Karim Kharbouch (born November 9, 1984), better known by his stage name French Montana, is an American hip hop recording artist. Born in Morocco, he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13 years old. He is the founder of Coke Boys Records, and its predecessor Cocaine City Records. In 2012, he signed a joint-venture recording deal with Bad Boy Records and Maybach Music Group. Montana has been known for his frequent collaborations with record producer Harry Fraud and rapper Max B before his conviction. More recently he is known for his collaborations with Rick Ross, Diddy and his MMG and Bad Boy labelmates along with his Coke Boys which include the late Chinx, Lil Durk, and his brother Zack.French made his mixtape debut in 2007, and released his debut studio album Excuse My French on May 21, 2013. In 2003, he survived a gunshot to the head. Allegedly blackballed by radio and media in his earlier career stemming from his stint with Max B. In 2010, he had his breakthrough with "Choppa Choppa Down" which became a regional hit in clubs and radio throughout the South. By 2012, his single "Shot Caller" would be one of the most added tracks on urban contemporary radio in the country.
South Bronx, New York, U.S.
French Montana
Karim Kharbouch
Vocals
solo_singer
French Montana performing at the 2014 MAMAs
Rapper, singer, songwriter
Karim Kharbouch (born November 9, 1984), better known by his stage name French Montana, is an American hip hop recording artist. Born in Morocco, he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13 years old. He is the founder of Coke Boys Records, and its predecessor Cocaine City Records. In 2012, he signed a joint-venture recording deal with Bad Boy Records and Maybach Music Group.