Max B & French Montana Reunite for ‘Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos
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French Montana and Max B at ‘Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos‘ Listening Party on January 06, 2026, in New York City.
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Nearly two decades after they first reshaped New York rap together, French Montana and Max B made their official comeback with Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos, a project that picks up where one of Hip Hop’s most talked-about mixtape series left off.
The Coke Wave run began in the late 2000s with Coke Wave and Coke Wave 2, later returning with Coke Wave 4 in 2019, centered on melody, street storytelling, and Max B’s now-iconic “wave” philosophy. When the Harlem native was incarcerated, the series paused, not by choice, but by circumstance. For years, fans asked the same question: What happened to Coke Wave 3?
That question now has an answer.
Following Max B’s release from prison in November 2025 after 16 years, the duo wasted no time getting back to work. Coke Wave 3.5: narcos is a 22-track project that features longtime collaborators and key producers including Metro Boomin, Harry fraud, Dame Grease, Murda Beatz, DJ Clue, and the late Chinx, among others – a lineup that reflects both the past and present of their sound.
Available everywhere as of Jan“`html
News Lede: The collaborative mixtape series Coke Wave, featuring French Montana and Max B, has seen a resurgence with the release of Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos in 2023, demonstrating the enduring impact of their musical partnership.
Coke Wave Series: Origins and significance
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The Coke wave series is a collaborative mixtape project primarily between French Montana and Max B, beginning in 2010. It gained important underground recognition for its distinctive sound and influence on hip-hop culture. The series is characterized by its gritty, street-oriented lyrics and atmospheric production.
The initial mixtapes, Coke Wave (2010) and Coke Wave 2 (2011), established the foundation for the series’ aesthetic and cemented the duo’s collaborative chemistry. These projects were released independently and circulated widely online, building a dedicated fanbase.
Such as, Coke Wave was critically acclaimed for its innovative production and lyrical content, influencing a generation of hip-hop artists. Complex included Coke Wave in its list of mixtapes that changed rap forever.
Coke wave 3.5: Narcos (2023) and the Resurgence
Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos, released on November 3, 2023, marks the latest installment in the series and a renewed collaboration between french Montana and Max B.The release followed Max B’s release from prison in April 2023 after serving nearly eight years on aggravated manslaughter charges.
The album features 13 tracks and continues the series’ signature sound, blending French Montana’s rapping with Max B’s melodic delivery. The title, Narcos, alludes to the themes of drug trafficking and the criminal underworld, consistent with the series’ overall aesthetic.
According to AllMusic, the album showcases the enduring chemistry between the two artists and demonstrates that their collaborative vision remains potent. The album’s release was accompanied by a music video for the track “Top Tier.”
Max B’s Legal situation and Impact on the Series
Max B (charly Wingate) faced legal challenges beginning in 2009, ultimately leading to a conviction for aggravated manslaughter in 2016. His incarceration substantially impacted the Coke Wave series, causing delays and hindering collaborative efforts.
Wingate was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with a 2009 shooting in Harlem. The New York Times reported on his sentencing, detailing the circumstances of the case and the impact on his career.
He was released on parole in april 2023, allowing him to resume his musical career and collaborate with French Montana on Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos. His release was widely celebrated by fans and within the hip-hop community.
Future of the coke Wave Series
As of January 10,2026,french Montana has indicated plans to continue the Coke Wave series,with discussions about a potential Coke Wave 4 underway. the success of Coke Wave
