Ah, French Montana. The name itself conjures up images of a certain era of hip-hop: plush mink coats, luxury cars, an endless stream of ad-libs that burrowed their way into your brain whether you liked it or not. For a good chunk of the 2010s, Karim Kharbouch, better known as French Montana, was a fixture. From mixtape king to chart-topping hitmaker, he seemed omnipresent. But as the hip-hop landscape continually morphs at warp speed, a question quietly bubbles up: is French Montana still relevant in today's wild, often unpredictable modern era? Or has he gracefully, or not so gracefully, slid into the annals of "where are they now?"? To really unpack this, we’ve got to rewind a bit. French’s come-up wasn't overnight, but when it hit, it hit hard. He carved out his niche in the mixtape circuit, dropping street bangers that resonated with a raw authenticity. Then came the big league jump. Signing with Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records and Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group, he truly exploded. Tracks like "Pop That" became an undeniable anthem, its infectious beat and roll call of features (Rick Ross, Drake, Lil Wayne) making it a club staple. He had a knack for bringing together big names, a superpower that would serve him well throughout his career. His laid-back, almost laconic flow, punctuated by those iconic "Haaaanh!" ad-libs, became his signature. He wasn't the fastest rapper, nor the most lyrical acrobat, but he had a vibe, an undeniable swagger that just worked. He was cool, effortlessly so, and for a while, he seemed to have the golden touch, turning street cred into mainstream gold. Fast forward a few years, and the game looks wildly different. The sonic palette of hip-hop has diversified exponentially. Mumble rap rose and evolved, drill music burrowed deep into mainstream consciousness, and TikTok became an unlikely kingmaker, elevating snippets of songs to global phenomena. Artists were no longer just dropping albums; they were building entire digital empires, engaging directly with fans in unprecedented ways. In this constantly shifting tectonic plate of sound and strategy, where does a veteran like French Montana fit? Is his particular brand of street-hardened, luxury-tinged rap still connecting with the Gen Z crowd who might be more attuned to hyper-pop influences or drill beats? Here’s where it gets interesting, and perhaps a bit more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no." While French Montana might not be dominating the Billboard Hot 100 with solo singles every other month, to declare him irrelevant would be a massive oversight. For starters, let's talk about his feature game. The man is still a go-to for artists looking to add a touch of street authenticity, a laid-back cool, or just a seasoned voice to their tracks. He's got that undeniable ability to slot into almost any production and deliver a verse that sounds distinctively him, without overshadowing the main artist. That's a skill many lack, and it keeps him firmly in the mix, appearing on albums and singles from artists across the spectrum. Then there's the international appeal. Let's not forget "Unforgettable" featuring Swae Lee. That track wasn't just a hit; it was a global phenomenon. It showcased his ability to tap into a broader, more melodic sound, integrating Afrobeats influences long before many of his peers were. It proved he could still craft a truly massive, culturally impactful record, reaching audiences far beyond the traditional hip-hop spheres. That kind of global reach isn't easily achieved or maintained, and it speaks volumes about his enduring appeal and his ear for what resonates universally. Moreover, French Montana is still consistently dropping music. He's not resting on his laurels, content with a "greatest hits" tour. Albums like "Montega" (with Harry Fraud) and "They Got Amnesia" show a commitment to his craft, even if they don't always generate the same deafening buzz as his earlier works. He’s found a comfortable rhythm, releasing projects that satisfy his core fanbase while occasionally spinning off a track that catches wider attention. In an industry where artists often flame out after a couple of years, French’s longevity is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. So, what does "relevance" even mean in 2024? Is it only about topping charts and setting new streaming records? Or does it encompass influence, longevity, and the ability to continue making a living and a statement in a brutal industry? If we define relevance as being a constant, respected presence; someone who can still command a crowd, drop a verse that makes you nod your head, and occasionally surprise you with a massive hit, then French Montana is absolutely still relevant. He might not be dictating the next big trend, but he's certainly not faded into obscurity. He's a veteran who still has gas in the tank, a vast catalog of undeniable bangers, and a network that keeps him plugged into the very heart of the culture. He's not chasing the new waves; he's riding his own, steady and true. And in an industry that chews up and spits out talent faster than you can say "Haaaanh!", that's more than relevant—that's legendary.
