What makes MC4 by French Montana notable?

MC4 received significant attention for its features from notable artists like Drake and A$AP Rocky, contributing to its strong chart performance. It also sparked conversations about the changing landscape of hip-hop mixtapes and their role in an artist's discography, illustrating how they can bridge the gap between albums. Released on August 19, 2016, MC4 came after French Montana's commercial breakthrough with his 2013 album Excuse My French. At this point, he was solidifying his status in hip-hop, leveraging collaborations with high-profile artists to expand his reach further into mainstream rap. This mixtape marked a return to his roots while showcasing his evolution as an artist within the genre.

MC4 works well if you're into dynamic flow with climactic moments, wave-like pacing for engagement and gritty reflections on street life.

How many songs are on MC4?

MC4 has 14 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

MC4

French Montana · 2016

61 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

A gritty blend of East Coast beats and sharp lyrics that capture the highs and lows of street life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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No Shopping — Featuring Drake, this track stands out for its infectious hook and playful banter, epitomizing the collaboration-focused approach of modern hip-hop.
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Lockjaw — This track showcases French Montana's signature sound with heavy bass and catchy melodies, capturing a raw energy that resonates widely within the genre.
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Figure It Out — With its introspective lyrics and contemplative tone, this track highlights Montana's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes of success and struggle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

MC4 showcases solid production and features but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy bass lines and syncopated hi-hats across nearly all tracks, creating a cohesive sonic foundation.
Several tracks utilize call-and-response structures between French Montana and featured artists, enhancing the dynamic interaction within the songs.
The sequencing includes multiple interludes that serve as transitions, allowing for brief pauses in the flow before returning to more intense beats.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic flow with climactic moments
wave-like pacing for engagement
gritty reflections on street life
for energetic gatherings
great for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — MC4 solidified French Montana's status after his commercial breakthrough in 2013.
Career context: Released on August 19, 2016, MC4 came after French Montana's commercial breakthrough with his 2013 album Excuse My French. At this point, he was solidifying his status in hip-hop, leveraging collaborations with high-profile artists to expand his reach further into mainstream rap. This mixtape marked a return to his roots while showcasing his evolution as an artist within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Rick Ross· Meek Mill· Jeezy