French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross delivered a high-energy, nostalgia-driven performance at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles, blending their signature East Coast and Miami rap styles with a mix of classic hits and new tracks. The stage show, which aired live on June 26, 2026, marked the first time the three artists performed together on a major awards platform, drawing comparisons to their collaborative chemistry on past projects like Unstoppable (2023). According to BET’s official schedule, the performance was one of the evening’s most anticipated moments, following a red-carpet appearance by the trio where they promoted their upcoming solo and collaborative work.
The performance opened with a medley of Rick Ross’s early 2000s anthems, including “Hustlin’” and “Maybach Music”, before transitioning into French Montana’s global hits like “Unstoppable” and “Mia”. Max B, known for his Miami rap roots, closed the set with a fiery rendition of “Buss Down”, a track that has become a staple of his live shows. The trio’s dynamic was praised by attendees and industry observers, with one BET insider telling Billboard that their chemistry “felt like a throwback to the golden era of hip-hop collaboration.”
French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, has built a career spanning French rap, Latin influences, and global pop appeal, while Rick Ross remains a defining figure in Miami’s rap scene. Max B, whose full name is Max Boucher, has risen to prominence with his aggressive, bass-heavy sound and viral hits. Their combined performance at the BET Awards highlighted the enduring influence of East Coast and Miami rap, even as the genre continues to evolve.
Why This Performance Matters in Hip-Hop’s Current Landscape
The BET Awards 2026 performance was more than just a musical moment—it reflected the ongoing dialogue between older generations of rappers and the new wave of artists. French Montana, now 42, has been a bridge between French and American hip-hop, while Rick Ross, 50, remains a symbol of Miami’s rap legacy. Max B, at 34, represents the younger generation pushing the genre forward with his high-energy, bass-driven sound.
Industry analysts note that collaborations between these generations are rare but impactful. “When you see artists like Ross and Montana teaming up with younger acts like Max B, it signals a respect for the craft and a desire to keep hip-hop’s roots alive,” said Rolling Stone’s hip-hop correspondent. The performance also came at a time when BET is increasingly focusing on celebrating hip-hop’s legacy alongside its future.
Beyond the music, the performance was a visual spectacle. The trio’s outfits—Rick Ross in a custom Miami-inspired suit, French Montana in a sleek black ensemble with gold accents, and Max B in a bold red and black look—reflected their individual brands while unifying the stage presence. The choreography, led by a backup dance crew, added an extra layer of energy, with synchronized moves that paid homage to classic rap videos.
A Look at the Setlist: From Classics to New Tracks
The performance’s setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and newer material:
- “Hustlin’” – Rick Ross
- “Maybach Music” – Rick Ross
- “Unstoppable” – French Montana (feat. Rick Ross)
- “Mia” – French Montana
- “Buss Down” – Max B
- “Pop It” – French Montana (feat. Rick Ross)
- “All My Life” – French Montana (feat. Rick Ross)
French Montana’s inclusion of “Pop It” and “All My Life”—both featuring Rick Ross—highlighted their long-standing collaboration, while Max B’s “Buss Down” brought the set to a roaring close. The crowd’s reaction, captured in live footage, showed a mix of nostalgia and excitement, with fans singing along to tracks that have defined each artist’s career.
According to Vibe, the performance was one of the most-watched moments of the night, with social media buzz peaking during the final minutes. Hashtags like #BETAwards2026 and #MontanaMaxBRoss trended globally, with fans praising the trio’s chemistry and stage presence.
What’s Next for French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross?
The BET Awards performance came as the three artists prepare for new music and projects. French Montana is set to release his sixth studio album later this year, with rumors of another collaboration with Rick Ross. Max B, meanwhile, is gearing up for his third project, which is expected to build on the success of his 2025 mixtape King of the South.
Rick Ross, who has been focusing on his business ventures and occasional music releases, may not have new music dropping soon, but his presence at the BET Awards served as a reminder of his enduring influence. “Ross’s ability to still command a stage like that is a testament to his legacy,” said a source close to the artist, speaking to Complex. “He’s not just a rapper—he’s an institution.”
For Max B, the performance was a major step in solidifying his place in the rap game. His high-energy delivery and crowd-pleasing tracks have earned him comparisons to early 2000s Miami rappers, and the BET Awards provided a platform to showcase his growth. “This is the kind of moment that changes careers,” said a music industry executive, noting that Max B’s performance could open doors for future collaborations with established names.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The performance generated immediate reactions across social media, with fans and critics alike praising the trio’s chemistry and stage presence. Here are some of the top responses:
@HipHopFan42: “French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross at the BET Awards was everything. That energy? Unmatched. #BETAwards2026”
@RapHistory: “Watching Ross, Montana, and Max B perform together was like a time machine to the golden era of hip-hop collabs. Still fire at 50+.”
@MiamiRap: “Max B closing out the BET Awards set with ‘Buss Down’ had the whole crowd hyped. This dude is the future of Miami rap.”
Beyond individual tweets, the performance also sparked discussions about the state of hip-hop collaboration. Some fans argued that the genre needs more moments like this, where different eras and styles come together. Others highlighted the lack of female representation in the performance, a topic that has been a recurring conversation at the BET Awards in recent years.
How the BET Awards 2026 Performance Compares to Past Collaborations
The BET Awards performance was not the first time French Montana and Rick Ross teamed up, but it was their first major awards show collaboration. Their 2023 single “Unstoppable” was a commercial success, but the live performance added a new dimension to their partnership. Max B, while newer to the scene, brought a fresh energy that resonated with younger audiences.
Comparing this performance to past BET Awards moments, such as Drake and J. Cole’s 2025 set, it’s clear that the BET Awards continue to prioritize high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances. However, the Montana-Max B-Ross collaboration stood out for its blend of nostalgia and innovation—a rare balance in today’s hip-hop landscape.
Industry observers also noted that the performance was a strategic move for BET, which has faced criticism in recent years for its lack of diversity in programming. By featuring three artists of different generations and backgrounds, the network reinforced its commitment to celebrating hip-hop’s rich history while embracing its future.
Key Takeaways from the French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross BET Awards Performance
- The performance was a high-energy blend of classic hits and newer tracks, showcasing the trio’s individual styles and collaborative chemistry.
- It highlighted the ongoing dialogue between older and younger generations in hip-hop, with artists like Ross and Montana bridging the gap for Max B.
- The setlist included fan favorites like “Hustlin’”, “Unstoppable”, and “Buss Down”, with each artist contributing their signature sound.
- Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the performance’s energy and the trio’s stage presence.
- The collaboration signals potential future projects, with French Montana and Rick Ross rumored to work together again, and Max B poised for further success.
The next major checkpoint for these artists will be the release of French Montana’s upcoming album, expected later this year. Fans will also be watching for Max B’s third project, which could further establish him as a leading voice in Miami rap. Rick Ross, meanwhile, may continue to focus on his business ventures while making occasional musical appearances.
For now, the BET Awards 2026 performance serves as a reminder of hip-hop’s ability to bring together different eras and styles under one roof. As the genre continues to evolve, moments like this—where legacy meets innovation—are what keep fans engaged and excited for what’s next.
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