It’s been an arduous-yet-fruitful journey for French Montana navigating the turbulent music industry since 2009’s Mac Wit Da Cheese.
Fifteen years later, The Bronx-bred rapper has returned to serve up the fifth installment of his famed mixtape series as Mac & Cheese 5 hit streaming services on Friday (Feb. 23).
French brought along an all-star cast of talented artists to join him in executing his vision for the 21-track project.
Guests making appearances include Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Meek Mill, JID, Westside Gunn, 41, Jeremih, Bryson Tiller and more.
The Moroccan rapper detailed his inspiration behind Mac & Cheese 5 and how he wants to see more artists attack mixtape series rather than just recording albums.
“I feel like I needed to get everything out the way then go back to the mixtape vibes. I always try to go where the puck is going, not where the puck is at. I feel like the game needs mixtapes,” he told The Breakfast Club on Friday.
“That feeling isn’t there anymore. Albums is dope everybody’s getting used to it, but I want to hear [Lil] Wayne mixtapes, Rick Ross Rich Forever mixtapes, Wiz Khalifa [Kush & Orange Juice] mixtapes. I just want to get back to that vibe and I want to lead the way with the mixtapes.”
Prior to unleashing Mac & Cheese 5, the “Unforgettable” rapper got back to his roots for a Coke Boys meets Gangsta Grillz project with DJ Drama. Coke Boys 6 arrived in Jan. 2023 and featured assists from A$AP Rocky, Rob49 and Benny The Butcher among others.
Stream Mac & Cheese 5 below.
