The complex web of loyalty, legacy, and hip-hop politics has been thrust back into the spotlight as the recently freed Max B directly addresses the controversy surrounding rapper Dave East’s appearance at his welcome home dinner. In a new interview, the Harlem icon offered his unfiltered perspective on the backlash, questioning why showing support should be deemed a disloyal act.
Speaking with Danza Project, Max B expressed gratitude for Dave East’s presence, calling it a gesture of “love.” He emphasized the profound impact his music had on a younger generation, noting East was just 12 or 13 years old when he was incarcerated nearly two decades ago. “Why would he take heat cuz he showed up to my event?” Max questioned, visibly perplexed by the online furor.
The controversy ignited on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, where co-host Maino pressed Jim Jones on whether he would reconcile with Max B. Jones, who has a long and publicly fractured history with Max, dismissed the idea. Maino later stated he himself would not attend any events for Max, framing it as a matter of allegiance to Jones.
This created an immediate public litmus test, placing associates like Dave East in a difficult position. East attended the dinner, leading to scrutiny and debate over where his loyalties lay. On the latest episode of “Forgotten Kings TV,” hosts Ed Lover, Mrek, and Flats dissected the escalating situation, providing crucial context to the drama.
Mrek characterized the dynamic as “selective politics,” akin to strategies employed by 50 Cent, unfairly pressuring a younger artist like East. He praised East for “standing on business” and refusing to choose sides, given his own pre-existing musical relationship with Max B that exists independently of Jim Jones.
The panel then played Max B’s new comments, where his tone grew pointed. He described the podcast discourse as “some dick sucking shit,” a clear jab at what he perceives as clout-chasing and side-picking. He also addressed Maino directly, acknowledging their shared history but dismissing the need for an explanation. “Me and Mayo ain’t just me… It is what it is.”
Flats, offering a street-informed perspective, argued that true morals and principles should prevent someone from demanding others join a personal beef. He noted Max B has not publicly attacked Jim Jones since his release and argued Jones should, in an ideal world, encourage East to pay homage to a foundational influence.
“The way you see the optics look, everybody got to fall in line under the big homie. And that shit is what’s killing things right now,” Ed Lover added, suggesting the moment could have been used to unite Harlem and New York hip-hop but was instead lost to political posturing.
Mrek offered a nuanced analysis, noting Max B’s “passive but semi-aggressive” response and shifting focus to Maino’s role as an “antagonist.” He drew parallels between Maino and 50 Cent’s cerebral, confrontational styles, questioning if this could cause future friction between Maino and Jim Jones, whom he described as playing a “big homie” role on the show.
The conversation underscored a generational divide. The panel acknowledged that while Max B is experiencing a monumental comeback now, his cultural capital with younger audiences may fade, making the current infighting a waste of “precious time.” This reality, they noted, is why many artists are pivoting to podcasting and media to secure lasting relevance.
Max B’s central message was one of defiant positivity. “I’m not giving you nothing but positive energy… I’m not catering to nobody out here and I’m not chasing nobody that don’t want to be caught,” he declared, framing his journey as the “Max B Show.” His comments reframe the narrative from one of past conflicts to a present focused on growth and gratitude.
However, his pointed language ensures the response will be closely watched. The ball is now in the court of Jim Jones and Maino, who must decide whether to escalate or ignore the remarks. For Dave East and others caught in the middle, the episode highlights the precarious balance between personal respect and public allegiance in the digital age.
The situation remains a volatile mix of deep personal history, evolving brand management, and the unforgiving court of social media opinion. As Max B continues his re-entry into society and the music industry, this clash over loyalty and legacy threatens to define the early chapters of his freedom, proving that some walls built in the past are proving difficult to tear down.
