Early Life and Education of French Montana: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of French Montana. From birth to education, explore key events.

French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch, is a Moroccan-American rapper. He moved from Morocco to New York City at 13. He started his music career as a battle rapper named Young French in the early 2000s.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 9, 1984: Karim Kharbouch Born

On November 9, 1984, Karim Kharbouch, who would later be known as French Montana, was born in Morocco. He would later immigrate to the United States and become a successful rapper.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Family's Move to the United States

In September 2012, The Fader magazine wrote about French Montana's homecoming to Morocco after seventeen years since his family moved to the United States in 1996.

2002: Creation of Cocaine City DVD series

In 2002, French Montana, then known as Young French, and his friend Cams created the Cocaine City DVD series, which featured interviews with hip hop figures and showcased his original music and collaborations.

2003: Shooting Incident

In 2003, French Montana was shot in the head while leaving a recording studio in New York. He survived after being hospitalized. The gunmen were investigated, and the case was eventually dismissed.

2007: Marriage to Deen Kharbouch

In 2007, French Montana married Deen Kharbouch.

2008: Coke Boys Records Founded

In 2008, French Montana founded Coke Boys Records, which has signed artists like Lil Durk and Chinx. He is the most streamed African-born musical artist and the first African-born artist to have a diamond-certified song by the RIAA.

October 2010: Birth of Son

In October 2010, French Montana and Deen Kharbouch welcomed their son.

2010: End of Cocaine City DVD Series

In 2010, the Cocaine City DVD series, created by French Montana and Cams, came to an end after running for eight years and producing 14 volumes.

August 5, 2011: Incident at Webster Hall

On August 5, 2011, during a performance at Webster Hall, Jim Jones and his entourage threw bottles and glass at French Montana and his entourage, leading to a controversial incident.

September 2012: Featured on The Fader Magazine Cover

In September 2012, French Montana was featured on the cover of The Fader magazine, accompanying him on his first homecoming to Morocco after seventeen years.

2012: Separation from Deen Kharbouch

By 2012, French Montana and Deen Kharbouch had separated.

January 28, 2013: Rick Ross's Shooting Incident

On January 28, 2013, Rick Ross's Rolls-Royce came under gunshot fire in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, inspiring the song "Nobody" featuring French Montana and Diddy in 2014.

April 22, 2013: Purchase of Tiger Cubs

On April 22, 2013, French Montana posted an Instagram picture announcing his purchase of two baby tigers named Ike and Tina.

2013: Return to Shooting Site with Life+Times

In early 2013, French Montana revisited the site of the 2003 shooting with a camera crew from Life+Times, reflecting on the near-death experience and his life growing up in the Bronx. This was his first visit since the attempted murder ten years earlier.

2014: Giving Up the Tigers

In 2014, French Montana noted he had given up the two tigers shortly after getting them, citing the difficulty in feeding and caring for the animals.

2014: Divorce Finalized

In 2014, French Montana's divorce from Deen Kharbouch was finalized.

2014: Acquisition of Pet Monkey

Since late-2014, French Montana became the owner of a pet monkey named Julius Ceasor.

2016: Bought Selena Gomez's Calabasas Home

In 2016, French Montana bought Selena Gomez's home in Calabasas, California, for $3.3 million.

2016: Briefly Dated Iggy Azalea

In 2016, French Montana briefly dated Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.

2017: Filming "Unforgettable" and Charitable Work in Uganda

In 2017, French Montana filmed the music video for his single "Unforgettable" in Uganda. This led to charitable efforts that raised an estimated $500,000 to build the Suubi hospital, benefitting over 300,000 Ugandan citizens.

June 2018: Became a U.S. Citizen

In June 2018, French Montana became a U.S. citizen.

2018: Named Global Citizen Ambassador

In 2018, French Montana was named an Ambassador for Global Citizen following his charitable donation of $100,000 for a hospital in Uganda.

2022: Raised Funds for Uganda and Received Innovator Award

In 2022, it was reported that French Montana helped raise over US$220 million for Uganda's maternal healthcare services. He received a 2022 Innovator Award for his efforts.

2022: Settlement of Sexual Battery Lawsuit

In 2022, the sexual battery lawsuit against French Montana, which began in 2020, was settled out of court.

2023: "For Khadija" Documentary Premiere

In 2023, the documentary "For Khadija", co-executive produced by Sean "Diddy" Combes and Drake, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film depicts French Montana's family's emigration from Morocco to New York and his rise to success.