After spending over a decade locked up, Harlem’s own Max B — born Charly Wingate — is officially a free man.
The “Wavy Crockett” rapper, who became a cult legend long before streaming made underground fame mainstream, was released this week following a long legal battle stemming from a 2009 conviction tied to a botched New Jersey robbery. Originally sentenced to 75 years, Max B’s conviction was overturned, and a 2016 plea deal for aggravated manslaughter drastically cut his time.
The Harlem artist had been teasing his release for months — even calling into The Joe Budden Podcast earlier this year, confidently declaring, “We got a date! November 9, 2025, baby!”
Now, that date has arrived.
French Montana confirmed the news on Instagram, posting:
“CANT MAKE THIS UP! MY BROTHER REALLY CAME HOME ON MY B DAY! HAMDULILLAH WALKED IT DOWN! NO MORE FREE YOU…”
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Max B’s melodic delivery, laid-back swagger, and signature “wavy” energy helped define an era of New York rap and influence stars like French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and A$AP Mob.
After more than ten years away, his return marks a long-awaited moment for fans who’ve kept his name alive with the rallying cry — Free Max B.
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Welcome home, Wave God.
