 20 years in 2016 after he pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.
Upon his release, Max B was met by family and friends — including French Montana, who shared a joyful reunion video on Instagram.
Max B began his music journey in the early 2000s with Jim Jones’ ByrdGang collective. His smooth, melodic voice stood out on songs like “Baby Girl,” “Gotta Have It,” and “Blow Me a Dub.” After leaving ByrdGang, he created a unique melodic rap style that fans called “the wave.” This sound influenced many modern rappers and even inspired Kanye West’s 2016 album The Life of Pablo. Even while in prison, Max B kept releasing music and working with artists like French Montana, proving his talent couldn’t be confined.
As of 2025, Max B’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, accumulated through his music royalties, collaborations, and continued streaming success despite his incarceration. His legacy keeps generating revenue, proving that even from behind bars, his “wave” still moves the culture.
Some of Max B’s notable projects include:
Mixtapes: Coke Wave (with French Montana), Public Domain, Million Dollar Baby, and Wavie Crockett
Singles: “Silver Surfer,” “Money Make Me Feel Better,” “La La La,” and “Hold On.”
Albums: Negro Spirituals (2021), released while serving his sentence.
Though he has not received major award nominations due to his incarceration, Max B’s influence on artists like Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and A$AP Rocky cements his status as a pioneer in modern hip-hop.