Rabat – Moroccan rapper French Montana has announced he will release his latest album, simply titled “Montana,” next month. He also teased the album’s cover and released an album trailer, both of which have already caused a stir on social media.
He shared the cover to his Instagram with the caption “You don’t have to change who you are. You can bring people into your own world,” likely alluding to the juxtaposition between his Moroccan roots and his induction into the American rap world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2wZwOBAqg4/?utm_source=ig_embed
The trailer and cover portray French Montana surrounded by women in burkas, wearing contrasting high-heeled red thigh boots. As the rapper probably anticipated, the choice to show burka-wearing women in a suggestive light has already got people talking.
This Album cover is definitely gonna stir up some shit. Watch out.
— Mazi Kelvinbagwell® (@kelvinbagwell02) September 23, 2019
Some have dubbed the cover “haram” or disrespectful to Islam for the choice to “sexualise niqabis.” One user commented on Instagram calling it “deeply offensive.”
I think @FrencHMonTanA new album cover is disrespectful for the beautifull religion of Islam.
— iamRFDO (@iamRFDO) September 23, 2019
frenchmontana is really out here sexualizing niqabis. Liberal Muslims are wack for hyping this shit up. pic.twitter.com/tBkDhJo9us
— Anonymovsmvslim (@AmlasAvenue) September 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/yunus_KadafiMob/status/1176319413844402181
However, not all the response to the album artwork has been negative, and it has received its fair share of praise too. One headline in particular, in sharp contrast to much of the album’s reception, said French Montana was “honoring his muslim roots” with the visuals. Fans have also been receptive.
https://twitter.com/notyouravgsa/status/1176338110315188227
https://twitter.com/scaifington/status/1176183929231089667
French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, emigrated to the US from Rabat at age 13 and has since become one of the biggest names in hip-hop. He has always been vocal about his Moroccan roots and Muslim upbringing, making it a focal point of his public image.
Last month, he used his platform as a presenter at the Video Music Awards (VMAs) to raise awareness about the plight of immigrants in the US.
While presenting the award for Best Latin video, he said he was “proud” to present the award “because as an immigrant, I feel like we are the people that make this country, and I feel like I want to be the voice.”
“These nominees — and most of them are immigrants, too — are on top of the biggest movement in music,” he added.
Read also: Kourtney Kardashian Hosts ‘Moroccan Vibes’ Eid Dinner for French Montana
