Remember when French Montana confidently declared he could go head-to-head with Kendrick Lamar in a Verzuz battle? While it sounded bold at the time, his recent performance against Rick Ross in the popular music battle series suggests that his confidence might have had more merit than initially thought, especially when viewed through the unique lens of Verzuz mechanics.
French Montana’s Unique Appeal
French Montana has carved out a unique space in hip-hop, often characterized by his ability to tap into trends and create anthems perfect for specific environments – think gym speakers, party playlists, or group sing-alongs. His music resonates deeply with a particular audience and era, making him a nostalgic figure for many.
While his solo artistic output might sometimes be overshadowed by his collaborations and knack for features, French has a proven track record of delivering memorable moments. Tracks like “Lockjaw” (with Kodak Black) and “Unforgettable” (with Swae Lee) highlight how collaborations have often amplified his reach and success.
The Verzuz Showdown with Rick Ross
Entering the Verzuz battle against Rick Ross, a formidable opponent with a deep catalog, French Montana’s earlier claim about Kendrick Lamar was put to the test. While Kendrick and French operate in different musical spheres, French’s argument was that his collection of anthems could stand tall against hip-hop giants.
Against Ross, who had previously bested 2 Chainz in a Verzuz, French’s catalog proved surprisingly robust. Although the battle felt collaborative at times, with many shared musical touches, French ultimately emerged victorious. A significant portion of his strongest moments came from collaborations and remixes, such as Ferg’s “Work,” Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N****a,” and his own hits like “Lockjaw” and “Unforgettable.”
Strengths in Hooks and Moments
The author notes that while Rick Ross often delivers complete, structurally sound songs and impactful solo verses, French Montana’s strength lies in his hooks and creating undeniable “moments.” Even a brief 30-second French Montana feature can pack a punch, sometimes more so than a fully developed solo track.
The Verzuz stage provided the perfect platform to showcase these strengths, emphasizing the importance of sequencing and presentation. The battle highlighted that French Montana’s catalog, while perhaps different in structure from Ross’s or Lamar’s, carries significant weight for his dedicated audience and represents a specific, influential era in hip-hop.
Do you agree that French Montana’s catalog has more weight than people give it credit for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
