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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas wouldn't be the same without Chris Bellard, better known as Young Maylay. His portrayal of Carl "CJ" Johnson has left a lasting impact on the gaming world, and it's hard to imagine the iconic character coming to life without his unique voice and energy.
CJ became more than just a protagonist—he was a representation of the struggles, determination, and loyalty of a young man growing up in the streets of Los Santos. Young Maylay's performance breathed life into the character, making CJ one of the most beloved figures in the GTA universe.
His aura, his delivery, and his authenticity all played a crucial role in making San Andreas an unforgettable experience. It's safe to say that the game—and the legacy of CJ—would not be the same without him.
However, while Young Maylay's contributions to GTA: San Andreas have been widely celebrated, his relationship with Rockstar Games has soured over time. In 2020, Maylay made it clear that he harbors no love for the company, voicing his displeasure publicly. And with rumors of CJ’s potential return in GTA VI, Maylay wasted no time quashing any hopes that he would reprise the role.
On social media, Young Maylay shut down speculation about his involvement in GTA VI, writing:
"I'm not involved in GTA VI at all.. F*** @Rockstargames period.. CJ will have to be voiced by another MF but not me IDGAF what yall heard..."
His comments were a clear indication that CJ will not be returning with his original voice actor. Rather than backpedal or offer an explanation, Maylay doubled down on his frustrations, taking to the comment section of his Instagram post to continue airing his grievances against Rockstar.
"I never publicly dissed them because I made money from them but f*** @rockstargames them mf don't care if I'm eating or not,"Maylay wrote.
His frustration stems from his belief that Rockstar profited immensely from his work without properly compensating him or other voice actors involved in the franchise. He went on to say,
"No disrespect to Dan Houser AT ALL, but... they're Culture Vultures MF's from London making BILLIONS off LA n***** and we don't see 10% of that..."
This isn't the first time Rockstar has faced criticism for its treatment of voice actors. Michael Hollick, who voiced Niko Bellic in Grand Theft Auto IV, also shared his dissatisfaction with the company’s pay structure. Despite his iconic performance, Hollick received a six-figure flat rate for his work, a number that seemed small when compared to the massive success of GTA IV.
Hollick explained in an interview with The New York Times, "Obviously, I'm incredibly thankful to Rockstar for the opportunity to be in this game when I was just a nobody, an unknown quantity... But it's tough, when you see Grand Theft Auto IV out there as the biggest thing going right now, when they're making hundreds of millions of dollars, and we don't see any of it."
Maylay and Hollick aren't alone in their frustrations. Both actors have criticized Rockstar for not adequately compensating them for the success of the games and their iconic roles. For instance, Hollick also pointed out that Rockstar didn’t account for the use of their voices in promotional content like trailers or commercials, which were seen by millions worldwide. As Hollick put it, "If that were a radio spot, I would have [gotten paid], but now they’re all over television."
Maylay has also spoken about how Rockstar profits off the culture and authenticity that voice actors like him brought to the game. He stated,
"I was going to beat the s*** out of that dude that played Niko Bellic for talking down on @rockstargames but for what? He exposed the truth... I'll NEVER work with @rockstargames again unless I get a few million to the [pocket]..."
Rockstar has had similar issues with other big names, like Burt Reynolds and Ray Liotta, both of whom reportedly clashed with the company for various reasons, including creative differences and personality conflicts. However, the frustration voiced by Maylay, Hollick, and others centers on the company's failure to properly compensate the talent that helped make Grand Theft Auto the billion-dollar franchise it is today.
Despite his issues with Rockstar, it’s clear that Young Maylay’s contribution to GTA: San Andreas remains an integral part of the game’s success. His portrayal of CJ was more than just voice acting—it was an emotional performance that helped define the character and the game itself.
GTA: San Andreas wouldn’t be the same without his unique voice, energy, and presence, which continue to resonate with fans. His portrayal of CJ remains a fan favorite, and the game’s impact on the gaming industry is forever tied to his iconic performance.