Best of full interview: French Montana Talks 'Mac & Cheese 5,' Bridging The Gap For New Artists, Pop Smoke's Death & More

Summary

---

The Breakfast Club – Best of Full Interview: French Montana Talks 'Mac & Cheese 5,' Bridging The Gap For New Artists, Pop Smoke's Death & More

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: French Montana + Special Guests D Thang, Kenzosi, 41, Jen Carter, Kimo

---

Episode Theme & Overview

French Montana joins The Breakfast Club to discuss his latest project, 'Mac & Cheese 5', his journey from the Bronx, his role in bridging generations of hip hop, the state of mixtapes and New York rap, lessons learned from loss, mentorship of new Bronx artists, and personal transformation. The conversation dives deep into industry challenges, community work, the evolution of “Drill” rap, and the realities behind his music and life.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. French Montana’s Origins and ‘Dirty Bronx’

[02:49–04:23]

• Hosts reflect on French’s gritty beginnings hustling in NYC clubs and the respect he's earned.
  • “He was never… That was French… making the DJs play his music… you came a long way.” – DJ Envy [03:15]
• ‘Dirty Bronx’ (album intro) sets the tone, recounting his struggles and achievements.
• French shares why he returned to mixtape vibes with this album:
  • “I always try to go where the puck is going now, where the puck is at… albums are dope… but I want to get back to that vibe, and I want to lead the wave with the mixtapes.” – French Montana [04:23]

2. Addressing Negativity, Legacy, and Retirement

[04:57–06:58]

• French confronts critics and rumors through introspection on the album:
  • “This is me interviewing myself on my own album, just in case.” – French Montana [05:05]
• On ‘Mac & Cheese 5’ possibly ending the series:
  • “Just wanted to give ’em my all and just leave it right there… but you never know.” [05:42]
• Confirms massive record sales, including “Unforgettable” at 13 million. [06:19]

3. Sobriety, Business, and Personal Transformation

[07:14–08:22]

• French discusses quitting drugs and alcohol to protect his business and future:
  • “When you sit across from, like, a billionaire… as soon as you take that sip of liquor, take that puff… you’re already richer than him… I had to focus up… not leave no bags on the table.” – French Montana [07:35]
• On the myth of needing substances for creativity:
  • “Making music is a passion, it had nothing to do with drugs… the drugs kept the negative around me… when you drink and take drugs, you let the devil in.” [08:22]

4. Lyrics vs. Reality and the Origin of “Rap Cat”

[09:35–10:40]

• Charlamagne pokes fun at French for “sleeping with rappers’ wives” lyrics; French clarifies it’s just entertainment:
  • “No, honestly, I never did. I never fucked nobody [rapper’s] wife. Just rap cat.” [10:33]

5. Reflections on Nipsey Hussle, Chinx, and Coming Back Home

[10:41–13:44]

• How Nipsey Hussle’s murder impacted French’s feelings about “buying back the block”:
  • “Watching that video with Nip was one of the most disgusting things I ever seen… all he was trying to do was change his neighborhood.” [10:50]
• French moved to Calabasas for safety but still feels pressure and tells why security and distance are crucial.
  • “You just gotta be careful how you let people get in contact with you… be like a Hulk on top of the mountain...” [11:32]
• Reveals he nearly saw Pop Smoke the night he died and describes the lack of security:
  • “He sent everybody the address for the party… he had no security.” [13:15]

6. Collaborations: Kanye West, Drake, and the Sound of Mac & Cheese 5

[13:44–15:26]

• French explains studio work with Kanye and why some sounds fit better on ‘Mac & Cheese 5’.
• Kanye’s unpredictability and financial drama referenced on the album:
  • “He said, ‘I lost eight billion to get the chains off my neck.’” – French Montana [14:59]
• Mac & Cheese 5 features Kanye, Westside Gunn, and new school NY acts.

7. The Struggle for NYC Recognition

[15:27–18:58]

• French and the hosts analyze why NY DJs didn’t support local talent initially:
  • “New York ain’t show me no love. Let me go down south.” – French Montana [16:18]
  • Recalls being blackballed after Max B’s incarceration, hustling DVD sales, and financially supporting himself.

8. The Max B Update and The DVD Era

[19:30–20:44]

• Max B is coming home; French credits Max as a viral foundational influence for today’s hip hop wave.

9. Bridging the Gap for New Artists

[25:29–27:20]

• French’s mentorship of Bronx talent (D Thang, Kenzosi, 41, Jen Carter):
  • “I always looked at myself like the bridge… always tap in with the Kanye’s… and still tap back in with the Pop Smokes…” [25:53]
• Gives real talk about the need for work ethic and studio exclusivity:
  • “That room right there… that’s your bank. That’s your vault. Anywhere out of that room, you’re no good to nobody.” [27:34]

10. Drill Rap—Sound vs. Lifestyle (with D Thang and Kimo)

[29:13–36:01]

• French, D Thang, and others discuss the authenticity and evolution of Drill, the blurred line between lived experience and “entertainment”:
  • “We was Drill before the Drill… Drill is a lifestyle, Chicago energy…” – French Montana [29:36/29:44]
  • “Anybody could do Drill… but it wasn’t like that for me. We had to really do shit.” – D Thang [29:52]
• Debates about whether rappers have to “live” their lyrics or can just entertain.

11. Artistic Evolution & Longevity

[36:01–37:02]

• French on his risk with “Unforgettable” and refusing to be boxed in sonically:
  • “People from the streets wasn’t doing Afro, bro… That’s why it’s the biggest Afro record to ever come out…” [36:41]

12. Giving Back: Community and Global Impact

[39:53–41:09]

• French shares stories of major community service—from donating canoes in Mokoko, opening a hospital in Uganda, relief in Morocco, to supporting Bronx programs:
  • “Whenever we get a chance to give, we always gonna give back.” [41:03]

13. Behind the Music: J. Cole, Drake, and Chemistry

[41:10–42:37]

• J. Cole nearly executive produced French’s first album; French reveals why the timing wasn’t right.
• On chemistry:
  • “Drake, my twin… definitely got better chemistry… it was more natural.” [41:54]
  • Reminisces about building iconic tracks like “Stay Schemin’.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• On confronting his critics:

  • “This is me interviewing myself on my own album… so the haters gonna hear theyself in there and your fans gonna be right there like I told you.” – French Montana [05:05]

• On giving up drugs/alcohol for success:

  • “When you sit across from a billionaire… as soon as you take that sip of liquor… you’re already richer than him.” [07:35]

• The cost of neighborhood heroism:

  • “Watching that video with Nip was one of the most disgusting things I ever seen… I felt like watching that scared me away from trying to do the same thing.” [10:50]

• On forging ahead with audacious creative choices:

  • “I took my first chance with ‘Unforgettable’… that’s my biggest record.” [36:16]

• Drill music realness:

  • “Anybody could just come from college and just had a whole good life and just Drill rap now… wasn’t like that for me. We had to really do shit.” – D Thang [29:52]

• Advising the next gen:

  • “That room right there, them four walls, that’s your bank… make as much music as you can cause you never know when you gonna make that one record that’s gonna change your life forever.” [27:34]

• On his role as a bridge:

  • “I always looked at myself like the bridge… tap in with the Kanye’s… and still tap back in with the Pop Smokes…” [25:53]

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:41] – Intro, French Montana joins, his Bronx come-up
• [04:23] – Purpose of ‘Mac & Cheese 5’ and the mixtape tradition
• [05:34] – Addressing haters and the retirement rumor
• [06:17] – French talks record sales, legacy, and business ambitions
• [07:35] – Discusses sobriety and focus
• [08:22] – On drugs, creativity, and his personal journey
• [10:41] – Nipsey Hussle’s influence, safety in the industry
• [13:44] – Work with Kanye, Drake, and sound of Mac & Cheese 5
• [15:27] – New York rap scene; lack of early city support
• [16:18] – Blackballed in NY, reinvention in the South
• [19:30] – Max B update, the viral origins of the “wave”
• [25:53] – Mentoring young artists, bridging hip hop generations
• [27:34] – Real-world advice for up-and-coming rappers
• [29:36] – The roots and reality of Drill rap
• [36:16] – French explains taking creative risks (“Unforgettable”)
• [39:53] – Community service and global charity work
• [41:10] – J. Cole, Drake, and musical chemistry
• [41:54] – “Drake… my twin… better chemistry”
• [43:04] – French closes by promoting ‘Mac & Cheese 5’

---

Episode Tone & Style

French is open, self-reflective, humorous, and authentic, matching The Breakfast Club’s signature conversational but probing style. The energy flows from gritty honesty about street life and industry politics to candid advice for young artists and humble pride in his achievements and philanthropy.

---

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a hip hop lover, a French Montana fan, or simply curious about today’s rap scene, this episode offers a candid look at the grind, glory, and hazards of the music business, the enduring importance of mixtape culture, and the responsibility artists carry as both creators and role models. French Montana’s personal evolution, his humble beginnings, and commitment to giving back make for an inspiring conversation.

---

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human this April.

[Movie Trailer Announcer]

Get your rom com on with you, Me and Tuscany. Only in theaters this Friday. From Will Packer, producer of Girls Trip, You, Me and Tuscany has all the ingredients of your favorite rom coms heart, huge laughs and sizzling chemistry. Starring Halle Bailey and Reggae Jean Page and set in the enchanting vineyards of Tuscany, this film is a movie escape with we've been waiting for. It's the perfect film for date night or girls night. Don't miss Universal Pictures. You, Me and Tuscany. Directed by Cat Cuero. Only in theaters this Friday. Rated PG13 may be inappropriate for children under 13.

[State Farm Advertiser]

The wait was worth it. The keys to your dream home have been secured. Now comes the time to fill it with memories. But first, furniture and movers. Where's the housewarming? Who's cooking? Or should you cater? All that planning can be stressful, but ensuring your home shouldn't be. And that's where State Farm comes in. Because State Farm agents can help you choose the coverage you need. Just call, go online or check out the app. An agent is ready to help so you can focus on showing off your new home. If you know you know like a good neighborhood, State Farm is there.

[DJ Envy]

Instagram teen accounts have automatic protections on by default, built in content settings for the content teens can see, contact limits for who can contact them, and time management tools like daily time limits and sleep mode. Teens are automatically placed into teen accounts and teens under 16 will need a parent's permission to change any of these settings to be less strict. Instagram will continue adding built in safety features to help create age appropriate experiences. Learn more about teen accounts and Instagram's ongoing work to protect teens online at

[E]

instagram.com teenaccounts Peace of mind starts with knowing what supports the journey is steady, grounded and dependable, especially during seasons of change. That's why Nissan engineers push their vehicles to the limit to demonstrate quality, reliability and durability, making those principles a foundation across every vehicle built. That commitment has earned recognition from J.D. power, ranking Nissan number one in new vehicle quality among mainstream brands. Because when trust is built into the foundation, it creates more space to move through life with clarity, confidence and intention, getting the most out of the journey wherever it unfolds. For J.D. power 2025 U.S. initial Quality Study Award information, visit jdpower.com forward/awards Awards based on 2025 model year newer models may be

[State Farm Advertiser]

shown Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club Morning everybody. It's DJ Envy Jess Hilarious Charlemagne Tha God we Are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Rich. Dirty Bronx nigga. Rich. Dirty Bronx French Montana. What up, French? How you doing, my brother?

[French Montana]

You know where that intro came from, right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Dirty Bronx nigga.

[DJ Envy]

Vegas.

[French Montana]

You know who called me that?

[State Farm Advertiser]

Yeah, man,

[DJ Envy]

we were in iHeart, right, in Vegas, and I was like, yo, French, you was a. I was like, damn, I'm proud of you as a dirty Bronx nigga.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn, man.

[DJ Envy]

That's what I said. But I was so proud of him because I didn't see French come up from the slums. Like, you know, people talk about where they came from and the things that they did, but French used to be in the dirty BX clubs and the dirty Brooklyn clubs and the dirty Queens clubs, making the DJs play his music. And he was never. That was French. That's where you would see French. I'm like, damn, you came a long way to.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, I saw him before that. I saw him right before that, when Max was.

[French Montana]

I mean, nigga, never ignorant, getting goals accomplished, right? It's like coke boys, creation of kings everywhere.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, you already got it prepared. When you have to prove it, I'm one to go. You already prepared. They ever need to use this, this is what they going to do.

[DJ Envy]

And that's one of my favorite joints on the album, which is the intro. It's called Dirty Bronx.

[French Montana]

Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

And you kind of talk about everything where you came from. Everybody talking about that.

[French Montana]

O.C.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

o.C. Yeah. Tom's O.C. yeah, yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

You talk about everybody. People comparing you to Chinx and Max with the wave and all that. So I think that's one of the. The dopest joints on there. But why Mac and cheese five and what took so damn long, French?

[French Montana]

I felt like, you know, I needed. I needed to get everything out the way, then go back to the mixtape vibes. I feel like the game. I always try to go where the. Where the puck is going now. Where the puck is at. You know what I'm saying? So I feel like the game need mixtapes. I feel like we lost a lot of, you know, it's like that feeling is not there no more. Like. Like, albums is dope. Everybody's getting used to it. I feel like the mixtape game just like I want to hear the Wayne mixtapes. I want to hear Ross Rich Forever mixtapes. I want to hear, you know, Wiz Khalifa Dropped orange, you know what I'm saying? And I just want to get back to that vibe, and I want to lead the wave with the mixtapes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I like how you set the tone with Dirty Bronx. Why did you feel the need to confront like all the negativity that's been directed towards you?

[French Montana]

Because I wanted to get that out the way so we could focus on the music. You know what I'm saying? It's like, it's like learned from, from, from Eminem, you know, the tactics he used. I learned from, you know, Jay when he did 444 and I learned from, you know, I'm like a student of the game. So it's like, you know, this is, this is me interviewing myself on my own album just in case, you know. Cause you got your fans, but then you also got your haters that listen to your music. So the haters gonna hear theyself in there and your fans gonna be right there like I told you. So it's like that's the kind of vibe I was going with. You know.

[Jess Hilarious]

Why, why end it on five? Because we do need more mixtapes. Why are you ending it on five, man?

[French Montana]

Because I just wanted to give him my all and just leave it right there. Yeah, yeah. And just start something new. But you never know. You know, Jay Z made the Black album and he, and he backed out it and you know, so it's like you never know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, so this is a retirement album

[French Montana]

at the end of the series.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What do you do to make all your money?

[French Montana]

French me, man, I just hustle. I've been hustling for a long time.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean, we know you a listen to Dirty Bronx.

[DJ Envy]

How many albums he sold?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How many records he sold, by the way, that, that was the beauty of Dirty Bronx. Cuz you put a lot of things in perspective. I, I think I had knew that you was the most screamed African born artist, but I didn't know you had sold that many records.

[French Montana]

Yeah, 100 million.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No.

[French Montana]

Yeah, like, like, like, like 100 million. Between mines and all the features that I was there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[French Montana]

I mean you figure like unforgettable alone is like 13 million. So that's just like, oh my God, that's like by itself. So besides, I mean man, I've been on some big record, my catalog is crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, but you say on the album you say people think it's just your features. Yeah, but you the main feature.

[French Montana]

Yeah, because you know, you still look at the, all the way ups and you look at like, you know what I'm saying? Like the lawyer, Chris Brown and all those like, you know, I was part of some big features and, and and, you know, like, the catalog is bad. I still ain't sell it yet. I'm thinking about selling it and just buying, like, this building across the street from you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How much you think your catalog worth?

[French Montana]

I don't know. I don't know. Honestly, I ain't even get there. But I always felt like, you know, if somebody's trying to buy something from you, then guess, you know, then how much money are they gonna make? Ain't nobody buying that to take a loss. So, you know, I always looked at

[DJ Envy]

it like that at one time. Well, if you know French, you know, when French goes out and he knows you, he's gonna invite you to his party, right? That's who French is as a person. Like, if y' all smoking, y' all smoking together, y' all drinking, he gonna take care of you. He gonna make sure you good. Then. There was one time where you just stopped, right? Cause you said you had to get back healthy. You stopped drinking, you stopped smoking. Are you still in that phase? And no more drinking or smoking or.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, definitely. Definitely, man. You know. You know, when you sit across from, like, a billionaire or something, you know, as soon as you take that sip of liquor, take that puff of weed, like, you're already richer than him. You know what I'm saying? So I just. And I had to focus up. We lost a lot of money, made a lot of bad business deals, you know, might have overslept and lost a bag. Might have did this, might have did that, you know? And I got a chance to make some generational wealth and change generations down. You know what I'm saying? So I was like, you know, let me just focus up and not leave no bags on the table.

[DJ Envy]

Do you have a fear for. I know a lot of artists say that sometimes they feel like that drug or that alcohol puts them in the right zone. Will you ever fear for, like, damn, if I don't drink like I used to, or I don't smoke that I might not be in the same zone as I was in making pop. That or you ain't worried about nothing. Or, you know, some of those other

[French Montana]

records, man, I've been popping perks for, like, 10 years. You know what I'm saying? Oxy's Perks. Drinking this 20 years, it got to the point where I wasn't getting drunk or high anymore, right? Like, now I'm higher than I was when I was taking the drugs. It's just, like, my body just, like. You know, it's, like, in shock, but I. I feel like Making music is a passion, is love. It had nothing to do with drugs, you know what I'm saying? It was just the, like the drugs kept the negative around me, you know. I'm saying like the people. I lost people when I stopped doing drugs, I didn't lose the passion, you know what I'm saying? Because you know, when you drink and you take drugs, you let, you know. I'm saying you let the devil in. You let you know me. Like I was inviting everybody and everybody wasn't inviting me. Yeah, I'm saying everybody, everybody, you know, everybody had motives and some of them had the negative. I mean, I don't mind helping people to have motives, you know what I'm saying? We, that's, that, that's how we get our blessings. But there's people that have motives that have negative motives towards you. I have anybody that have a positive motive towards me. So I feel like I was letting the negative and the positive and that's why things started happening and this and that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, what about your passion for sleeping with rappers wives? That's inviting the devil too French, huh? Come on. You say on the album, come on.

[Jess Hilarious]

And that's true,

[French Montana]

But that's, but that's where Han came from. They be in the club and they be like, you know, people try to do business deals in the middle of the club and be like hand. So, so, so let me tell you the story about that, okay? So me and Drake was first working on the record.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Another sniper.

[French Montana]

Yeah, working on the record. And the first line he said he was like on Double mg, I'll fuck a rapper's wife. He was like, we should start the shit off like that. Then I just, then I just took it and I just ran with it and I just made the first line there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But what that got to do with doing it in real life though, huh? What that got to do with actually. What that got to do with actually fucking rappers wives in real life?

[French Montana]

No, honestly, I never did. I never fucked nobody Wire.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, okay.

[French Montana]

No rapper Wire.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, so just rap rap cat.

[French Montana]

Oh yeah, just rap cat.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[French Montana]

Okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You also on Dirty Bronx, you talk about buying your block, but you said that Nipsey. The Nipsey situation made you pause.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Can you elaborate on that?

[French Montana]

I mean, I feel like watching that video with Nip was like one of the most disgusting things I ever seen in my life. And I felt like he would. And all he was trying to do was just try to change his neighborhood and just bring some, some, some great things back and try to buy his block. And I feel like watching that scared me away from trying to do the same thing. And, And. And, you know, because look what happened to Chinks. Chinx got shot in Queens. You know, I'm saying look what happened, you know, to a lot of people that don't have a name, you know, I'm saying a lot of fallen soldiers. So I was just like, you know what? So why come back? Why come back and do that when I'm just seeing everybody around me just fall into it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn. So how did you overcome that? Or have you overcome that?

[French Montana]

I went to Calabasas, but I'm still. But I still come back. But it just, you know, at the end of the day, it's just, you know, it always come. You know, it always come from the inside. You know what I'm saying? So you just gotta be careful how you, you know, how you let people get, you know, get in contact with you, touch. You can't be just easily touched easily. Get in contact with easily. So anybody could pull up on you to do anything to you. You know what I'm saying? You got to be able to be like a Hulk on top of the mountain. Just watch your prey. Whenever you want something, you just go handle your business and dip. I feel like that's like. That's like, that's like advice for anybody that's making real money. I got a lot of jealousy that come from where we come from, you know, so you should. It should never be a situation where somebody can go to the. To the block and see you at a store or this and that when you, you know, some people. What Jay Z said Brooklyn is the one who characters. He just want to kill you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What a name. But even moving to Calabash, I mean, Pop. Guy got in. In Cali.

[French Montana]

Nah, now you're not getting through this security. I live next door to Kris Jenner, next door to. Across the street from JLo, Will Smith down the block. His kids walking up like, you're not gonna get through. They know about that. But at the end of the day, Papa had no security. Pop had a gun on him. Pop had the wrong people around him. I was supposed to meet up with Pop that night. He had a party at his crib. And, yeah, we're supposed to meet up. I went to the strip club. And after the strip club, we were supposed to go to his house because he sent everybody the address for the party. You know what I'm saying? He had. And he had put that post up a couple of hours before. And you know, he had no security. And even when I first went to la, when you go to the hills, it's like they don't have no gated communities. It's just like the fences, like the size of your hip, and then you just jump right over them, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So he was supposed to have a party that night?

[French Montana]

That night he was supposed to have a party.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, so that's why people had the Addie. It wasn't just that. No, Everybody was saying it was a post on Instagram.

[French Montana]

Yeah, he was sending Addies to us, me, and to everybody else that was there, but got you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Got you.

[French Montana]

Yeah. He had posted the. The Mary package that was sent to him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yikes.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, I said I got that right. So what happened with Drake on album? Because I know you and Drake made a lot of music. You said, what happened on this project?

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, we did. But we got the documentary coming out in June and he executive producing it, so we just gonna push the records back to them.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did he have to choose? Because it felt like. And I'm just listening to Mac and Cheese in a way. It felt like I'm like, did Kanye EP this or is he just on a few records?

[French Montana]

No, I mean, me and Kanye was locked in for, like a month.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[French Montana]

He had. He had rented out the hotel for like a month, and we knocked out a bunch of. Bunch of records. And the sound is. We was doing, like, two different sounds when I was coming in. We was doing the sample vibes and we was doing the, you know, the. That whole, like. You know, him producing and like the whole graduation sound. But then the new sound he got now, it was something that he was working on. So I was like, you know what, bro? I' ma just take these records and I'm just put them on Mac and Cheese five. Because Mac and Cheese five got a certain sound. Even Bryson Taylor, he sent me, like, this. This Afro Beat vibe. I was like, yo, bro, send me that grimy one. He sent me one. So it was just like a certain sound. We was going for Mac and cheese 5.

[Jess Hilarious]

What was it like working. What was it like working with today's version of Kanye, man?

[French Montana]

I mean, when it comes to music, I don't feel like you get too many versions from him. You just get the music. Yeah, I don't feel like you get too many versions from him. I just. I feel like he's. What entertainment is he? I mean, I feel like being so unpredictable is, like. Is entertaining. You know what I'm saying?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Not when that shit cost you billions of dollars.

[French Montana]

Yeah, we spoke about it on the song, too. Yeah, I mean, but, man, he said I lost. He said, I lost eight billions to get the chains off my neck.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Only to try to put him back on. Only to. Only to apologize and say, I'll give y' all 20.

[French Montana]

Like, come on, cut it out, man. I ain't gonna lie. Kanye's on Mac and Cheese 5.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He's on there a few times.

[French Montana]

Joe.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Westside Gun is hard.

[DJ Envy]

That's hard.

[French Montana]

It's very hard.

[DJ Envy]

That's hard.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You also spoke on the Dirty Bronx Record about how New York DJs never used to play your music and you had to go down south to get your recognition. I talked about that.

[DJ Envy]

He said like that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But, yeah, that's exactly what he said.

[French Montana]

Envy, though, that's exactly what he said.

[DJ Envy]

I had to go down there to get Popping Chop him down.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cause y' all wasn't playing his music.

[DJ Envy]

I always supported Freeze.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

If you think about the. The last few people from New York that became big time New York wasn't really supporting them like that in the beginning.

[DJ Envy]

Nah, Nikki.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Not Nikki. Not the ASAP mod.

[DJ Envy]

Asap rocking him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Not you.

[French Montana]

Nah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't even know. Maybe. Maybe Carti. Cause it was a little.

[DJ Envy]

They supported Cardi.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, they supported Cardi.

[French Montana]

They supported Carti. I mean, they supported Cardi after they saw so many artists make it without them. They was like, you know what? We gotta pick a side right now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

50. 50 is another one.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yep.

[French Montana]

Hell yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why is that, Envy? Why don't New York DJs. Why weren't y' all supporting y' all alone?

[DJ Envy]

I supported all of them.

[French Montana]

Yeah. I had like the whole Cocaine City era. Then I had my. My whole Max B era. Then I had. Then I went down south. May chop it down. Then I was like. Like, scorching hot. Then I. Then I was like, you know what? New York ain't. Show me no love. Let me go down south. Then I made. I made shot caller after Max B got locked up because I was so much blackballed. Because everybody turned their back on me. Because Max B was just tearing everybody ass up. Yep. And after he got locked up, he just left me with the black ball. I was just like. So I was just locked in with Harry Fraud and we made shot caller. It was like I got put into a corner. I was like, yo, is it. I'm gonna fight through this with music or I'm just gonna just be like, you know what? You remember that kid used to have mixtapes with Mag? So I was just like, you know, but it took me 10 years. Like, it was like, oh, two. I dropped the first Cocaine City till 09. That's when I got signed.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You think a lot of that's because people didn't take you serious as a rapper because they remember you as the DVD guy.

[French Montana]

At first. Yeah, at first. But. But the DVDs, you know, there was a time where Envy had an artist.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Red Cafe.

[French Montana]

Red Cafe. It was a time with, with Clue Half Fab. It was a time where, where Case Slay had passed. Greenland had Coconut. So nobody was letting nobody rap. So this one guy named Smack came out with the most brilliant idea ever, bringing all the rappers and he was putting Shay Davis on it. Yep. I was like, yo, I know all the drug dealers, I know all the rappers. Let me make Cocaine City dvd. And I'm putting myself in the middle how you put Shay Davis. People didn't know I was the one making Cocaine City dvd. People thought was somebody else making it and they was putting me in it. So by the time the fifth volume came, Akon called to sign me, you know what I'm saying? Because they didn't even know I was the, the DVD guy with this and that. So. But the whole object, the whole time was for me to be a rap star, you know what I'm saying? So I was making the money. We would make cocaine CDVD would make 30, 30, 000 copies, $5 a piece. You're making about quarter million to half a million dollars and promoting myself.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wow.

[French Montana]

People was paying smack $50,000 to get on smack DVD. Every time I was making $300,000 to 500,000 every volume. And I was putting myself on there. By the time the fifth volume came, it was just like. So I was always ahead of myself, like, you know, from, like from the beginning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So by the time, half a million dollars of dvd.

[French Montana]

But you know, you put it right back into it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[French Montana]

I'm saying. So you was always investing, investing for the big picture. So by the time Akon signed me

[Charlamagne Tha God]

that when he gave you the fake watch.

[French Montana]

Oh man. Shout to my brother Akon. The second watch was fake too.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Both of them was fake.

[French Montana]

Damn, I ain't gonna do that. Shout out to a car. But you know, we had a shopping deal. Then after that, the shopping deal didn't work because he had Lady Gaga and this and that. Whatever, whatever. Didn't work. But you know, I appreciate Akon just for the, for the opportunity. Then after that, that's when I got with Max being this and that. But that's but that's what it was.

[DJ Envy]

How's Max doing? Is. Because I know there was rumors that he was coming out last year.

[French Montana]

Yeah. He just put Coming Home on his page. So we all weighing. We are. Yeah, we. We are wearing.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How do you introduce Max B back to this era of hip hop?

[French Montana]

He is this era of hip hop. He is the most. One of the most viral. Max B's. Like the wave guy. Like, nah, that's. He's a silver surfer. He like, remember back then, he was. He was viral off YouTube. We would just sit there and watch YouTube and just go, just go, ham. So it's like, you know, it's the same thing. Just YouTube on. In the app.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I wonder, do you. Do you feel like you. You didn't take the DVD thing to the next level? Because I feel like the next step would have been a website for y'. All.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know what I mean? Yeah. But.

[French Montana]

But I feel like that wasn't my passion. You know what I'm saying? You always follow your passion. If that was my passion to make DVDs, I would have been the biggest DVD biggest blogger biggest. But my passion, when I. The idea, when I first got it, it was for me to rap. You know what I'm saying? So I went through them 10 volumes of me, like sacrificing and, you know, going to meet up with people and having somebody interview them and doing all that. I don't want to do that shit just to put myself in the middle, but I had to sacrifice. I had to give people what they know until they knew me. And once they did that, I was like, okay, cool. Now let's take over this rap thing. I ain't got to call nobody no more. Just make music. All right. That was the passion.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How instrumental was Gucci Mane in your career?

[French Montana]

When I went. When I went down south, you might

[Movie Trailer Announcer]

not be able to drop everything and book a ticket to Italy, but you can go to the theater this Friday for you meet in Tuscany. Wolpacher, the guy who produced Girls Trip, brings us a brand new rom com with all the ingredients of your favorite classics. Heart, huge laughs and sizzling chemistry. All set in the enchanting vineyards of Tuscany. This film is the movie escape we've been waiting for. Starring Halle Bailey and Reggae Jean Page. You meet in Tuscany is the perf for date night or a night out with your girls. Get your rom com on with Universal Pictures. You, me and Tuscany. Directed by Cat Cuero. Only in theaters this Friday. Rated PG13. May be inappropriate for children under 13,

[State Farm Advertiser]

you've been working in the garage with your dad every week, Monday to Sunday, trying to get the old school up and running. Today, after all the hard work, y' all finally finished it. So you have that feeling of accomplishment. You did it. Then your dad throws you the keys and says those three magic words.

[French Montana]

All yours, son.

[State Farm Advertiser]

Yep. That same car belonged to your grandpa and that your dad helped him fix. It's yours. Three generations right there, keeping the tradition alive. But if you ask dad to really keep the tradition going, you need to get insurance. And you already know you need to get State Farm. Because your agent, well, he gets tradition too. His dad was an agent, his grandpa too. So he gets you. Generation to generation. Remember to choose the agents that your family counted on. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[DJ Envy]

What up, everybody? It's DJ Emmy from the Breakfast Club. Now, you know me and my wife, married 24 years and together over 30. And yes, we. We still speak on the phone every day. I mean, the early days, I didn't have a cell phone. I couldn't afford a cell phone. And the cell phones were like the size of a. A man's purse. But anyway, I love speaking to my wife over the phone. People say we talk too much, but that's my best friend. Why shouldn't we be able to talk all the time? All day long? 24, 7. But did you know that 2026 will mark the 150th anniversary of the first ever phone call. It took place March 10, 1876. And that call sparked it all for the first long distance phone lines. The first lines across America, the first line across the Atlantic, the first round the world called, the first commercial cell Service, the first 911 system. AT&T has been connecting people for 150 years in so many different ways. Thank God we have cell phones. I can connect to my moms, my pops, and my whole family. Thank you. AT&T.

[Colgate Advertiser]

Connecting changes everything.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

AT&T.

[Podcast Host]

I'm not even going to lie. For the longest time, I was doing my hair completely wrong. I had to unlearn a lot. I had to stop treating my textured hair like it needed to be tamed or controlled and start understanding what it actually needed. Moisture, nourishment, and products that could really penetrate my strands. That's really what led me to Baskin Lather. What I love is, is that their products are actually made for textured hair. I've been using our stimulating scalp and hair balm, and I noticed right away how nourishing it feels without being heavy or greasy, it actually absorbs into my scalp instead of sitting there. And over time, I've seen less breakage and more strengthening in my hair. And the fact that it's made with 100% natural ingredients and doesn't clog your pores, that matters, especially if your scalp is sensitive like mine. I've also been loving their hydrating hair mist. That's been a go to for keeping my hair soft throughout the week, especially when I have protective styles. My hair's biggest issues have always been dryness and breakage. So seeing my hair feel more hydrated, stronger and actually retaining length. Oh, baby, that's huge for me. I'm so happy to have found Baskin Leather and I want to hook you up. Explore viral bestsellers and products of healthier hair of all types from Baskin lather. Go to baskinlatherco.com and use code breakfast club for 20% off. That's 20% off at baskinlather co.com code breakfast club

[French Montana]

with Deb. I used to see Gucci like once in a while. Like he would pop up to Deb and this and that. But every time I seen him, it was always love. And he, he came to my video shoot. Matter of fact, when I shot Chop it Down, he just showed up to the video shoot and he came and it was a vibe.

[DJ Envy]

I wanted to know when. How's Diddy? Have you spoke to Diddy? How's Diddy doing? Cause I know you and you assigned to Diddy at one time.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, I spoke. I spoke to him in New Year's. I spoke to about the Manua, checked on him. He's doing great, for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You, you embrace a lot of young artists from the Bronx too.

[French Montana]

Like you got, you got shot a

[Charlamagne Tha God]

few of them on this project.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, shot. Shout out to D. Thanks. Out to Kenzosi in the back. They're both from the Bronx. I got, I got 41. They're from Brooklyn.

[DJ Envy]

41?

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah. They on the album 41 Juice.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Jen Carter too.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, Jen Carter. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They're from Brooklyn.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Y what makes you want to embrace the, the young generation like that?

[French Montana]

Man? I always looked at myself like the bridge when it comes to the music game. I felt like I could always tap in with the Kanye's, you know, I'm saying the Jays or whatever it is and still tap back in with it with the pop smokes, the Schmurders, and do this, do this and that. I felt like I was always like the bridge in between, you know. There you go. Talk about the Bronx, right? There they go.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yo, did they search off?

[French Montana]

Come on, grab a seat.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Get them some chairs. Who is that? Who these? Who is this?

[French Montana]

That's D. Oh, okay, okay, okay, okay.

[DJ Envy]

Now, you just signed them recently, right?

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, with 10K.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They signed the 10K. Oh, okay. With Coboy. 10K.

[French Montana]

Coy, 10K, go. How hard is it? The Luca in the back.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How hard is it to break an artist nowadays,

[French Montana]

man? I think. I think the artist has got to want it. You know what I'm saying? I think there's no certain structure, menu to it. I feel like you just can't handle plan B. You just gotta want it. You just gotta go all out for it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's the expectation, though? Like, what do you. Like, what's the expectation for a rapper in 2024?

[French Montana]

I think there is none. There's so many. I think there is none. But there's so many ways. Yeah. I don't feel like you could. With social media. I don't feel like there is none. I feel like, you know, I mean, you just gotta. You just gotta have that character.

[DJ Envy]

You know, you have those big brother conversations, though. Like, you know the. Cause I know whether it's recording and spending or being on time and all the stuff that you fucked up with. Do you have those big brother conversations? Like, let me. Yeah, let me walk you down.

[French Montana]

Yeah, he know I saw him in the studio. I'm like, yo, bro, there's no other place you should be at outside of this studio like that. That room right there, them four walls, that's your bank. That's your vote. Anywhere out of that room, you're no good to nobody. You know what I'm saying? He just came home from jail. So, like, you out of. Out of that room, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Good.

[French Montana]

Because, you know, liable to get in trouble. Liable to get caught up with the wrong things. You're liable to be around the wrong things. So I just feel like that room right there. You know what I mean? Like, you just gotta make as much music as you can, because you never know. You never know when you gonna make that one record that's gonna change your life forever.

[DJ Envy]

And how do you deal with artists now? Cause you seen everything. I mean, you done seen shootouts, you done seen death. You didn't seen so much. Cause if you've been there. Yeah, but you also do know part of your music is being there.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

And being able to write that and rap that and all that, you know?

[French Montana]

No, I'm saying you Gonna do that. But sometimes you get caught up too much in that, you know what I'm saying? Especially if you come home from jail, you wanna live the life, you wanna do this, do that. I mean, it's just when. When things happen to people, they never expected to happen. That's why it happened.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

When things happen to people, you never expected it to happen. That's why it happened.

[French Montana]

Mm. Chinks would have never went into that hookah spot 4am in the morning? Yeah, in the morning, by himself if he. You know what I'm saying? No, he has security.

[DJ Envy]

He has security?

[French Montana]

Yeah, he has security with him and everything.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, he got shot. It was in the car.

[French Montana]

So.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean.

[French Montana]

Yeah, he got shot six times in the car. He has. He had security with him and everything. It was four in the morning, leaving a hookah spot, going. Chasing the joint on the side of a road. It's like, you know what I mean? Like, he didn't expect that to happen. That's what I'm saying. Like, you know, so.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So with stuff, when you think about all of the violence that you seen. Were you afraid to sign Drill rappers?

[French Montana]

Hell, no. We was Drill before the Drill. We was the original Drill. Grab a chair. Where the chairs at?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Come get a chair for a D thing.

[French Montana]

Yeah, bro.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Because everybody was saying, like, there was a period. It felt like labels were about to back up.

[French Montana]

We were Drill Music before Drill Music. Me and Max B, we had beef with the whole New York.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So. So you don't think Drill is a sound? It's just a.

[French Montana]

It's a lifestyle, Chicago energy. Yeah, Chicago is like that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So what. What is Drill D thing? What is Drill right now?

[D Thang]

Yeah, go ahead, Al. Drill is like, anybody do it? Like, you could just come from college and just had a whole good life and just Drill rap now. Like, n. Just do that now. Wasn't like that for me. When I was come filming, we had to really do shit. Like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But that's the problem, though. You know what I'm saying? Like, a lot of rap, like, you saw fat Joe say 95% of his lyrics were lies. Not this new generation.

[French Montana]

Nah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right.

[French Montana]

He started drilling the Bronx.

[D Thang]

You can't lie. That's bad. But you can't lie. I really live. I really was rapping. What I really lived.

[DJ Envy]

Do you seem like, you gotta feel like, you know what? I gotta get out the Bronx' cause the Bronx is crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The craziest people in America come from the Bronx and all of Florida is whack.

[D Thang]

I'm different now. Though to get up, go anywhere I want now I don't got to stay here.

[French Montana]

So it's different now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Kimo, what is the drill to you?

[DJ Envy]

To the mic, to the mic, to the mic.

[Kimo]

I feel like like French, that it's a lifestyle thing. Like cuz, like I feel like you connect with people through music based off of like. Like the vibes that they give you in like the field that they music give you. So like if somebody, like you said, if somebody cat rapping and it's like, you know, this person is in college and they're doing drill rap, it's not really going to stick as much as, you know, like French come out here talking about him growing up through the struggle and like it's gonna be more relatable rappers wise. I feel like, like he said.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That he's really.

[D Thang]

I don't know about that, but I feel about.

[Podcast Host]

I feel like.

[Kimo]

Like it's like a lifestyle thing is like what you talk about and like what type of vibe and energy your song or music has is what gives it the drill.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you feel like people have to live their lyrics though? Because I want y' all to lie. I don't want you.

[Kimo]

I feel like. I feel like yes, you have and no, because your music has to be relatable to stuff to people who.

[D Thang]

Because a nigga like me is not going to jack it. Now if I know you did not do nothing before the. The whole world. You got the whole world hype.

[Kimo]

Now you're thinking about it in like a. Like a doing way. But like on some like how you said fresh could be capping about rappers wives, but that's some relatable somebody out there, a rapper wife like, you feel me?

[D Thang]

So you rap about another lifestyle?

[Kimo]

No.

[D Thang]

So just rap about another lifestyle.

[Podcast Host]

No, I'm just saying I never do that.

[Jess Hilarious]

It's the perfect balance to have with she. You call him best friend. Yeah. That's a good balance to have her with you though, because I understand like the street part of it. You know what I mean? But you, you don't only want to appeal to the street. You know what I mean? It's people that look up, that will look up to you and that looks. Looks up to you that is not gonna be in the street and still feel like they can do what you do. But not in the street though, because everybody ain't got the heart you have. You know what I mean? And so she's a great balance to which I would. So what you just said, you don't. You don't feel like that.

[Kimo]

Don't be.

[Jess Hilarious]

You don't feel like that.

[D Thang]

I do. A little bit.

[Jess Hilarious]

I do.

[D Thang]

Okay, I understand. I understand.

[Jess Hilarious]

Cause you a star. Like, it's bigger than the streets now.

[D Thang]

I understand.

[DJ Envy]

But you feel like you've been through it, so you.

[Jess Hilarious]

You.

[DJ Envy]

You only respect what people have been through.

[D Thang]

Yeah, that. Feel me. So I don't even care about that. I'm trying to change my life, too, but I don't care about none of that.

[Jess Hilarious]

Period.

[D Thang]

Drill. None of that no more, bro. Just being me.

[Jess Hilarious]

Got you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And for instance, the og, you gotta tell them, like, when you see hip hop under attack the way that it is, you see people getting, you know, lyrics brought up in court. Like, you don't, you know, you don't want to be confessing the things on records.

[D Thang]

That's a fact. I had to learn.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah, they got. They got here with the Rico, too. What?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, that's why you did the three?

[D Thang]

Yeah, that's the reason I stood longer. I was about to come home, bro.

[French Montana]

They went. They went through what thug? And I'm going through at an early age. He got a crazy story because he's got a story even with the group that he was with. His man took the gun charge for him. And, like, they got, like. They went through, like, what Big and D Rock went through, like, at an early age. And, like, they already got, like, a whole documentary. And he's not even, like, 25 games. He's not even in the middle his early 20s, like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, well, that's good. You learned that lesson already, though. That's beautiful.

[DJ Envy]

So. So what's next for y'?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All?

[DJ Envy]

What's next? What's next for the artist? Because I know usually you do compilation and you, you coke boycott.

[French Montana]

Yeah, we're gonna do Code Boy seven. He got. He just dropped, like, two singles.

[D Thang]

I might do a video today, too.

[French Montana]

Yes. Yeah.

[Jess Hilarious]

Nice.

[French Montana]

Nah, he's. Nah, he moving like he came to my crib. Love it. Yeah. Came to my crib in la. I go to sleep, I wake up eight in the morning, I hear all this noise. I'm like, yo, what's happening? Like, y'.

[D Thang]

All.

[French Montana]

Y' all just called. The camera guy was shooting the video. I know y' all know it's 8 in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

French is still one of those guys that caught me at 6 o' clock in the morning about records and your records and your records. Every. Every couple of weeks, three weeks, four weeks, French is gonna hit me. And he always say, did your number change? I'm like, no, my number didn't change. Yeah, French is on it, man.

[Jess Hilarious]

How old are you? 18. 18, 19.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, y' all babies.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yes, they doing it, but they doing it.

[D Thang]

Were you shooting your video at Angle lie? This song right here is like, had to bring them back, like, to the old me a little bit. Cuz the way I've been rapping a little bit, I've been trying to change it up. And people want some. Like, now we need the OD thing back. Like, I. Like, we don't know if he still got it. Like, we don't know if he's the same. Like, he changed. So I just hit him. Just go crazy one more time to go some freestyles. I went crazy on that song. No, they going jack that. Like, naive. Really back. We'll do that. Like, on the block. Okay. Everybody come outside. Dude on the block make everybody wear all black dickies.

[French Montana]

I think they say that by everybody, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[French Montana]

Like, yo, you don't sound like the last record.

[D Thang]

It's always not even the last record. Like, before I went to jail, he now not demon time no more like, nah, he dropped changed, bro.

[Kimo]

I didn't go anywhere.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah, you evolve with or then you

[Kimo]

try to give them a new sign. They're like, oh, no. Your core fans, like, they.

[D Thang]

We went to old you back gangster, bro. I'm like, all right, I'm going give it to them. They can't say nothing after this one. Yeah, after this one, they going to say like, n he.

[Kimo]

But then, look, if you going to drop a couple of songs in and they going to be like, we want the OD thing back.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The one that you just gave him two months ago.

[Kimo]

It's only two months later. I'm trying to, like, if. Evolve and elevate and.

[Jess Hilarious]

Well, keep doing that.

[French Montana]

Keep doing it.

[Jess Hilarious]

Because that's how you grow your audience. You grow bigger, you. You appeal to other girls and other guys. You know what I'm saying? Like, it. Don't be scared to. To, like, try different stuff.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, that's how you've had longevity, right, friends?

[French Montana]

Yeah. Hell yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Consistent.

[French Montana]

Hell yeah.

[Kimo]

We say that about friend. French sound good on any verse. He could be on a reggae song, a Spanish song, a drill song, Afro song.

[French Montana]

Put me in the box Put me in the box. I took. I took my first chance with Unforgettable. That's my biggest record. Well, let's get it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That was a risk. You thought that was a chance. That sounds like before anybody when you hear it, it's like an undeniable Hit before anybody doing it.

[French Montana]

People. People from the streets wasn't doing Afro, bro. Like, what? I played it with some people. They was like, you better not put that out. It was like, think about that was before that.

[DJ Envy]

Afro Wave.

[French Montana]

Yeah. I was like, what year was that, bro? I was like the first person to do it. That's why. That's why it's the biggest Afro record to ever come out. Like. And it's. And it's the most stream record to ever come out of New York.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[French Montana]

Out of Jay Z, out of Nas, out of Nikki, out of Cardi. Nobody. Nobody record stream more than Unforgettable. That's crazy because I took a chance with it with a sound that's right.

[Jess Hilarious]

Is that why you shot it over in Africa?

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah. Shot in Africa because it was just like, you know, like, take it back to that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Tell them what you said, Jess.

[Jess Hilarious]

I said, shoot a lot of his videos. Africa, Y' all ain't scared?

[French Montana]

Yeah, stand up for us, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why you always shooting videos in Africa? All right, that's what's up.

[Jess Hilarious]

I said, I'mma ask.

[French Montana]

Skipped me. But yeah, I like it.

[Jess Hilarious]

I love to see it. You know, you shine a light on them, you shine a light on the artist. You know, it's a whole package deal. I just wanted to know why.

[D Thang]

Different one I got.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I got.

[French Montana]

He got a record with the veto coming out. He got Drill, Afro, Afro. Putting that together. Hell yeah.

[Jess Hilarious]

There you go.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But they still got you under the microscope though, friends. Because didn't they. Didn't they search your. Your pj?

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Columbia.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah. Hell yeah. I mean, but there it was like, you know, the whole. The whole coke boy thing.

[DJ Envy]

They probably googled the name.

[French Montana]

Yeah. Like, you know, and it was in Cali. I was like the capital. Cocaine.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So they didn't have no reason. They just.

[French Montana]

No, they have no reason.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you couldn't do nothing.

[French Montana]

Nothing about it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

God damn.

[French Montana]

I just see the dogs walking up and I'm like, yo, what's going on?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You thought it was funny.

[French Montana]

Yeah. Cuz I ain't have nothing in there. That's when you laugh. Hell yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Let's get into a record. Off the hour.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Two more questions. Made in the usa. You talk about, you know, just your appreciation for achieving success in America. What. What does that mean for you, man?

[French Montana]

I mean, being born in Africa, coming here 13, not knowing English is a different hustle than if you born in. Born here and used to the life. I felt like Made in USA is like. It's like an Immigrant story. It's just coming here with your family and there's like, you know, your mother watching your mother struggle and just. And just try to adapt and, like, adapt to the culture shock and just coming here, especially learning English, not knowing English, but not. Also just not that. Trying to do the. The worst job you can do, which is rap. So you pick the hardest job, you know what I'm saying? You come right to the Mecca of hip hop, you know what I'm saying? When. When it was hard to make it, you know what I'm saying? When you had Big Pun down the street and you had, like, you know, so I feel like Made in USA is kind of like. That was like one of them stories. Like, then hustling. I'm talking about hustling on there, like, literally getting. Getting. Getting crack from my cousin and telling him my mother stole it. And I mean, my mother seen it, started crying just so I could sell it and buy my own work and start selling work. And it was just like. Just like, doing little. Little things, like coming up and just like, you know, we learned from. You know. Man, shout out to Luke out here back there. He been from my block for, like, 20 years, so he's seen the struggle. So making it in usa, you know, it's just. It's just. It's just. It's just something that I'm proud of

[Charlamagne Tha God]

you also, you know, they don't give you enough credit for the community. Like, we say anything.

[D Thang]

I said, now they body that 20 years later, look what they doing. That's crazy, bro.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you don't get enough credit for the community service you do. I mean, just around the world.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You donated 500 canoes.

[French Montana]

Yeah. To Mokoko. It's crazy. It's like the city is under the waters, is like, I never been nowhere. It's like that. It's like you take. You take a canoe from, like, the bridge side and it. And you, like, you stay on the canoe for like a half an hour, then you just approach this city that's all underwater. Like, n. It's crazy. Like, yeah, like, half of the. Half of the cribs under the water, then like, only, like, the two floors up, and people just. Nah, the living was crazy when I went there. No, I'm. It's like. I think, like 300,000 people. I don't know. I don't know how it got like that, but it's one of them wonders of the world.

[Jess Hilarious]

Oh, she said, was it a flood or something?

[French Montana]

I'm Trying to say, yeah, I don't know. I don't know the history, but it was just a blessing to see that. Blessing to see that I could help. The same thing with Uganda. We went and opened up a hospital over there. Same thing with Morocco. We went.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, Quick relief one.

[French Montana]

Yeah. For that, for Morocco. Same thing for the Bronx Open up school program. I mean, whenever we get a chance to give, we always going to give back.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Was it true that you said that J. Cole was supposed to executive produce my first album?

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah. J. Cole heard my first album in. In Miami. We was all in Trina House, and I was playing it for him, and he was like, yo, bro, let me executive produce it. Then we was on tour with Club paradise, tour with Drake. So we all just jumped on tour. But honestly, part of me was like, yo, I'm gonna let him just put his name on it. But if I'm gonna do an album with J. Cole, I'm gonna want J. Cole to do it with me from the beginning so I could benefit from the J. Cole experience. You know, I'm saying I come to him with an album already done. Like, yo, just slap your name on it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who you think you have better chemistry with, Cole or Drake? I feel like Drake for something.

[French Montana]

Yeah, yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Y' all like Sniper 1 and 2. Y' all go back and forth.

[French Montana]

Nah, Drake. Yeah, Drake. Now Drake, my twin man. That's. That's my bro. Me and him definitely got better. Better chemistry just. Just because, you know, when Drake first came and people didn't really know who he was, he came in, you know, the New York and this and that, and we met up and. And we met up, like, again in Miami when I was doing Ross album. And we did stay scheming. And Drake first heard it when Ross played it for him, and he was like, yo, I heard the whole album. I want to do this joint. You know, I'm saying. And. And just like, we're building out from pop that to, you know, the whole thing. I felt like. Like it was. It was more natural.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's crazy. That's two of Drake's best verses.

[French Montana]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[French Montana]

Not definitely. It was. It was. It was moments, and I'm saying it was moments. That was crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who smashed more Kardashians? You and Drake.

[DJ Envy]

Jesus Christ.

[D Thang]

Okay,

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What you want to get into?

[DJ Envy]

What song you want here?

[French Montana]

I mean, since we got drill in the building, let's go to that 41 song.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right.

[DJ Envy]

Well, we appreciate you for joining us, man.

[French Montana]

Thank you for having me.

[DJ Envy]

Ladies and gentlemen, Mac and cheese 5. Make sure you get it. It's out today.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Salute to D things OB Yep.

[French Montana]

And it's the real for real New York in the building.

[State Farm Advertiser]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club.

[Colgate Advertiser]

This message is brought to you by Colegard. If you recorded songs off the radio for a mixtape, it might be time to screen for colon cancer. The Cologuard test is non invasive, requires no special prep or time off, and you start screening right from your home. It's just three simple setup, sample and ship. If you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your doctor about the Cologuard test. Available by prescription only. Learn more or request a [e-mail] podcast wait. Everything on this IHOP value menu is just 6 bucks?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I told you it was amazing. A huge plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs is just six bucks.

[DJ Envy]

Wow.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

There's also French toast, a ham and cheese omelette, and oh, they got a BLT and fries now.

[Colgate Advertiser]

Okay, we're coming here every day.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You don't have to tell me twice.

[Colgate Advertiser]

Feast for just six bucks with the IHOP Value Menu, seven dollars in some locations. Available every day for a limited time at participating restaurants in the U.S. hours may vary. No substitutions. Not valid. With other discounts or promotions, prices may vary. When I competed in track and field at the collegiate level, there were times I second guessed myself. That's why it's important for female athletes to have a space to build confidence and self esteem. Colgate supports female athletes of all levels through the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. By supporting female athletes, Colgate hopes to put more smiles out into the world. Colgate, your smile is your strength. By the time I hit my 50s, I'd learned a few things, like how family is precious, work can always wait, and 99% of people over 50 already have the virus that causes shingles. Not everyone at risk will develop it, but I did. The painful blistering rash disrupted my life for weeks. Don't learn about your shingles risk the hard way. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today. Sponsored by GSK, this is an iHeart podcast.

[Podcast Host]

Guaranteed Human.