Harlem rapper Max B — born Charly Wingate — is officially free after serving more than 15 years behind bars. The “Wave God” was released from prison on November 9, 2025, marking the end of one of hip-hop’s longest legal sagas. But even before the headlines of his release, one question has always surrounded his name: How much was Max B worth before going to jail? Here’s everything we know so far
Who Is Max B?
Born on May 21, 1978, in Harlem, New York, Max B rose to fame in the mid-2000s as part of Jim Jones’ ByrdGang crew. His raspy tone, melodic delivery, and catchy slang — especially the word “wavy” — helped shape the sound of modern New York rap.
Mixtapes like Million Dollar Baby and Public Domain made him a street legend, while his songwriting and hooks helped push Dipset’s sound forward. Despite not having a full major-label album, his underground buzz was huge, and he built a loyal following across the U.S. and Europe.
Max B’s Net Worth Before Going to Jail
Before his 2009 conviction, Max B had started to accumulate wealth from mixtape sales, live performances, and royalties from collaborations. While exact numbers weren’t publicly disclosed, reports suggest his net worth before incarceration was between $1 million and $2 million.
Unlike mainstream rappers with label advances and touring income, Max’s success was mostly street-driven — mixtape money, features, and local shows. He didn’t enjoy the full financial benefits of his rising fame before his arrest.
Some older reports listed his worth as low as $20,000, but that figure overlooks his publishing rights, unreleased catalog, and the buzz that was turning into real revenue in 2008-2009.
Legal Troubles and Prison Sentence
In September 2006, Max B was arrested in connection with a fatal robbery in New Jersey. He was convicted in June 2009 and sentenced to 75 years in prison.
After several appeals and legal negotiations, his sentence was significantly reduced, and in 2019, it was confirmed that Max B would be eligible for early release. Throughout his imprisonment, he continued to release music from behind bars, keeping his legacy alive and maintaining steady streaming revenue from old projects.
Max B’s Release in 2025
On November 9, 2025, Max B finally walked free after serving more than 15 years. His release was celebrated across the hip-hop world, with fans, artists, and industry figures sharing messages of support. According to Hot 97 and Complex, the rapper was greeted by close friends and family members as he stepped out to start a new chapter in his life.
