Max B Exits Complex Interview After Exclusion From NYC Rapper List
Max B walked out of a Complex interview when he discovered his absence from the '50 Greatest New York Rappers' list, igniting discussions on legacy and influence in hip-hop.
Max B turned a Complex interview into a notable moment in hip-hop after discovering he was not included in the outlet's "50 Greatest New York Rappers" list. The Harlem rap figure appeared alongside French Montana during Complex's Re-Rank series when the discussion shifted to the contentious ranking, leading to a noticeable change in mood.
Upon reviewing the list, Max B expressed his disbelief, stating, "I don’t even see my name up there. Now you know I’m putting my name on top. That’s crazy. You ain’t got The Don up there. You think all them n****s better than me?" Complex host Jordan Rose tried to diffuse the situation by mentioning several artists featured in the ranking, such as Mos Def, MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah, and Prodigy. However, Max B was not inclined to continue the conversation.
In response, he declared, "I’m finished with this interview, we outta here, Montana," before getting up and leaving the set. French Montana, who was present during the interview, initially laughed, but it was apparent that Max was genuinely upset as he walked away from the cameras. He added, "I’m getting sleepy in this motherfucker anyway. See me back at the hotel. We run New York, don’t talk."
Following Max B's exit, nearly 45 minutes passed before filming resumed. Jordan Rose later mentioned that Max did not return, even after French attempted to persuade him to continue the discussion. French also took the opportunity to defend Max, stating, "Not having Max on there is crazy."
The incident quickly ignited discussions on social media, with fans debating whether commercial success should take precedence over cultural impact when evaluating the history of New York rap. Although Max B has not reached mainstream success, his distinctive melodic style has significantly influenced contemporary hip-hop, impacting artists such as French Montana, A$AP Rocky, and Drake.
This viral moment coincides with the promotion of Max B and French Montana's latest collaborative project, "Wave Gods 2: Cosmos Brothers." This release marks another chapter in their long-standing partnership, especially following Max's release from prison in 2025. For many fans, the outburst served as more than mere frustration; it reignited a broader dialogue about legacy, influence, and the true architects of New York hip-hop culture.
