French Montana

French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch on November 9, 1984, in Casablanca, Morocco, is a Moroccan-American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He moved to the United States at 13, settling in the South Bronx, New York City, where he adapted to his new life and immersed himself in hip-hop culture, despite initially speaking only French and Arabic.

Starting his music career in the early 2000s under the name Young French, he gained recognition through a series of mixtapes. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own label, Coke Boys Records, as well as its predecessor, Cocaine City Records, positioning himself as an independent artist early on.

French Montana’s mainstream breakthrough came with his debut studio album, Excuse My French (2013), which featured high-profile collaborations with artists like Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and solidified his place in the hip-hop scene.

In 2017, French achieved international success with his hit single “Unforgettable,” featuring Swae Lee. The track reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral sensation, largely due to its popular dance challenge. The music video, filmed in Uganda, also showcased his philanthropic efforts, including supporting local health initiatives.

Throughout his career, French Montana has earned numerous accolades, including a BET Award for Best New Artist. With his distinctive blend of hip-hop and entrepreneurial drive, he continues to shape the landscape of modern rap.