Brooklyn rapper Maino, whose real name is Jermaine Coleman, has established himself as a favorite on the New York mixtape scene. Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant with drug-addicted parents, Maino faced the challenges of limited parental guidance, leading him to the streets and petty crime. He found solace in rap while serving time in prison during the early ’90s, using his music as a means to combat boredom and isolation. Upon his release in 2003, Maino wasted no time in founding his imprint, Hustle Hard. His initial exposure on NYC radio through DJ Kay Slay of Hot 97 paved the way for numerous mixtape features, showcasing his talent. Despite facing setbacks with his debut album being shelved by Universal in 2005, Maino’s resilience and determination caught the attention of Atlantic, leading to a successful partnership in 2007. This collaboration marked the release of street singles like “My Life Is Like a Movie” and “Hi Hater,” setting the stage for his major-label debut with the platinum-selling single “All the Above” in 2009. Subsequent projects such as the Unstoppable EP in 2010 and The Day After Tomorrow album in 2011 further solidified Maino’s place in the rap industry.