Max B brought the wave to the BET Awards.
The Harlem rapper delivered one of the night's biggest surprises at the 2026 BET Awards, marking his first live television and awards show performance since being released from prison.
Max B was joined onstage by longtime collaborator and friend French Montana for a performance of "Ever Since U Left Me” off of Coke Wave 3.5, a reunion of the dynamic duo after French helped keep Max's name alive while he was incarcerated.
The performance became even bigger when Rick Ross later joined them for "Minks in Miami," turning the stage into a full-circle celebration of Max B's return.
The rapper, born Charly Wingate, became one of New York rap's most influential cult figures in the 2000s, helping popularize the melodic, slang-heavy style he famously called "the wave." His influence spread far beyond Harlem, with artists across hip-hop crediting him for shaping flows, hooks, and street rap's melodic direction.
His career was cut short when he was sentenced to prison in 2009, but his legacy only grew during his time away. French Montana continued championing him in interviews, songs and performances, while fans spent years calling for Max's freedom and celebrating his impact.
