French Montana has certainly had his share of success in the past year, signing a deal with Bad Boy and Maybach Music Group, while landing collaborations with the likes of Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and more.

Still, French hasn’t forgotten his source of inspiration, which also serves as a cautionary tale. “My best friend (rapper Max B) is serving 75 years in prison,” said French in an interview with USA Today. “Only one of us made it. I think about all this when I make music, of all the sacrifices made. Nothing is just going to come to you, you have to make it happen.”

The rapper also recalled surviving a gunshot wound to the head in the Bronx. “I try not to bring that memory back. I’m glad I made it through that time, but, yeah, that experience was part of the album.”

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Finally, French Montana spoke on how he intends to raise his son, who is now three years-old. “Kids who have everything grow up thinking that everybody owes them,” he explained. “I want him to grow up like me. I want him to struggle a little so he knows how to be a man. I’ve got to leave him in the desert, and when he gets older, he’ll understand why his father left him like that.”

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