Ashtabula rapper bringing urban wear to Main Avenue with launch of MPG Apparel

#inform-video-player-1 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; } #inform-video-player-2 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; } ASHTABULA — A new clothing store, MPG Apparel, is set to open on Main Ave Dec. 1, offering a selection of urban wear and athletic apparel. Founder and owner Jacob Payne, also known by his rap name Max. Pain the Great, said the store, located at 4826 Main Ave., will cater to the hip-hop community. The store will offer men’s urban wear, including matching jogging suits, jackets, t-shirts, hoodies, jeans and shoes. The store will also carry men and women’s athletic wear through his brand, Replay. Payne’s journey to opening his own storefront has been anything but typical. Starting out by selling clothes from his house or car, he has built a following through social media and pop-up shops. “I really wanted a sales job, something like a car salesman or working for Verizon Wireless,” Payne said. “But because of my background, no one would give me a chance for me to provide for my family.” His uncle, Tim Moore, encouraged him to explore the world of clothing sales, and took him to New York to meet different vendors. There, Payne found the first...