Happy Birthday, Max B!
It's been years since Max B got locked up, and the #FreeMaxB chants haven't stopped on social media. That's an indication of the influence Biggavelli has on the people. The rapper born Charly Wingate turns 40 today (May 21).
The name Biggavelli is a portmanteau of Biggie's flow, 2Pac's passion, and JAY-Z's lyricism. It's a bit of an hyperbole, but at least Max B is deserving of it. Soon after his actions led him to prison on robbery charges from 1997 to 2005, Max B quickly made himself known for his excellent sense of melody and ear for hooks. His projects were oddly mastered, but that homemade aesthetic somehow made it seem like his work spoke directly to the streets. Max B's work ethic was also prolific; he recorded well over a dozen mixtapes in his short career.
Conflict ended up playing a big role in Max B's life. One of his most notable beefs was with the Diplomats' Jim Jones; Max claimed he wasn't getting the money he was owed after doing shows and writing songs. The rhymer also continuous succumbed to his own vices.
"Late night, booze, drunk binges, car crashes," Max B said in an interview with Complex. "You name it, I was involved. All out on bail -- you know how many times I got arrested? I got arrested like five times, on five weed violations and DUIs -- out on bail."
Max B didn't get a chance to get himself straight. In 2009, he was found guilty of murder conspiracy and robbery charges for allegedly sending his ex-girlfriend and stepbrother to rob two men -- one was killed execution style. It was a dubious trial in the eyes of many, but hip-hop lost an artist with huge potential when Max got sentenced to 75 years in prison.
All is not lost, though. In 2016 it was announced that the wavy one's prison sentence was shortened to 2-6 years after pleading out. In a statement he said:
I would like to take this time to humbly express my gratitude to the Bergen County Courts, The Honorable James J. Guida, and Mr. Grewal of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for looking into my Post-Conviction Relief. This proceeding was not a question of my guilt or innocence, but about the bad advice, poor judgment, and overall ineffectiveness of my trial attorney. I would also like to thank my legal team at The Law Offices of Bruno & Ferraro; my wonderful attorneys John Bruno, John Bruno Jr., John Lotorocca, and Linda Peterson did an outstanding on my case and fighting for me.
I wanna thank The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee. I wanna give a special thanks to my friend and partner Frank Babar and Phase One Network, William Cosgrove, Corey Whitaker, and The Playbook Agency. Without the support of the Phase One team, I wouldn't have made it this far. I want to thank my boy Masar, Alpac, and my brother from another mother, French Montana aka Mac with the Cheese—I love you bro! Wave Gods till we die!!! To all my fans that been holding it down for me all these years, still banging my music and still keeping it wavy. I love you all and Stay Wavy. Last, but certainly not least, my lovely and wonderful mother Mamaveli, I love you!
Watch Max B's "Blow Me a Dub" Video
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