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When it works, controlling your TV with Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant can feel like magic. Using voice commands avoids thumbing through menus and can get to what you want to watch much faster.
But using Alexa as your TV remote requires a bit of know-how. Alexa won’t understand everything you might want to do, and controlling your actual television and sound system requires specific equipment.
To avoid potential frustration, we’ll go through what you can and can’t do with Alexa on Fire TV and other television devices, and explain how to set it all up.
Fire TV and Alexa setup
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With the exception of the first-generation Fire TV Stick, all Fire TV devices include an Alexa remote, which lets you issue voice commands by holding the microphone button at the top. But for hands-free voice commands, you’ll need either a separate Alexa device (one Amazon’s Echo speakers or something with Alexa onboard, such as the Sonos Beam soundbar) or a Fire TV Cube, which has built-in microphones for picking up voice commands.
Pairing an Echo to a Fire TV is automatic if you only have one Fire TV device. Just use any TV-related voice command (such as “Alexa, watch Mozart in the Jungle on Amazon Prime”) and you’ll be on your way. Setting up additional Fire TV devices requires some extra steps:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone, hit the menu button in the top-left corner, and select Music, Video, and Books.
- Select Fire TV from the “video” section.
- Select “Manage devices,” and then “Link Another Fire TV.”
- Choose the Fire TV you want to control. (You can only control one Fire TV per Alexa device.)
- If you have more than one Alexa device, choose which one should control the television.
Voice commands to try
You’re now ready to start using voice commands with your Fire TV, but keep in mind that Alexa doesn’t work with every app. Beyond Amazon’s own Prime Video service, the apps that Alexa currently supports include Netflix, Hulu, Fox Now, NBC, NBC News, Bravo Now, CBS, Sony Crackle, Freeform, Showtime, Showtime Anytime, STARZ Play, ESPN, and PlayStation Vue.
Within these apps, Alexa is at its best when you request specific shows, movies, or channels. Here are some examples:
- ”Alexa, watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” (If multiple video sources are available, Alexa will ask which one you want.)
- ”Alexa, watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu.”
- ”Alexa, tune to ESPN on PlayStation Vue.”
Alexa can also handle playback commands in supported apps. Try these:
- ”Alexa, pause” and “Alexa, play.”
- ”Alexa, rewind” or “Alexa, rewind two minutes.”
- ”Alexa, next episode.” (Unfortunately, Alexa can’t skip to previous episodes or load specific ones. You’ll need a regular remote for that.)
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The Fire TV also supports searching for content, but the results here are mixed. Unless you have a Fire TV Cube (more on that shortly), you can’t scroll through the results without a proper remote, and some apps don’t support searching at all. Here are some examples of voice search commands that work well:
- ”Alexa, show me James Bond movies”
- ”Alexa, search for comedies on Netflix”
- ”Alexa, search for sci-fi shows on Hulu.”
Finally, to return to the Fire TV home screen from any app, say “Alexa, go home.”
Fire TV Cube controls
Unlike other Fire TV devices, the Cube is optimized for controlling your TV with Alexa. When you search for videos with hands-free commands, you’ll see a special results page with numbers that correspond to each result. Say “Alexa, pick [item number]” to select a result, or “Alexa, show more” to scroll through the list.
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The Fire TV Cube can also act like a giant Echo Show, providing cover art when you ask for music, and displaying supplemental information for general queries, such as weather reports and sports scores.
The Fire TV Cube even has a built-in infrared blaster, which can directly control your television, sound system, and certain cable boxes. The initial setup process should handle the pairing, but you can set up equipment again through Settings > Equipment Control > Set Up Equipment. Then, try some of these commands:
- ”Alexa, volume up” or “Alexa, volume down.”
- ”Alexa, turn the TV on” or “Alexa, turn the TV off.”
- ”Alexa, switch inputs” or “Alexa, switch to HDMI one.” (The latter command might not work with all televisions.)
If you have traditional TV service from Comcast, AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV, Dish, Spectrum, Cox, Verizon Fios, Centurylink Prism, Frontier Fios, or Mediacom, the Fire TV Cube can tune into live channels as well. To set this up, head to Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Add Equipment, and then select Cable or Satellite. Once it’s set up, try these commands:
- ”Alexa, switch to [cable or satellite].”
- ”Alexa, watch [channel name] on [cable or satellite].”
- ”Alexa, tune to [channel number] on [cable or satellite].”
Unfortunately for cord-cutters, Alexa can’t switch to live channels from an antenna. At best, you can switch to the antenna input, then reach for the TV remote if you need to change channels.
DVR controls
Even without a Fire TV Cube, you can still use Alexa to control TV boxes from a handful of providers. Here’s a list of supported providers and the capabilities they offer as of July 2018:
- TiVo: Supports playback controls (pause, fast forward, rewind); tuning to live channels; opening the guide, home, or settings pages; and launching specific apps. You can also bypass commercials on Skip Mode-enabled shows by saying “Alexa, skip” or “Alexa, next.” Alexa currently works with the TiVo Bolt, Roamio, Premiere, and Mini series.
- Verizon Fios: Supports playback controls, tuning to live channels, and searching for show titles, movie titles, or actors. This currently works with VMS 1100 and IPC 1100 set-top boxes.
- Frontier: Supports playback controls, tuning to live channels, and searching for show titles, movie titles, or actors. This currently works with VMS1100 (Quantum DVR), IPC1100, and IPC815W set-top boxes.
- Dish Network: Supports playback controls, tuning to live channels, and searching for show titles, movie titles, or actors. You can also say “Alexa, go to my DVR” to view recordings and “Alexa, record this” to begin a recording. This currently works with Hopper 3, Hopper with Sling, Hopper Duo, Hopper, Joey Receivers, and Wally.
- DirecTV: Supports playback controls, tuning to live channels, and searching for show titles, movie titles, or actors. You can also say “Alexa, record this” or “Alexa, record TNT” to begin a new recording. This currently works with Genie (HR44 and HR54) and Genie Mini (C31, C41, C41W, C51, C61, C61K, and C61W). HS17 users can’t control that device with Alexa, but they can control any associated Genie boxes.
- Optic Hub: Supports playback controls, tuning to live channels, and searching for programs.
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To connect your TV box, open the Alexa app, hit the menu button in the top-left corner, select Music, Video, & Books, and then choose your provider from the list. Select “Enable skill,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
For playback controls, you might need to add the name of the service (“Alexa, play on TiVo” or “Alexa, pause DirecTV”) for voice commands to register when you first sit down to watch TV. After doing this once, you shouldn’t have to do it again for at least an hour.
Television and speaker controls
Certain televisions have their own built-in Alexa support, letting you control volume, power, and inputs using voice commands, even without a Fire TV.
As of July 2017, Alexa works with certain 2016 and 2017 Sony TVs, 2018 LG TVs with “AI ThinQ” capabilities, Vizio SmartCast TVs (all 2017 models, and 4K 2016 models), select Hisense TVs, and select Sharp TVs.
To get started, follow the instructions on the Amazon Alexa skill page for your TV manufacturer, linked below:
Once enabled, try some of these commands:
- ”Alexa, turn the volume up on [TV name].”
- ”Alexa, mute [TV name]” or “Alexa, unmute [TV name].”
- ”Alexa, next channel on [TV name].”
- ”Alexa, switch input to HDMI 1 on [TV name].”
- ”Alexa, play/pause/fast forward/rewind on [TV name].”
Keep in mind that for these features to work, your smart TV must be connected to the internet. And with Vizio TVs, you must enable Quick Start instead of Eco Mode for the TV to turn on with voice commands.
Alexa can also control the volume on select A/V receivers. Head to the Alexa skill page for Yamaha or HEOS (for Denon and Marantz systems) for instructions.
For other TVs and speakers, you can add Alexa controls with a Logitech Harmony Hub. The hub receives instructions from Alexa, then relays them to your TV or A/V system through its built-in infrared blaster. Head to Logitech’s Harmony website for detailed instructions on setting this up.
Although Alexa can’t fully stand in for a standard remote today, it should get smarter and add more device support over time. Check back here for updates as Alexa’s remote control skills progress.
Born | Charley Wingate[1] May 21, 1978 (age 41)[2] |
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Other names |
|
Criminal status | Incarcerated at East Jersey State Prison |
Criminal charge | Murder conspiracy and robbery |
Penalty |
|
Musical career | |
Genres | Hip hop |
Occupation(s) | |
Years active | 2005–present |
Labels |
|
Associated acts | |
Website | www.supportmaxb.com |
Charley Wingate (born May 21, 1978), better known by his stage nameMax B (short for Max Biggavelli), is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. He is best known for his solo Public Domain and Million Dollar Baby series of mixtapes, and introducing the term 'wavy' as a slang in popular lexicon.[3][4]
He made his mixtape debut in 2006, and signed a recording deal with fellow Harlem-based rapper Jim Jones' label/group ByrdGang. Following a streak of financial and ethical grievances, Max B parted ways with Jones in 2008. The two became embroiled in a bitter feud which pitted Jones and his associates on one side, and Max B and his affiliates on the other. Max B is closely associated with producer Dame Grease, and fellow rapper French Montana where the two collaborated on the Coke Wave mixtape series.[5]
In mid 2009, he was sentenced to 75 years in prison on conspiracy charges pertaining to armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault and felony murder.[6][7] While in prison, he secured a deal with Amalgam Digital to publish his debut album Vigilante Season which was released in 2011. As of September 16, 2016, it has been announced that Max B has taken a 20-year plea bargain for aggravated manslaughter and is set to be released on July 1, 2029.
- 2Music career
- 2.1Arrest and bail
- 2.2Leaving ByrdGang
- 2.3Feud with Jim Jones
- 2.6Final year releases
- 5Discography
Early life[edit]
Max B was born Charly Wingate on May 21, 1978[8] and raised in New York City. His mother, Sharon Wingate, the eldest of eight siblings, had battled with substance abuse for most of her life and eventually served a year and a half in prison for her crack addiction. Charly was largely raised by his grandparents. According to his mother, his grandmother taught Charly her strong religious values from a young age. As a child, he was friends with future rapper and Dipset founder Cam'ron. He grew up with music in the household, and had sung in the Boys Choir of Harlem.[4] Despite his grandmother’s best efforts, Charly was heavily influenced by the streets, and at the age of 18, began serving a sentence for robbery in 1997.[9] Wingate went on to serve 8 years in prison, before being released in 2005. Following his release, he immediately began pursuing a career in music, choosing the stage name Max B. The 'B' being shorthand for Biggaveli, a portmanteau referencing The Notorious B.I.G. ('Biggie Smalls'), Jay-Z ('Jigga') and Tupac Shakur ('Makaveli').[4][10] According to Wingate, his love for rap music came from his deceased brother, Eric, who left him collections of cassettes while he went in and out of town.
Music career[edit]
Max B entered the industry spotlight through his affiliation with The Diplomats, in particular Cam'ron who was a childhood friend of his. Cam'ron introduced Max to Jim Jones, who would then go on to found ByrdGang in 2006 with Max B as a starring member, with Stack Bundles, Mel Matrix and lady Jha Jha.[11] By 2008, Max B had left ByrdGang amid his allegations he had been forced into a contract which offered him inadequate pay and no recognition of his artistic contributions which included writing hooks, verses and melodies for Jim Jones during their stint. He alleges he was paid $300 for live shows where Jones earned in the range of $10,000–15,000.[12][13]
In 2005, Max B appeared as a feature on various records, including 'G's Up' and lead single 'Baby Girl' off of Jones' sophomore album Harlem: Diary of a Summer released in August. He appeared as a feature on 'You Gotta Love It' off of Cam'ron's Killa Season album released in May 2006, and released his debut mixtape Million Dollar Baby the same month. Max B collaborated on the ByrdGang mixtape M.O.B. (Members of ByrdGang) released on July 7, and made several feature appearances on Jones' mixtape The 7 Day Theory released on September 27.
Arrest and bail[edit]
In 2006, Max B became embroiled in legal trouble when he was arrested on September 29 in connection to a botched robbery turned homicide that occurred in Fort Lee, New Jersey, allegedly involving his 'on-again off-again girlfriend' Gina Conway and step-brother Kevin Leerdem.[14] While away, Max B had already recorded several feature appearances on Jim Jones' third album Hustler's P.O.M.E. which was released in November. In addition to writing for Jones on other tracks, most notably its lead single and Jones' highest-charting single to date 'We Fly High' which was released on October 21.
Public Domain and Public Domain 2[edit]
Max B's second solo mixtape Public Domain: Million Dollar Baby Radio was released on November 2 while the rapper remained behind bars. Notable tracks off the record include 'Deez My Streets' and 'Dom Perignon' among others. Followed by his third mixtape Public Domain 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer released in December of that year. Notable tracks off the record include 'Blow Me A Dub' and 'De La Soul' among others. Both mixtapes were hosted by Connecticut-based veteran DJ Big Mike, whom Max would develop an extensive relationship with throughout his career.[15]
After having spent 10 months imprisoned, Max B was released on July 11, 2007 on a reported $2 million in bail.[16] Short of funds, portion of Max's bond was raised by selling his publishing over to his label owned by Jim Jones.[4] It would eventually go on to become one of many grievances and disputes Max would share with his former labelmate and head Jim Jones. Max B's fourth mixtape Public Domain: The Prequel was released later in the month following his release from prison. He appeared as a feature on Styles P's 'Holiday' off of his third album released on December 4. Max B collaborated on the MOB2 (Members of ByrdGang 2) mixtape released on October 20, and had written for Jones' digital album which came out on February 19 the following year.
Exactly one month prior to Max's release, on June 11, his friend Stack Bundles had been killed in his neighborhood of Far Rockaway, Queens. In a 2009 interview before his trial, Max expressed his loss stating, 'That was fucked up because the nigga Stacks was close to me, I ain't even gonna front. I was in jail at the time, so a nigga was sitting. A nigga learned to cope with that thing pretty well though, R.I.P. to Stacks. Shout out to my nigga, he played me all the joints he had. Man, that was my nigga.'[17]
Leaving ByrdGang[edit]
By 2008, Max B had left ByrdGang and publicly distanced himself from the 'Dipset' movement. He had begun concentrating on his own rap collective named Gain Greene which included members Al Pac, Mak Mustard and Scarlett O'Harlem.[18][19] He began associating with South Bronx rapper French Montana, then best known as the founder/host of the 'street DVD' series Cocaine City, and who shared a similarly bitter history with Jim Jones. The two collaborated on their first song together 'Waavvyy' off of French's sophomore tape Live From Africa released on April 29. Max also developed a close relationship with Boston rappers Mall G and T.P., Connecticut rapper Hollywood Fergie, and G-Unit's Tony Yayo.[18]
Million Dollar Baby 2 and Public Domain 3[edit]
On March 1, Max B released his first solo project since his departure from ByrdGang, his fifth mixtape Million Dollar Baby 2. Notable tracks off the record include 'Why You Do That' and 'Sexy Love' among others. Hosted by New York-based Mexican-Belgian female DJ Lazy K,[20][21] the two then released his sixth mixtape Million Dollar Baby 2.5 on June 7. Notable tracks off the record include 'Won't Go Far' and 'She Touched It In Miami'.
Max B released his seventh mixtape Public Domain 3 on June 10, hosted by veteran DJ Whoo Kid. The record became a significant mark of Max's independence, including scathing references towards his former partner turned rival Jim Jones. Notable tracks off the record include 'Picture Me Rolling', 'Lip Sing', 'Ready To Ride', and 'Paperwork' featuring Al Pac.
Wavie Crockett and Domain Diego[edit]
On July 21, Max B released his eighth mixtape Wavie Crockett. Notable tracks off the record include 'Gotta Have It' and 'Takin' Pictures' among others. With the popularity of his mixtapes, he had embarked on his first tour to the West Coast earlier in the year. The fourth installation in his flagship 'Public Domain' series, Domain Diego was released on July 28, with a significant portion of the record having been recorded in San Diego, California during his trip.[22] Notable tracks off the record include 'Try Me' and 'I'm So High' among others. On October 1, he released his tenth mixtape Goon Music 1.5: The Doomship. Notable tracks off the record include 'Free Al Pac', 'I Wasn't There' and 'Cops Come Runnin'.
Feud with Jim Jones[edit]
Following his departure from ByrdGang, Max B engaged in a bitter feud with Jim Jones alongside fellow rapper French Montana. According to interviews, French and Max shared a common group of friends and associates.[23] However, due to French's existing problems with Jim Jones, and Max being signed to his ByrdGang at the time, the two had yet to collaborate.[23] This would soon change as the two became embroiled in one of the more infamous street beefs in New York hip hop.
Background[edit]
According to Max B, his beef with Jones stems from his allegations he was forced into a contract which offered him inadequate pay and no recognition of his contributions which included writing hooks, verses and melodies for Jim Jones during their stint together. He also alleges he was paid $300 for live shows where Jones earned in the range of $10–15,000.[12][13] In his infamous interview on The Come Up Vol. 18 (2008), he confirmed having delivered '10 albums' worth of material to Jones to fulfill the terms of his contract.
In the case of French Montana, his beef with Jim Jones had begun earlier. Albeit also attributed to Jones' disdain towards French for the infamous footage in Cocaine City Vol. 4 (2006),[24][25] depicting Jones and his Dipset crew being beaten and driven-out during a brawl in Rucker Park, by the Brooklyn-based Junior MAFIA associated with the late Notorious BIG.[24][25] According to French, his personal problems with Jones stems from his claims that Jones was publicly insinuating having a hand with the people responsible for a shooting targeting French.[26] In a 2009 interview with VladTV, French claimed that Jones – by then well known for his numerous feuds and provocations – was using the late-2003 incident to increase his reputation in the streets.[26]
Feud[edit]
By the time Max B left ByrdGang in 2008, Jim Jones had garnered a streak of feuds with rappers, ranging from Junior MAFIA to would-be Jay-Z affiliate Tru Life. Tru Life had already appeared in various interviews, including one on Cocaine City Vol. 8 (2007)[27] showing off two Dipset chains he claimed to have snatched off of Jones.[27] Max B's affiliation with French and their mutual beef with Jim Jones was a very public one – resulting in numerous back-and-forth 'diss' videos, interviews, confrontations and accusations – which appeared on street DVDs such as Cocaine City, Smack, Come Up, Sub-0, as well as websites such as HipHopBeef.com and WorldStarHipHop.com which were just beginning to gain a foothold. The feud also involved Jim Jones affiliate Hell Rell,[28][29] and at differing points of time various rappers from Dipset or ByrdGang close to Jones.
On February 5, 2009, Max B and French Montana would go on to release their debut collaborative mixtape Coke Wave, and which included productions from Dame Grease, Young Los and J. Cardim.[30] The run up to which was marred by tension and confrontation between the feuding sides. Notable bits from the series of back-and-forth videos include, French and Max B mocking Hell Rell's standing in relation to Jones,[28][31][32] and Rell firing back;[29][33] Max B's allegations of infidelity by Jones' wife Chrissy;[34][35] Max B recalling an off-camera altercation with Jones in the street in late 2008;[36][37] footage of French and Max's crew confronting Jones at his Manhattan studio followed by a standoff with police in November (Cocaine City Vol. 12);[38] and an attempted reprisal against Max B by ByrdGang leading to a brawl at a club in Brooklyn in January 2009.[39]
Allegations of blackballing[edit]
Together with his producers Dame Grease and Young Los,[40] newfound partner French Montana, and mixtape DJ's Big Mike and Lazy K, Max B had garnered a sizeable underground movement that pushed his music online and throughout the North Eastern region. Particularly noteworthy since, throughout their stint Max B and French would allege being 'blackballed' by radio and media.[41][42][43] In a September 25, 2008 video on WSHH,[44] they would go on to accuse Jim Jones for using his influence to further dissuade labels and websites from covering the rappers.[44]
As a response to being blackballed, the two would rely on grassroots and online methods of promotion. French Montana – who had a background in Cocaine City – and Max B, would utilize outlets such as street DVDs and hip hop websites to promote themselves and their respective projects. Since the early-2000s, street DVDs had emerged as a lucrative underground medium providing a 'behind the scenes' look into the business and politics of major and upcoming rappers. By the late 2000s, websites such as WSHH and others would take on the same spot; consequently, marking the decline of street DVDs as an outdated and non-lucrative format.
Another tactic was to release a flood of music/mixtapes. In 2008 alone, Max B had released over half a dozen mixtapes. The Coke Wave mixtape, and its sequel Coke Wave 2, were accompanied by DVD films which included music videos, in-studio footage, skits, and videos revolving around their beef with background commentary.[18]Coke Wave 2, in addition to the Take A Look Into My Life DVD, which were released subsequent to Max B's sentencing, further included footage related to his trial and commentary on his legal situation. French would touch on the subject of having been blackballed in a number of interviews following his mainstream breakout.[42][43][45] In a 2012 interview from prison, Max B touched on the subject noting,
I was completely blackballed, my songs on the radio. I couldn’t help myself but I was always able to help French do what he wanted to do [...] if I had to blow trial, at least I know a n**ga out there holding it down [...] I’m talking to French; we communicate a couple times a week [...] he real wavy right now.[41]
Amalgam Digital and Vigilante Season[edit]
In June 2008, Max B had signed a three-album deal with independent record label Amalgam Digital.[46][47] Soon after, however, they would be prevented by Jim Jones' legal team from making any commercial releases of Max's music. This would continue until May 2010, a year after Max B was sentenced, where in a lawsuit victory a New York City judge ruled that Jones no longer had rights over the now-incarcerated rapper's music.[48] Thereby allowing Amalgam to release his debut album Vigilante Season. The project which was recorded in 2008, and originally intended to be released sometime after Public Domain 3,[47] was finally released on March 22, 2011. Notable songs from Vigilante Season include 'Money Make Me Feel Better', 'Where Do I Go' and 'Lord Is Tryna Tell Ya Something' among others.[49]
Final year releases[edit]
Quarantine and Public Domain 6[edit]
The first half of 2009, would be Max B's last as a free man. Following the release of his eleventh mixtape Coke Wave on February 5, he released his twelfth mixtape Quarantine on February 21 later that month. The fifth installation in his flagship 'Public Domain' series, notable tracks off Quarantine include 'I Ain't Tryna', 'All My Life', 'Don't Love Hoes', and 'DJ Saved My Life' featuring Mak Mustard.[50]
On June 4, Max B was sentenced to 75 years in prison, found guilty on 9 of 11 counts in the case involving himself, Gina Conway and Kevin Leerdam.[1] Based on the testimony of Conway, he is accused of conspiring the event, and will be eligible for parole in 2042. Conway was sentenced to 18 years, and Leerdam was sentenced to life in prison.
Following his verdict, his fourteenth mixtape Million Dollar Baby 3 was released on June 30. His fifteenth mixtape and sixth installment in his 'Public Domain' series, PD6: Walking The Plank, was released on July 12.[51] Notable tracks off the record include 'Dead Solver', 'Never Wanna Go Back', 'Letter To Stack Bundles', and 'What You Want From Me' featuring Beanie Sigel and French Montana. His collaborative mixtape Coke Wave 2 with French was released on November 3, 2009.[52]
Post-jail releases[edit]
Albeit in prison since June 2009, Max B has been featured on various artists' records, utilizing preexisting recordings or through phoned-in verses and messages from prison. A collaborative mixtape titled Dopeman with fellow Gain Greene rapper Mak Mustard was released on April 4, 2010. A collaborative mixtape A Wave Called Yes with Amalgam labelmate Young Riot was released on May 26. The record contained two collaborative tracks featuring Curren$y who had signed to Amalgam in 2009, having had the opportunity to work with Max during his final months before his sentencing. In 2012, Isaiah Toothtaker released a collaborative mixtape called Toothy Wavy which featured phoned-in verses from Max B,[53] and production by The Hood Internet.[54] When Kanye West's album was scheduled to be named Waves, Max B (originator of the wave), expressed approval of the name change.[55] He called in the Breakfast Club and said 'It's all love. I appreciate it.' In 2016, a phone conversation with Kanye West was featured on the track 'Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission' from West's 7th studio album, The Life of Pablo. He dropped a song with French Montana called 'Hold On' in 2019.
Felony murder charges[edit]
According to authorities, Max sent his ex-girlfriend, Gina Conway, and his stepbrother Kelvin Leerdam, in 2006 to rob two men in a Holiday Inn, in Fort Lee, Northern New Jersey. On September 22, 2006, Conway and Leerdam ambushed Allan 'Jay' Plowden in room 408 and restrained him with duct tape, while awaiting Plowden's partner, David Taylor. Also in the room was Gissele Nieven. When Taylor arrived, he was immediately shot, point-blank, execution-style, in the head. He did not have any money on him.
The crew fled the scene, Plowden then alerted the hotel front desk of the murder. As police entered the room, Plowden was caught moving $30,000 out of the room. Plowden was later charged with money laundering and identity theft. One week later Conway, Leerdam and coordinator Max B were apprehended and charged.
On January 9, 2007 Max B was remanded to Bergen County Jail in New Jersey on a $2 million bail.[56]
Conviction and appeal[edit]
By June 6, 2009, he had been found guilty on 9 of 11 counts in the ongoing trial.[57] On June 9, he was found guilty of murder conspiracy and robbery charges and faced up to 75 years.[58]
Max B was later sentenced to 75 years in prison on September 4, 2009.[59] His mother, Sharon Wingate, and fellow rap artist French Montana said he plans to appeal his conviction. On March 19, 2010, Max B was granted an appeal with a new trial and lawyer.[60]
In February 2012, rumors spread that Max's request for an appeal had been denied, but it since has been cleared up as an internet/blog/Twitter rumor.[61]
On August 30, 2012, Max's appeal was denied and he is set to remain in prison to finish his 75-year incarceration.
On September 16, 2016 French Montana released a statement revealing Max B has taken a plea bargain for aggravated manslaughter and is set to be released within 2 to 6 years.[62][failed verification][63] Max continues to seek a higher appeal. Rapper Jay-Z recently shouted out Max B in support in his Rick Ross and Dr. Dre collaboration '3 Kings.'[64]
In July 2019, Max B had his sentence reduced from 20 years to 12 years. He is scheduled to be released sometime in 2021.
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
- Vigilante Season (2011)
Mixtapes[edit]
- Million Dollar Baby (2006)
- Public Domain: Million Dollar Baby Radio (2006)
- Public Domain: The Prequel (2007)[65]
- Public Domain 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
- Million Dollar Baby 2 (2008)
- Million Dollar Baby 2.5: Da Appetizer (2008)
- Public Domain 3: Domain Pain (2008)[66][67]
- Wavie Crockett (2008)
- Domain Diego (2008)
- Goon Music 1.5: The Doomship (2008) (with Dame Grease)
- Coke Wave (2009) (with French Montana)[68]
- Quarantine (2009)[69]
- Public Domain 6: Walking the Plank (2009)[70][71]
- Million Dollar Baby 3 (2009)
- Coke Wave 2 (2009) (with French Montana)
- Dopeman: Public Domain 6.5 (2010)[72](with Mak Mustard)
- A Wave Called Yes (2010) (with Young Riot)
- Toothy Wavy (2012) (with Isaiah Toothtaker)[54]
- Wave Gods (2016) (with French Montana)
Notable compilations[edit]
- Out on Bond: 2 Million Dollar Baby (2007)
- Max Payne (2008)
- Wave Music (2008)
- Bloomberg Series (2008)
- Goon Music 2.0www (2009) (with Dame Grease and French Montana)
- The Waviest (2010)
- Library Of A Legend (2011) Volumes 1 to 24
- Return of the Wave (2013) (with various artists)
- Hook King (2014)
- The Best of Max B & Al Pac (2015) (with Al Pac)
Guest appearances[edit]
- Funkmaster Flex - 'We Be Gettin' Chips' from Car Show Tour (2005)
- Jim Jones - 'G's Up' and 'Baby Girl' from Harlem: Diary of a Summer (2005)
- Jim Jones - 'Intro,' 'So Harlem,' 'Bright Lights, Big City,' 'Pin the Tail,' 'Love of My Life,' 'Don't Forget About Me,' and 'Concrete Jungle' from Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment) (2006)
- Cam'ron - 'You Gotta Love It' from Killa Season (2006)
- Styles P - 'Holiday' from Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman) (2007)
- Pete Rock - 'We Roll' from NY's Finest (2008)
- Kurious - 'Back from Up Under' from II (2009)
- Curren$y - 'Living the Life' from Jet Files (2009)
- Harvey Stripes - 'Paid' (2009)
- French Montana - 'Once in a While' and 'Hey My Guy' from Excuse My French (2013)
- Cold World - 'Outro' from How the Gods Chill (2014)
- Joke - 'Max B' (2013)
- Kanye West - 'Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission' from The Life of Pablo (2016)
- French Montana - 'Chinx & Max/Paid For' from 'MC4' (2016)
- French Montana - 'A Lie' from 'Jungle Rules' (also featuring The Weeknd) (2017)
References[edit]
How To Fix A Crack Tv
- ^ abReid, Shaheem; Rodriguez, Jayson; Dukes, Rahman (June 9, 2009). 'Former Dipset Affiliate Max B Found Guilty Of Manslaughter'. MTV.
- ^'Biography'. supportmaxb.com.
- ^'Whether You Heard Him for the First Time in 2005 or Last Night, Max B's Legacy Is Undeniable'. Complex. January 23, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
- ^ abcdCohen, Finn (July 19, 2013). 'Lord Is Tryna Tell You Something: How Charly Wingate Became Max B'. Complex.
- ^'Max B Co-Signs French Montana and Ponders Diddy's NYC Domination'. AllHipHop. November 8, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^Crates, Jake (August 30, 2012). 'Max B Prison Sentence Upheld; Parole Set for 2042'. AllHipHop.
- ^'Rapper Max B Gets 75 Years In Jail For Robbery'. Billboard. September 4, 2009. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^https://www.instagram.com/p/BjBy1nmgOwR/
- ^Benson, Chris; Porter, D. (July 2009). 'Wipeout: The Fall of Max B'. cool'eh.
- ^'Max B Interview (OnSMASH Exclusive)'. OnSMASH.
- ^Reid, Shaheem (2006-07-17). 'Fire Starters'. Mixtape Monday. MTV News. Archived from the original on 2010-04-02. Retrieved 2009-09-03.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^ abPaine, Jake (July 20, 2013). 'Max B Explains The Roots Of His Beef With Jim Jones & The Byrdgang'. HipHopDX.
- ^ ab'MTV Mixtape Mondays - 2/29/2008'. MTV News. February 29, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^'Diplomats Affiliate Max B Arrested on Murder, Robbery and Conspiracy Charges'. XXL. October 2, 2006. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
- ^'FADER: At Home With Max B (Part 1)'. FADER. March 10, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
'FADER: At Home With Max B (Part 2)'. FADER. March 10, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2016. - ^'Dipset Affiliate Max B Released From Jail'. July 13, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^Cooper, Matthew (2009-02-04). 'Max B: The Wavy Harlem Renaissance'. HipHopDX. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
- ^ abc'French Montana & Max B's - Coke Wave [Full 79 Min DVD Stream]'. WorldStarHipHop.com. Cocaine City. February 11, 2009. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
'Coke Wave DVD'. Youtube.com. Cocaine City. October 12, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2015. - ^'Max B - Charge It To The Wave'. Gain Greene. 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
- ^'DJ Lazy K Interview w/ DJ Pup Dawg'. JAM'N 94.5. March 13, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^'DJ Lazy K talks to Woothehousecat about French Montana, Chinx, DopeMix & more!'. WhooTheHouseCat. August 14, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^'True Story: The Saga Of Max B'. RedBullMusicAcademy.com. September 6, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^ ab'French Montana On How He Met Max B'. VladTV. May 10, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
- ^ ab'Jim Jones Jumped By Junior Mafia'. Youtube.com. Cocaine City. Feb 7, 2006. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
'Jim Jones & Cam'ron Get Jumped at Rucker Park (Cocaine City DVD Vol. 4)'. Youtube.com. Cocaine City. July 7, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2015. - ^ ab'Dipset vs. Junior Mafia @ The Rucker'. NahRight.com. January 31, 2006. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ ab'French Montana Speaks On BEEF With Jim Jones'. VladTV. May 11, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
- ^ ab'Cocaine City 8: Tru-Life Interview Part 1'. WorldStarHipHop.com. Cocaine City. June 11, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
'Cocaine City 8: Tru-Life Interview Part 2'. WorldStarHipHop.com. Cocaine City. June 11, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2015. - ^ ab'French Montana & Max B Clown On Hell Rell For Getting Shot In The Ass!'. WorldStarHipHop.com. HipHopBeef.com. November 25, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'French Montana & Max B clowning on Hell Rell'. Youtube.com. HipHopBeef.com. June 20, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2015. - ^ ab'Hell Rell Denies Rumors Of Him Getting Shot In The A$$ & Disses French Montana!...'WorldStarHipHop.com. December 8, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
- ^'French Montana & Max B - Coke Wave'. livemixtapes.com. February 5, 2009.
- ^'Max B & French Montana Clownin On Hell Rell's 106 & Park Freestyle Friday Battle + Updates The People On Coke Wave With Dame Grease'. WorldStarHipHop.com. January 25, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'Max B & French Montana Clown Hell Rell & CokeWave Update (Mazi-O Interview)'. Youtube.com. January 27, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015. - ^'Max B Jokin On Hell Rell! 'Hell Nah. The Doctor Smacked Your Mother When You Was Born. You So Ugly'...'WorldStarHipHop.com. March 4, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'Max B and French Montana clownin hard Hell Rel'. Youtube.com. March 4, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015. - ^'Hell Rell Is Still Dipset: 'I Heard Max B & French Montana Getting Married'...'WorldStarHipHop.com. ihiphop. December 4, 2008. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- ^'Max B & French Montana Respond To Jim Jones' Frienemies Track! 'What Are These Words? Chrissy Called My Phone''. WorldStarHipHop.com. March 28, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- ^'MAX B Biggaveli TV [Episode 6]'. Youtube.com. AmalgamDigital. April 22, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^'Max B Explains The Brawl He Had With Jim Jones & Damage Done To His Car! Theres No Beef With Juelz Santana'. WorldStarHipHop.com. MaziO. September 25, 2008. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
- ^'Max B & Jim Jones Got Into A Scuffle: Max B Tellin Jim Jones To Get His Bentley Fixed & How He Punched Jim?!'. WorldStarHipHop.com. MaziO. September 22, 2008. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
- ^'Max B & French Montana Pay A Visit To Jim Jones!...'WorldStarHipHop.com. Cocaine City. December 15, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'Max B & French Montana Pay A Visit To Jim Jones'. Youtube.com. Cocaine City. December 15, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2015. - ^'Max B vs ByrdGang Brawl In A Club'. Youtube.com. Corner The Market. January 2, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'Max B vs ByrdGang Brawl In A Club [2nd Angle Version]'. WorldStarHipHop.com. Da Product. April 8, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
'Unseen Max B Brawl In Club'. Youtube.com. Da Product. January 31, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2015. - ^'On The Grind: Q&A With Young Los'. AHumbleSoul.com. November 3, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
- ^ ab'Exclusive: Max B Co-Signs French Montana and Ponders Diddy's NYC Domination'. AllHipHop.com. November 8, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
- ^ ab'French Montana Interview With The Breakfast Club! Talks Coming Up After Being Blackballed In NY [...] and More'. The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1. May 22, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
- ^ ab'French Montana Discusses Being Black Balled, Bad Boy, Music & More'. DJ Whoo Kid. January 4, 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015. Retrieved August 14, 2015.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^ ab'Max B & French Montana Dissing Jim Jones! Jim Is Black Balling YouTube, WorldStar, Labels'. WorldStarHipHop.com. September 25, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
- ^'French Montana Wasn't Gonna Do XXL Freshman Cover'. MTV.com. March 8, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
- ^Langhorne, Cyrus (July 2, 2008). 'NEWS: Max B Signs W/ Amalgam Digital, Says Jim Jones' Wife 'Touched It In Miami''. SOHH.com.
- ^ ab'Max B Signs Deal with Amalgam Digital'. YoRapper.com. July 1, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- ^'Max B Freed From Obligations to Jim Jones, Vigilante Season on the Way'. XXL. May 27, 2010. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^Drake, David (April 25, 2011). 'Max B: Vigilante Season'. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
- ^'Max B - Quarantine'. livemixtapes.com. February 21, 2009.
- ^'Max B - PD6: Walking The Plank'. livemixtapes.com. July 12, 2009.
- ^'French Montana & Max B - Coke Wave 2'. November 3, 2009.
- ^Woodbury, Jason P. (May 7, 2012). 'Isaiah Toothtaker and Max B Show Off Toothy Wavy Videos'. Phoenix New Times. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
- ^ abEllis, Matthew (May 15, 2012). 'Max B & Isaiah Toothtaker 'Toothy Wavy' (Mishka Mixtape) Prod. By Hood Internet'. Prefix. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
- ^Schwartz, Danny. 'Max B expresses approval for Kanye West album'. Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^Phillips, Rashad. (2009-01-16) Bronx Woman Confesses In Alleged Max B. Robbery|Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales. HipHop DX. Retrieved on 2012-01-06.
- ^'Max-B Found Guilty on 9 out of 11 Counts in Murder Trial (Facing up to 20 Years in Prison)'. ThisIs50.com. 2009-06-09. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^'This Forgotten Day In Hip-Hop: Max B Gets Sentenced To 75 Years'. Complex. 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
- ^Jacobs, Allen (2009-09-03). 'Max B Sentenced To 40 Years In Prison'. HipHopDX. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
- ^Markos, Kibret (2009-09-03). 'Rapper gets 75 years for fatal Fort Lee hotel robbery'. The Record. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
- ^'Max B Says 'Dont Believe Internet Rumors''. Itsbizkit.
- ^Bark, Theo (August 31, 2012). 'Max B Appeal Denied: N.J. Court Upholds 75-Year Prison Sentence for Murder, Robbery'. The Boombox.
- ^'Max B Accepts Plea Deal, Prison Sentence Reduced'. Rap-Up. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
- ^Lewis, Brittany (September 26, 2012). 'FREE MAX B! Max B Starts 'Pardon The Wave' Petition & Big Ups Jay-Z For '3 Kings' Shout Out'. Global Grind.
- ^Reid, Shaheem (2007-08-06). 'Jay-Z Teams With Eminem, Young Jeezy; Trina Won't Dis 50 Cent; Everybody's Poppin' On Wu-Tang Clan LP'. Mixtape Monday. MTV News. Retrieved 2009-09-03.(Public Domain: The Prequel reviewed.)
- ^Lee, Frazia (2008-07-16). 'Max B: Public Domain 3: Domain Pain'. Metro Spirit.
- ^'DJ Whoo Kid & Gain Greene present Max B: Public Domain 3 (Domain Pain)'. XXL. 2008-08-01.
- ^Reid, Shaheem (2008-12-08). 'T.I. Isn't Taking Young Buck From G-Unit ... Yet; Bun B Wants To Battle Snoop Dogg'. Mixtape Monday. MTV News. Retrieved 2009-09-03.(Coke Wave reviewed.)
- ^Ketchum, William E. III (2009-03-21). up-july/p.all 'Mixtape Wrapup (February/March)' Check
|url=
value (help). HipHopDX. Retrieved 2009-09-03. (Quarantine reviewed.) - ^'Big Mike & Max B Present Public Domain 6: Walking The Plank'. XXL. 2009-07-16.
- ^Ketchum, William E. III (2009-08-03). 'Mixtape Wrapup (July)'. HipHopDX. Retrieved 2009-08-16.(pd6 reviewed.)
- ^Life, Lavish. (2010-04-01) max b and mak mustard : dopeman (Public Domain 6.5) – lexlevi.com. Lexlevi.ning.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-06.
External links[edit]
- Max B discography at Discogs