For years, hip hop critics have been waiting for someone new to emerge from New York City. Each new rapper to come out, from New York, has been hailed as the next big thing. While these rappers enjoyed their limited runs in the spotlight, French Montana has been steadily building. Here, in the final stages of 2011, French Montana has risen in popularity, becoming well-known online.
During the summer, French Montana released his “Shot Caller” single, which became popular within his hometown and generated buzz on the internet. However, the “Shot Caller (remix),” which features Diddy and T.I., served as the breakout single for French Montana. Through these collaborations, relationships have been built.
Rick Ross, who has been rapidly expanding the roster of his Maybach Music label, flew French Montana down to Miami to talk business. Diddy, who is Ross’ manager, has also been speaking with French Montana and is interested in adding him to the Bad Boy roster. French Montana is actually managed by Waka Flocka Flame’s mother and has done several collaborations with Southern artists.
Those who have watched French Montana grow say his success has come from his willingness to collaborate with artists outside of the hip hop scene in New York. As French Montana continues to gain more publicity, more labels have been reaching out to him. The most-recent label who spoke with French Montana was G.O.O.D. Music. Now, with their deal with Def Jam, Kanye West is looking to also expand his roster. Rumors stated French Montana had signed with the label, which he has denied.
French Montana said he is still unsigned and is currently focusing on his own label, Cocaine City Records, and his music. While he is not trying to get signed in a hurry, French Montana did shout out Jay-Z, Kanye West, Diddy, Def Jam, and Interscope Records for their interest in him. Discussing his label situation, or lack of one, French Montana said he is only looking for a label home to house his music and his movement.
