Quick Fact Box
| Category | Details |
| Real Name | Charley (or Charly) Wingate |
| Stage Name | Max B (short for Max Biggaveli) |
| Born | May 21, 1978, Harlem, New York City |
| Age (as of February 26, 2026) | 47 years old |
| Known For | Pioneering the “wave” sound: melodic, sing-song rap over gritty beats |
| Key Releases | Public Domain series, Million Dollar Baby, Coke Wave (with French Montana), prison-era like Vigilante Season, 2026’s Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos (Jan 9 release, 22–23 tracks) |
| Legal History | Served ~16–17 years; original 75-year sentence (2009) reduced via 2016 plea to aggravated manslaughter (20 years, credits applied) |
| Release Date | November 9, 2025, from Northern State Prison, New Jersey |
| Current Status | Active: new music (e.g., “One & Only” collab Feb 2026), East Coast tour, homecoming shows, family focus |
Meet the Harlem Rapper Who Pioneered the Wave Sound
Max B remains one of hip-hop’s most intriguing figures—a Harlem native whose mid-2000s emergence introduced the “wave,” a melodic rap style that blended smooth, sing-song flows with raw street narratives. While Dipset dominated with aggressive punchlines, Max’s delivery felt different: hypnotic choruses, layered ad-libs like “wavy” or “silver surfer,” and an effortless croon that made gritty tales sound cinematic and emotional. This wasn’t just a gimmick; it represented a sonic shift in the music industry, proving melody could enhance rather than undermine authenticity in rap.
His approach drew from Harlem’s cultural melting pot—gospel influences from early choir singing, street hustle stories, and personal vulnerability—creating tracks that invited listeners into a vibe-driven world. In an era when the music business often policed “real” rap vs. singing, Max bridged the gap, using subtle vocal effects and multi-track recording technology in recording studios to build immersive atmospheres. Even during his long incarceration, his catalog stayed alive through fan sharing, bootlegs, and shoutouts from younger artists, underscoring his foundational role.
Today, in 2026, the wave feels more relevant than ever. His post-release output revives that signature sound with modern production twists, reminding everyone why he earned the “Wave God” title. His influence persists in how contemporary rap prioritizes emotional delivery alongside bars.
For foundational details on his rise and Dipset ties, see this Wikipedia entry on Max B.
Charley Wingate: The Real Name Behind the Wavy Legend
Charley Wingate crafted his stage name “Max B” (short for Max Biggaveli) as a clever fusion of his idols: Notorious B.I.G. for storytelling prowess, Jay-Z (Jigga) for business acumen, and Tupac (Makaveli) for raw passion. This alias captured his ambition to merge their legacies with his own melodic innovation, creating a persona that felt larger-than-life yet deeply personal.
Born and raised in Harlem’s Abraham Lincoln projects, Charley navigated early hardships, including his mother Sharon Wingate’s struggles with crack addiction (leading to her own prison time). Largely raised by grandparents who instilled religious values, he found solace in community activities like singing in the Boys Choir of Harlem. This early Music Education exposure—harmonies, vocal control—laid groundwork for his later wavy style, where melody became a tool for emotional expression amid street realities.
“Wavy” evolved from slang to cultural shorthand, symbolizing unbothered confidence and smooth vibes. Adopted widely on social media and in hip-hop lexicon, it reflects how Charley’s personal journey translated into a broader movement.
How Old Is the Wave God in 2026? Age and Birthday Details
As of February 26, 2026, Max B is 47 years old, having celebrated his birthday on May 21, 2025—shortly after his November 2025 release. Born in 1978, he rose in his late 20s, spent his physical prime incarcerated, and returned at 47 with a voice enriched by maturity and life experience.
This age brings unique depth: his 2026 tracks carry reflective wisdom alongside the youthful energy of his classics. In the music business, where youth often drives trends, Max’s resurgence proves enduring relevance—veterans can adapt and thrive without chasing fleeting sounds.
From Harlem Projects to Hip-Hop Influence: Early Life Story
Charley Wingate’s Harlem roots in the Abraham Lincoln projects shaped a resilient mindset amid challenges. Family dynamics—mother’s addiction and incarceration, grandparents’ guidance—created a contrast between structure and street temptations. Early trouble led to an 8-year sentence (1997–2005) for armed robbery and drugs; released at 27, he pivoted fully to music.
Connecting with childhood friend Cam’ron and Dipset, then forming ByrdGang with Jim Jones, he experimented in recording studios, blending street authenticity with melodic hooks. This transition—from hustler to artist—built credibility in New York’s scene, where real-life experiences fuel respected narratives.
The Melodic Rap Style That Changed the Game Forever
Max B’s “wave” transformed rap by fusing rapping with singing: stream-of-consciousness verses, hypnotic choruses, and vocal layering that evoked early auto-tune without heavy reliance on it. He innovated in music production, using sound engineering techniques like multi-tracking for depth and emotion.
This style challenged norms, democratizing melody in a genre often rigid about lyricism. It paved the way for hybrid approaches, influencing electronic music production and modern flows—proving sound effects and delivery could amplify storytelling.
Music Career Breakdown: Mixtapes, Collaborations, and Hits
Max B’s music career thrived on independent mixtapes: the Public Domain series delivered street anthems with wavy hooks; Million Dollar Baby (2006) showcased solo potential. Hits like “Blow Me a Dub” mixed grit and catchiness, often featuring him as a session musician-style collaborator.
He layered vocals creatively in recording studios, building signature depth. Prison output persisted via his team (Vigilante Season, 2011). Post-2025: Public Domain 7: The Purge (late 2025), then 2026’s Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos and February collab “One & Only” with Shyst Vader.
Explore his discography at Last.fm’s Max B page.
Partnership with French Montana: Coke Wave Era Explained
Max B and French Montana’s partnership defined an iconic era. The original Coke Wave (2009) blended Max’s wave with French’s flair, becoming a cult staple.
In 2026, Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos (January 9 release, 22–23 tracks) revived it—featuring Metro Boomin, Harry Fraud, Dame Grease, posthumous Chinx verse. Singles like “Make America Wavy Again” and “Whippin That Wave” recapture chemistry, emphasizing independence from major record labels.
Stream it on Spotify or check details on Apple Music.
Lasting Impact on Artists Like A$AP Rocky, Drake, and Wiz Khalifa
Max B’s blueprint echoes strongly: Wiz Khalifa credits his mixtapes for inspiring melodic hooks; Drake’s sing-rap vulnerability mirrors Max’s emotional delivery; A$AP Rocky incorporated wave aesthetics (even naming a track after him).
Kanye included Max on The Life of Pablo; Young Thug, Travis Scott, and others cite him. In 2026 discussions, his influence remains central—validating melody’s place in rap and shaping global sounds.
See legacy coverage in this GQ piece.
Early Street Life and First Prison Sentence (1997–2005)
At 18, armed robbery and drug charges resulted in ~8 years served. Released in 2005, Charley channeled those experiences into authentic music narratives, earning respect from music professionals for his street-to-mic transition.
The 2006 Robbery Case: What Sparked the Major Legal Issues
A 2006 botched armed robbery in Fort Lee, NJ—remotely orchestrated by Max—ended in a death, leading to charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, and felony murder.
Legal Troubles Timeline: 75-Year Sentence to Reduced Time Served
Convicted in 2009 (75 years); 2016 plea to aggravated manslaughter (20 years); credits and appeals reduced effective time to ~16–17 years served.
16+ Years Incarcerated: The Manslaughter Conviction Details
Convicted for orchestration role (not physical presence). Prison resilience shone through team-released music, a rare feat in the music business.
Freedom in November 2025: Life After Release from Prison
Released November 9, 2025, from Northern State Prison. Reunited with French Montana (on French’s birthday), family (including wife Allison, married in prison; children Carter and Chloe); renewed vows and focused on rebuilding.
2026 Comeback: New Mixtapes, Performances, and Fresh Music
2026 has been active: Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos (Jan 9), East Coast club tour, homecoming shows (e.g., planned Madison Square Garden event), February collab “One & Only” with Shyst Vader. His updated voice over modern beats signals strong momentum.
Today’s Journey: Family, Marriage, and Future in Hip-Hop
At 47, Max prioritizes family (wife Allison, kids), marriage stability, and measured music moves. Future plans include more projects (e.g., Million Dollar Baby 4), potential collabs, and letting the wave evolve naturally—proving perseverance in hip-hop.
FAQs About the Harlem Rapper – Wave God Insights (2026 Update)
- What is the real name and who is this Harlem rapper?
Charley Wingate, aka Max B—pioneered melodic “wave” rap, heavily influencing Drake, A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, and modern hip-hop. - How old is Charley Wingate / Max B in 2026?
47, born May 21, 1978. - What made his music career stand out?
Blending melody with street lyrics across Public Domain, Coke Wave series, prison projects, and 2026 releases—shaping melodic rap’s evolution. - When was he released from prison?
November 9, 2025, after ~16–17 years (reduced from 75 years via 2016 plea). - What was the legal case about?
2006 botched NJ robbery causing death; convicted 2009 for orchestration role (not present at scene).
