The Breakfast Club Best of full interview: French Montana Talks 'Mac & Cheese 5,' Bridging The Gap For New Artists, Pop Smoke's Death & More
Apr 6, 2026
French Montana, Moroccan-born American rapper and music executive, chats about returning to mixtape energy with Mac & Cheese 5 and confronting critics head-on. He talks business moves, protecting his catalog and wealth, mentoring rising Bronx artists, collaborations with Drake and Kanye, and his immigrant hustle and philanthropy across Africa.
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Purposeful Return To Mixtape Vibes
- French intentionally returned to mixtape energy to revive a lost vibe in hip-hop.
- He made Mac & Cheese 5 to lead a mixtape wave after years of albums and to confront critics up front with the intro Dirty Bronx.
Quitting Substances To Protect Wealth
- French described quitting drinking and drugs to focus on business and protect wealth creation.
- He said substances attracted negative people and cost him money, so he stopped to avoid leaving 'bags on the table.'
Missing Pop Smoke The Night He Died
- French recounted being supposed to meet Pop Smoke the night he was killed and noted Pop posted his party address and had no security.
- He used the story to highlight how visibility and lack of protection made Pop vulnerable in LA.