New York’s 2012 Rising Star: French Montana Talks Being Featured On “Stop Schemin,” Diddy, Akon, His Debut LP & More

New York’s rapper French Montana already created a buzz for himself before inking a deal with Diddy’s Bad Boy label, last December. Montana is one of Hip-Hop’s “2012 Rising Stars.” Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rick Ross were also interested in signing this Bronx native. Montana was heavy on the mixtapes/DVD circuit in NYC. He even released his own DVD’s, entitled Cocaine City, which sold almost one-million copies. The BoomBox caught up with Montana to discuss him being featured on Rick Ross and Drake’s “Stop Schemin,” his take on the Common vs. Drake battle, “Shot Caller,” relocating from Morocco to the U.S.A, success, debut album and more. Below are some excerpts:

You are featured on one of the most talked about songs in the country right now, Rick Ross’ ‘Stop Schemin.” How does it feel to be a dude from the Bronx, N.Y., who is making this kind of noise?

Man, it’s been like a blessing. One day you wake up and you the most hated, and the next day you the most loved. It shows you how much things have turned. Like I said, it’s a blessing for me.

What’s your take on the Drake and Common battle, given they both used the ‘Stop Schemin” record to air out their beefs?

I didn’t really know it was going to happen like that [laughs]. I didn’t even know who was taking shots at who. But big shot-out to Drake. I’ve known Drake for a minute. He’s my brother. And shout out to Rozay. I just stay away from all of that stuff. I’m trying to make music and make some money.

The song ‘Shot Caller’ seems to be one of the few East Coast-sounding records out right now, even down to its sampling of the Lords of the Underground’s early ’90s classic ‘Funky Child.’ And then there’s the video, which was shot in the Bronx and features Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Diddy and N.O.R.E. Were you making a New York statement with that song and clip?

I just made it in my own New York state of mind. I can’t really control what goes on out here and what kind of music people make. I just know what I can make. But it’s very New York. And shooting that video [with the artists you mentioned] was a blessing. It’s so humbling. It’s the Bronx. I’m just soaking it in.

Source: TheBoomBox

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