American Rapper and Singer Max B Released from Jail After 16 Years | Biography | Life | Career | Crimes and Return
American rapper Max B, born Charley Wingate, has officially been released from a New Jersey prison after serving over 16 years behind bars. Known for pioneering the “wavy” style in hip-hop, Max B walked out to a hero’s welcome, greeted by family, friends, and longtime collaborator French Montana.
The release comes after a long legal battle over charges stemming from a 2006 hotel robbery in Fort Lee, New Jersey, during which a man was tragically killed. Originally sentenced to 75 years in prison, Max B’s convictions were later reduced to a 20-year term following a plea deal for aggravated manslaughter in 2016.
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Max B’s First Moments of Freedom
Max wasted no time stepping back into public life. Footage shared online shows him embracing French Montana in a heartfelt reunion. The two rappers have collaborated for years, most famously on the Coke Wave mixtape series. Max B also attended the New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns game at MetLife Stadium, where he expressed gratitude and optimism about his new chapter.
“I feel righteous,” Max said. “I’m feeling good, I’m grateful, I’m thankful. God is good. I’m out here to get my money and ride out the sunset with this.” The rapper, now 47, also hinted at reconnecting with other artists and restarting his music career.
Fans are especially excited as Max B has already announced a seven-date East Coast tour, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, to celebrate his return.
Legal Journey From 75 Years to Freedom
Max B’s legal troubles began with a 2006 armed robbery and kidnapping case linked to the death of a hotel guest. Alongside his stepbrother Kevin Leerdam and ex-girlfriend Gina Conway, Max was implicated in felony murder. After multiple appeals and legal battles, his convictions were vacated in 2016, and he accepted a plea bargain for aggravated manslaughter, reducing his sentence to 20 years.
During his incarceration, Max B continued to release music through pre-recorded tracks and collaborations with artists like French Montana, Mak Mustard, and Curren$y. His influence on the East Coast hip-hop scene remained strong, with younger artists citing his “wavy” style as a major inspiration.
Musical Legacy
Max B, also known as Max Biggaveli, is celebrated for his melodic rap style and prolific mixtape output. Some of his most influential projects include:
Public Domain Series (Public Domain, Public Domain 2, Public Domain 3)
Million Dollar Baby Series (Million Dollar Baby, Million Dollar Baby 2, Million Dollar Baby 2.5)
Coke Wave Series (with French Montana)
Other Notable Works: Vigilante Season, Wavie Crockett, Goon Music 1.5, PD6: Walking The Plank
He is credited with popularizing the term “wavy” in hip-hop culture, and his style influenced artists like French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and Kanye West. Even during prison, Max B remained active musically, contributing to collaborative projects and voicing support for fellow artists.
Personal Life and Key Information
| Personal Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Charley Wingate |
| Stage Name | Max B / Max Biggaveli |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1978 |
| Age | 47 (2025) |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York, USA |
| Parents | Mother: Sharon Wingate (father not widely reported) |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Children | 4 |
| Marital Status | Married (wife’s details private) |
| Early Life | Raised in Abraham Lincoln housing projects, sang in Boys Choir of Harlem, influenced by street culture |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, East Coast Rap, Melodic Rap |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
| Social Media | Active Instagram presence via @thepeoplegallery_ and others |
Official Social Media Handles
📸 Instagram: @maxb140
🌀 21 posts · 365K followers · 90 following
🎵 Musician/Band
📩 Contact: info@alwayscivil.com
🐦 Twitter (X): @MaxBiggavelli
✨ Joined December 2008
👥 76.2K followers · 24 following
💼 Management: @karencivil
📩 Inquiries: info@alwayscivil.com
🌊 Official Store: wavygoods.com
📘 Facebook: Max B (Official Page)
💬 120K followers · 0 following
Controversies and Feuds
Max had a longstanding feud with Jim Jones following his departure from ByrdGang in 2008. Disputes over contracts, pay, and creative credit led to a public back-and-forth with diss tracks, videos, and interviews. He also collaborated with French Montana, and together they often clashed with Jim Jones’ affiliates, further cementing his reputation in New York street hip-hop culture.
He also faced allegations of being blackballed by radio and media, which he and his collaborators claim stemmed from interference by Jim Jones. Despite these obstacles, Max B used grassroots and online promotion to maintain his musical influence, making mixtapes and videos widely accessible.
What’s Next for Max?
Now a free man, Max plans to re-enter the music scene, reconnect with fellow artists, and focus on touring. With decades of influence, loyal fans, and a distinctive “wavy” style, his return is expected to make waves in hip-hop once again.
Fans and the hip-hop community will be watching closely as Max B navigates this new chapter, proving that even after years behind bars, talent and perseverance can reclaim the spotlight.
Quick Facts
Max B Net Worth: His estimated net worth is between $1–2 million, earned through his music career, mixtapes, and royalties from his cult-classic tracks that continue to stream globally.
Max B and Gina Conway: Gina Conway, his ex-girlfriend, was a key figure in the 2006 robbery case. She later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served 15–18 years in prison. Her testimony was a critical turning point in Max’s original conviction.
Kelvin Leerdam and Max B: Kelvin Leerdam, Gina Conway’s stepbrother, was also involved in the same case. He was found guilty and sentenced to life plus 35 years, marking one of the darkest chapters in Max B’s life.
Max B Songs: Over the years, he has released several influential songs including Baby Girl, Where Do I Go, Make Me Feel Better, Blow Me a Dub, Lip Sing, and Porno Music. His sound remains a blueprint for the modern “wavy” rap movement.
Max B and French Montana: French Montana has been one of his closest friends and collaborators. Together, they created the iconic Coke Wave mixtape series, which became a defining part of East Coast hip-hop culture. French was also one of the first to welcome Max home after his release.
Max B Age: Born on May 21, 1978, Max is 47 years old in 2025 — but his energy and influence in the rap game remain as strong as ever.
Max B Daughter and Family: He is a proud father of four children, though he prefers to keep their names and personal lives private. He often mentions his family as a source of motivation and transformation.
Max B Release Date: After nearly two decades behind bars, he was officially released from a New Jersey prison on November 9, 2025, marking the end of a long and emotional journey.
Max B Coming Home: His release sparked celebrations across the hip-hop world. Videos of his reunion with French Montana and family quickly went viral. Soon after stepping out, Max was seen attending a New York Jets game, where he told fans he was “feeling righteous” and ready for his next chapter.
Max B Discography: His discography is rich with underground hits and mixtapes that shaped modern melodic rap. His most notable projects include Million Dollar Baby, the Public Domain series, Vigilante Season, and the Coke Wave collaborations with French Montana.
When Will Max Be Released? He has already been released as of November 9, 2025, following a sentence reduction from 75 years to 20 after a plea deal for aggravated manslaughter.
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