A favorite on the New York mixtape circuit, Brooklyn rapper Maino, born Jermaine Coleman, grew up in the borough's Bedford-Stuyvesant section in a household with two drug-addicted parents. Lacking parental guidance, Coleman kept to the streets and involved himself in petty crime, which landed in jail.

 

Upon his release from prison in 2003, Maino immediately founded Hustle Hard Entertainment. Later that year, he had a chance meeting with DJ Kay Slay and was able to secure his first radio appearance. After several mixtape releases and key guest features, he was awarded a recording contract by Universal Records. Maino split with the label in 2007, feeling that they weren't promoting him enough. He later signed with himself and his Hustle Hard imprint to Atlantic Records. His first single from his debut album is "Hi Hater". Maino released the official remix to the song, featuring T.I., Swizz Beatz, Plies, Jadakiss, and Fabolous. The next single is "All the Above", featuring T-Pain. It debuted and peaked at #39 on the Billboard 100, marking this the first single to chart at that chart.

 

This young Kat’s story confirms a fact that what’s yours is yours and nobody can take it. This Kat came from absolutely nothing to rise to the top of the game. He didn’t allow his circumstances or the circumstances of others to put limits on his future. This truly blessed artist speaks to your soul with his lyrics. Some will listen to the catchy hooks and hot beats, but I feel his lyrics feeling every struggle, pain, disappoint, and the satisfaction of his success. Always remember young Brother Success is the BEST Revenge. Peace…