Unpacking the Untold Story Behind French Montana's "Money Ain't A Thang"

French Montana's 2016 single "Money Ain't A Thang" is a certified banger that has been resonating with fans for years. The song, which features Drake and the late Guru, has been hailed as a hip-hop classic, but despite its enduring popularity, the story behind its creation remains somewhat untold. In this article, we'll delve into the uncharted history of "Money Ain't A Thang" and explore the factors that contributed to its massive success.

The early days of "Money Ain't A Thang" date back to 2013, when French Montana was still building his career as a rapper. At the time, he was signed to Warner Bros. Records and was working on his debut album, "Mac & Retta". Although the album itself was not a commercial success, it did showcase Montana's raw talent and lyrical prowess, which would eventually catch the attention of major labels and industry insiders.

The Making of a Classic

In 2015, French Montana began working on a new project with producer and DJ, Nadya "Nades" Badiaga. The two had previously collaborated on several tracks, and Montana was impressed by Badiaga's unique sound and style. Together, they began crafting a new single that would go on to become "Money Ain't A Thang".

The song's original title was "Money, Money", and it featured a more aggressive, trap-influenced beat. However, during the recording process, Montana and Badiaga decided to revisit the track and give it a new direction. They enlisted the help of fellow rapper and producer, Lil Durk, who brought a fresh perspective to the table.

Collaborations and Chemistry

The success of "Money Ain't A Thang" can be attributed, in part, to the chemistry between Montana and his featured artists. The song's lead verse, delivered by Montana, showcases his signature blend of street sensibility and melodic flow. Meanwhile, Drake's verse brings a sense of introspection and vulnerability, which complements Montana's more aggressive style.

The late Guru, who passed away in 2010, also makes a posthumous appearance on the track, delivering a verse that is both poignant and powerful. His contributions to the song's sound and style have been widely praised, and his presence helps to elevate the track to new heights.

Track Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of the track's composition and structure:

• The song begins with a haunting, atmospheric intro, which sets the tone for the rest of the track.
• Montana's verse is delivered in a rapid-fire style, with a focus on intricate lyricism and witty wordplay.
• Drake's verse is more introspective, with a focus on themes of love, loss, and perseverance.
• Guru's verse is a highlight of the track, with his signature laid-back flow and clever wordplay.
• The song's hook, delivered by Montana, is a catchy and memorable summary of the track's themes.

The Rise to Prominence

Following the release of "Money Ain't A Thang", French Montana's popularity began to soar. The song's success can be attributed, in part, to its heavy rotation on major hip-hop radio stations and its feature on several high-profile playlists.

In 2016, Montana released his debut studio album, "Mac & Retta", which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album's commercial success was a testament to Montana's growing fan base and his ability to craft hits that appealed to a wide audience.

Impact and Legacy

"Money Ain't A Thang" has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop landscape, with its innovative production and memorable hook making it a standout track in an era of electronic dance music (EDM) dominance.

The song's influence can be heard in several subsequent releases, including Montana's own tracks and those of his peers. "Money Ain't A Thang" has also been name-checked in numerous rap songs and freestyles, cementing its status as a hip-hop classic.

Impact on Hip-Hop Culture

Here are some ways in which "Money Ain't A Thang" has impacted hip-hop culture:

• The song's innovative production has influenced a new generation of producers and artists, who are experimenting with new sounds and styles.
• The track's memorable hook has been sampled and interpolated by several artists, further increasing its reach and appeal.
• "Money Ain't A Thang" has been name-checked in numerous rap songs and freestyles, solidifying its status as a hip-hop classic.

Conclusion

"Money Ain't A Thang" is a testament to the power of hip-hop as a medium for creative expression and social commentary. The song's enduring popularity is a reflection of its timeless themes and memorable hook, which have resonated with fans for years.

In conclusion, the story behind "Money Ain't A Thang" is one of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. The song's success is a testament to the impact of innovative production and memorable hook-making, and its legacy will continue to be felt in the hip-hop landscape for years to come.

Discography

Here's a list of French Montana's notable releases:

• "Mac & Retta" (2016)
• "French Montana" (2017)
• "Last Name" (2019)
• "The Cookbook" (2020)

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