After years submerged in the shadows of prison, Harlem rap legend, Max B, has officially undergone a “rebirth” with an emotional return on November 9th. His 75-year sentence from 2009 was reduced to 20 years thanks to a plea deal, paving the way for the moment he stepped out of the Northern State Prison Gates in N.J., into the warm embrace of his longtime collaborator, French Montana.

In his first live video interview with Billboard, Max B not only shared his post-prison days but also affirmed his immense influence, even in absentia.

Immortal Legacy: The Connecting Thread to Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa

Max B attributes his “soulful” music style to conquering many artists, including major stars from Pittsburgh. He expressed appreciation for the late rapper Mac Miller—whom he managed to talk to a few times before Mac’s passing—and affirmed that both he and Wiz Khalifa were deeply influenced by his “music interwoven with pain.”

“You know, these guys are music guys, they love music… I kind of feel like musical guys adapt to my style,” he shared.

The ‘New Grown and Gorgeous Biggavel’

When discussing his adaptation to civilian life, Max B displayed a calm, confident attitude instead of overwhelming anxiety: “I’m not gonna say I’m overwhelmed. Anxiety? I’m not really that anxious no more for nothin’.” He revels in the simple pleasures of “waking up in my own bed consecutively,” seeing his wife and children every day, and eating good food.

Max B strongly declared his transformation, describing the white suit and red bowtie he wore at his welcome-home party as a message: “This is the new grown and gorgeous Biggavel, the new and improved version… This is what I think is attracting the people.”

He is seen as “a prime example” of reintegration. “Reentry in its purest form,” he affirmed, determined to start a new life. “I’ma keep trying, you heard? It’s mine, I’ma figure that s—t out.”