In this article, here is the full details of French Montana about wiki, biography, date of birth, birthplace, zodiac sign, nationality, hometown, age, height, weight, father, mother, family, girlfriend, wife, relationship status, children, profession, education, career, net worth, facts, Wikipedia, and many more.
Full Name: Karim Kharbouch
Date of Birth: November 9, 1984
Place of Birth: Casablanca, Morocco
Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Genres: Hip hop
Known For: Hits like “Unforgettable,” “Pop That,” and albums such as Excuse My French and Jungle Rules
Early Life and Background
Karim Kharbouch, better known by his stage name French Montana, was born on November 9, 1984, in Casablanca, Morocco. He spent the first 13 years of his life in Morocco, where he was immersed in the rich culture of his homeland. French grew up speaking Arabic and French, the two primary languages spoken in his household. His childhood was influenced by a love of music, particularly the sounds of Moroccan and African rhythms, but he also developed a strong affinity for American hip-hop, listening to artists like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
At the age of 13, French’s life took a significant turn when his family immigrated to the South Bronx in New York City in search of better opportunities. It was a difficult transition, as he and his family struggled with language barriers and financial hardships. Shortly after their move to the U.S., French’s father left the family to return to Morocco, leaving French, his mother, and younger brother to fend for themselves. His mother worked multiple jobs to support them, and French began hustling on the streets to make ends meet.
Early Music Career and Cocaine City DVDs
Despite the tough circumstances, French Montana found solace and inspiration in hip-hop, which dominated the streets of New York. His journey into the music industry began in the early 2000s, when he started out as a battle rapper. However, it wasn’t rapping that initially made French Montana a known name—it was his entrepreneurial spirit and hustle. He began producing and distributing a series of street DVDs under the title Cocaine City. These DVDs were a blend of underground rap performances, exclusive interviews, and street culture, and they helped build his reputation in New York’s hip-hop scene.
The Cocaine City DVDs featured appearances from various established rappers, which increased French’s visibility. The series also served as a platform for him to release his own music and allowed him to establish connections with key players in the hip-hop industry.
Breakthrough with Mixtapes
After building his street credibility through the DVD series, French Montana transitioned into releasing music full-time. His breakthrough came in 2007 with his debut mixtape French Revolution, which featured collaborations with established artists like Jae Millz and Uncle Murda. French’s gritty sound, infused with his North African roots and New York’s street rap style, made him stand out.
Over the next few years, French continued to release a series of successful mixtapes, including The Laundry Man (2009) and Mac Wit Da Cheese (2009). However, it was his collaboration with fellow Bronx rapper Max B that significantly boosted his career. Together, they released several projects, and their chemistry resonated with fans who appreciated their melodic, wavy sound.
In 2010, French Montana’s mixtape Coke Wave and Coke Boys gained massive popularity in the underground scene. These mixtapes solidified French’s status as a rising star, and his “Coke Boys” crew, which included rappers like Chinx Drugz, became a recognizable name in the hip-hop world.
Major Label Signing and Excuse My French (2013)
In 2011, after years of grinding in the mixtape circuit, French Montana caught the attention of several major record labels. He eventually signed a joint deal with Bad Boy Records (headed by Sean “Diddy” Combs) and Maybach Music Group (run by Rick Ross), while also maintaining a deal with Interscope Records. This partnership allowed French to take his career to the next level.
In 2013, French released his debut studio album Excuse My French, which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and received generally positive reviews. The album featured hit singles like “Pop That” (featuring Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne) and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’,” both of which became club anthems and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of Excuse My French established French Montana as a mainstream hip-hop artist, with his catchy hooks and club-ready beats making him a favorite for collaborations.
Jungle Rules and Global Success with “Unforgettable” (2017)
French Montana’s biggest breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of his second studio album, Jungle Rules. The album featured the global smash hit “Unforgettable” (featuring Swae Lee), which became one of the most successful singles of French’s career. The infectious, dancehall-inspired track peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-platinum in several countries.
“Unforgettable” became a worldwide phenomenon, helping French Montana cross over into the international music scene. The song’s success was accompanied by a heartfelt music video filmed in Uganda, showcasing French’s love for African culture and shining a light on the local dance scene.
With Jungle Rules and “Unforgettable,” French Montana solidified his status as a global star, proving that he could create hits that transcended borders and languages. The album also featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Pharrell Williams, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott.
Personal Life and Humanitarian Efforts
Outside of music, French Montana is known for his philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. He has consistently worked to give back to his home country of Morocco, as well as to communities in need across the U.S. and Africa. In 2017, he helped raise funds for maternal healthcare in Uganda through a partnership with the Mama Hope organization. His efforts led to the development of the Suubi Health Center, which provides essential services to mothers and children in need.
French has also spoken about his experiences as an immigrant and has advocated for the rights of immigrants and refugees. His upbringing, split between Morocco and the U.S., has played a significant role in shaping his identity and his approach to life and music.
Later Projects and Ongoing Success
After the success of Jungle Rules, French Montana continued to release music and collaborate with major artists. In 2019, he dropped his third studio album, Montana, which included the single “No Stylist” featuring Drake, another hit that dominated the charts.
Despite facing health issues and personal challenges, French Montana has remained a prominent figure in the hip-hop world. His distinctive voice, ability to create club anthems, and talent for blending international sounds with American hip-hop have kept him relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Conclusion
French Montana’s journey from the streets of Casablanca to the global stage is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. With hit singles like “Unforgettable” and albums that have topped the charts, he has firmly established himself as a major player in the world of hip-hop. Beyond music, his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for immigrant rights show a deeper side of French, one that reflects his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.
Today, French Montana remains one of the most versatile and influential artists in hip-hop, known for his ability to blend cultures and sounds while staying true to his roots. His success story serves as an inspiration to many, especially those who come from immigrant backgrounds and strive to make it in the entertainment industry.
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