Max B: Twitter Was The Case

This ain't funny. So, don't you dare laugh.

Harlem MC/songwriter Charly Wingate, better known as Max B, is currently defending himself in a murder trial whose verdict could come at any time. Wingate's co-defendant, Gina Conway, has turned state's evidence and fully implicated the singer. As life hangs in the balance, his assistant and lawyer have taken the meantime to explore... um... let's be nice for now and call them "advanced social networking strategies".

Seeking information on the fate of one my favorite Harlem rap representatives of the past decade, I came across the following last night on Max B's Twitter:

-From @MaxBigavelli on Twitter [CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE]

I find it very hard to believe that during the most important moments of his life, Max B is sitting on defense row hammering out promotional tweets for his assistant, Amalgam Digital labelmates, manager and lawyer, Gerald Saluti.

The phone number attached to the Twitter account is also linked to Max B's assistant on several occasions. As of today, it's been made clearer that the number is for professional use. While this would mark far from the first case of ghost [micro]blogging, it's how the social networking tool has been used during this time that alarms me. Max B has never been known for sound decision-making, but I don't believe he's been pulling a Jim Jones to the umpteenth power--let alone one that benefits everyone but himself. If convicted, selling his stored recordings and ghostwriting services may be his only financial recourse aside from whatever slave labor opportunities our wonderful penal system presents. But those masquerading as Max B online with personal gain in mind probably fail to realize that these court-time tweets show a contempt for legal process on Wingate's part.

--Or maybe they fully realize as much and just fail to give a fuck.

Far more troubling than this has been the conduct of Saluti, whose Twitter bio reads "Criminal Lawyer/Hip Hop Manager". As if the inherent conflict of interest between his noted professions weren't enough of a red flag, the man has been using his client as a springboard for public fuckery at every turn. If you've been following the WSHH coverage, you've already seen Saluti's best Zebrahead rendition while taunting the prosecution and co-defendant. In what appears to be an attempt at becoming hip-hop's new favorite pet snowflake, Saluti then uses Twitter to give his finest Michael Rappaport, simultaneously endorsing himself and chopping down his opposition with the flair and candor of your favorite mixtape promo.

This isn't Public Domain 3 we're talking about here, people. This is a man's life. And regardless of guilt or innocence, this is pretty fucking far from the professional grade quality paying clients deserve. I'm sure somehow Max B is paying quite heavily for all of this foolery.

If Biggavells goes down, at least he'll likely be able to motion for a mistrial due to incompetence on the part of his counsel.

As a Max B fan, I hope for the best. As a member of society, I hope more that true justice is served.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Never wanna go back? ron@ronmexicocity.com

Right. Because Max B is totally making Follow Friday recommendations while waiting for a verdict.

Nigga, please.