The family and friends of jailed rapper Max B are begging fans to help raise money for an appeal - after a judge agreed to re-hear his case.

Last month, Max B was sentenced to 75 years behind bars for the murder of a hotel guest in a botched robbery.

The rapper and his accomplice Kelvin Leerdam were convicted on charges of felony murder for the September 2008 slaying of David Taylor.

Max B's fiancee Gina Conway, who testified against the two men, was later jailed for 15 years for her part in the robbery. But those close to the rapper are confident an appeal will vindicate him, and friends have started a 'Free Max B Campaign' to raise the funds needed to hire a new lawyer.

A message posted online reads, "We have been given a second chance to get Max B a new trial. Judge Carroll, the presiding judge over Max B's case, has given us 22 days to retain a new legal counsel for a new trial. The 75 year sentence will be set aside. If you want to seriously free Max B now is your chance to show your love and support."