Maino, born Jermaine Coleman, emerged from Brooklyn's mixtape circuit, where he gained recognition for his street singles "Rumors" and "Take It Like a Man." Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant with drug-addicted parents, Maino turned to rap while in prison in the early '90s, eventually establishing his imprint, Hustle Hard, upon his release in 2003. After signing with Universal in 2005 and then Atlantic in 2007, Maino released his major-label debut, "If Tomorrow Comes...," featuring the platinum-selling single "All the Above" in 2009. He continued his success with the Unstoppable EP in 2010 and The Day After Tomorrow album in 2011, showcasing hits like "Let It Fly."

Maino's journey from the streets of Brooklyn to the forefront of the hip-hop scene is marked by resilience and determination. Despite setbacks like the shelving of his debut album, "Death Before Dishonor," Maino's talent and hustle shone through, leading to successful collaborations with major labels like Universal and Atlantic. With hits like "Hi Hater" and "My Life Is Like a Movie," Maino solidified his place in the rap world, culminating in the release of his acclaimed albums and singles in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His raw lyricism and authentic storytelling continue to resonate with fans, establishing him as a formidable force in the rap game.