By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
This is the guy everybody has been waiting for and French Montana did not make the people wait any longer. Restoring New York hip hop to prominence, French Montana released his debut album on Tuesday, May 21. Excuse My French came as the first album release under the Coke Boys and Bad Boy Records.
It all started for French Montana when “Shot Caller” rose from being a mixtape single to a national anthem. From there, the label deals were offered, Bad Boy Records was chosen, and the album finally was scheduled. Last summer, French Montana also released the hit singles, “Pop That” and “Marble Floors” before dropping “Freaks” this past spring.
French Montana put out one of the hottest albums of the year, thus far. Never boasting about his lyrical prowess, French Montana held his own with such names as Lil Wayne, Ace Hood, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Rick Ross, Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Scarface, and Machine Gun Kelly. Once and for all, French Montana proved he was no slouch.
What French Montana is, however, is a consistent hitmaker. It has been a long time since New York City could count on somebody to both deliver hit singles and solid albums. French Montana is doing both and making it look easy, while not forgetting where he came from, including Max B on the record. Keeping the R&B balance, French Montana also had records with Jeremih, The Weeknd, and Ne-Yo.
Rapping over beats from Young Chop, Rico Love, Jahlil Beats, Reefa, Cardiak, and more, French Montana proved he could handle almost any beat and still make a decent song. All of this led to French Montana putting out an exceptional album that has definitely become the summer soundtrack, replacing the earlier music that came out. Whether or not Excuse My French can stand the test of time remains to be seen, but in the here and now, the project is indeed a classic.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 8/10
