In my region... I am from central/north jersey... I use the word mad to mean something quite different... I use it to mean very or a lot....

ex.. This food is mad good. OR That's mad different.

It is a regionalism that doesn't seem very distinct... some people use it, others don't... most people that use it outside of my region are black, but I am white... and I am nothing near the type denoted "hood" which is basically a person who dress and style is influence by the rap scene. I like punk and hardcore music... Outside of my area people think that I am strange or a "wannabe" but it is perfectly normal where I am from.

Later