Five Best Moments From Rick Ross and French Montana Verzuz

The latest entry in the popular battle series took place in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 7.

Rick Ross and French Montana performing onstage under green lights during a VERZUZ event.
Rick Ross and French Montana perform onstage at Complex and Apple Music present VERZUZ: French Montana vs. Rick Ross at Apple Music Studios on May 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Rick Ross and French Montana faced off in the latest Verzuz on Thursday, May 7, and the two chart-topping hip hop superstars made sure the fans enjoyed every minute. As fans tallied votes online, the two collaborators and hitmakers got to flex their commercial clout and radio muscle, showcasing a litany of hits that have dominated radio for more than two decades. 

This was the second go-round for Ross, who famously faced-off against 2 Chainz back in 2020. This latest showcase took place at the Apple Music Studios in Los Angeles, and streamed live on Apple Music and via Complex. 

It was a night that was dedicated to luxury rap and all of it’s infectious excess. Montana delivered the goods with hits like “Unforgettable,” “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’,” and “Shot Caller;” and Ross counterpunched with anthems like “Aston Martin Music,” “Stay Schemin’,” and “Hustlin’.” 

Here are our picks for the 5 Best Moments From Rick Ross and French Montana Verzuz.

5. The debut of “Smokin’ Pt. 2”

It was the perfect occasion to debut a brand new single, and French took advantage. He let fans hear the new track “Smokin’ Pt. 2” with Max B and Rozay, and it dropped just hours later. 

4. Rick Ross has HITS

Although fans ultimately would give the win to Montana, Rozay did a great job of reminding anyone who needed it that he has a pretty impressive catalog. Most notably, the Florida rap don has a ton of hits and they span 20 years. I’m A Boss,” “Aston Martin Music,” “Hustlin’,” “B.M.F.,” and “Stay Schemin’” all bangers for the MMG mogul.

3. French’s double-whammy

French’s combination of “Choppa Choppa Down” and “Pop That” delivered a roundout to Ross’ own attempt to claim “Pop That,” and it would end up giving French one of the night’s biggest victories with fans. Tracks like “Work (Remix)” also got big fan reactions.

2. “Minus Drake vocals…”

Rozay was looking to maintain his lead when he called the DJ to play the classic “Aston Martin Music” after French dropped his verse from Fat Joe's "All The Way Up." But before the song began, Ross explicitly asked for the DJ to play "Aston Martin Music" without Drake's vocals on it. Ouch

1. Max B back on that stage

It was just cool to see The Coke Boys rapper welcome his longtime friend and collaborator to the stage for some high-profile love, following Max’s release from prison. Max came home in November after 16 years. After he was initially sentenced to 20 years back in 2009 for his role in a robbery and murder, Max reduced his sentence in 2016 by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated manslaughter. Since he’s been home, he’s resumed his career and is basking in the support. 

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