Frenchie 100

Greg Hogan (b. May 15, 1985), better known as Frenchie, is an American rapper who was part of Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records, So Icey Boyz, and Waka Flocka Flame’s Bricksquad Monopoly. Frenchie gained recognition by introducing artists like Nicki Minaj and French Montana to Debra Antney’s Mizay Entertainment before they achieved mainstream success. Currently, Frenchie is serving a twelve-year prison sentence after being convicted of burglary charges in Suffolk County.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Frenchie had a close relationship with his cousin Waka Flocka Flame. He grew up alongside East Coast rapper Lloyd Banks and was neighbors with Tony Yayo and 50 Cent, members of G-Unit. Frenchie’s father Big Frenchie was a well-known gangster and drug dealer in Queens during the early 1990s, referenced and admired by 50 Cent in his earlier work. Inspired by music at an early age, Frenchie aspired to become a rapper after watching Kris Kross‘ “Jump” on Video Music Box.

Frenchie’s family background was deeply rooted in the music industry. His cousin Bimmy was an A&R for Def Jam Recordings, and his uncle DJ Hurricane had worked with Beastie Boys. Frenchie started rapping at the age of 19 and recorded his first professionally produced track, “Shirt Off,” in late 2008. Prior to that, he appeared in various street DVDs, showcasing his freestyle skills.

From 2008 to 2011, Frenchie was part of So Icey Entertainment and collaborated with Gucci Mane, Wooh da Kid, and OJ da Juiceman as the So Icey Boyz. He began gaining recognition after “Shirt Off” became a hit on Atlanta radio. He released his debut mixtape French Connection in 2009, followed by Chicken Room later that year.

In 2013, Frenchie released his twelfth mixtape Long Overdue which showcased his solo efforts with fewer guest features. He achieved success with the singles “Power Move” and “Don’t Know Em” in 2013, appearing on MTV’s RapFix Live and VH1’s Black Ink Crew. Tragically, his cousin and fellow BSM member KayO Redd died by suicide on December 29.

In 2014, Frenchie released a collaborative mixtape titled Underrated with Derez Deshon and his fourteenth mixtape Long Overdue 2. These would mark his final releases under Bricksquad Monopoly as Frenchie ventured into his own label later that year. He also developed an interest in EDM after touring with Waka Flocka Flame, Steve Aoki and Borgore.

In 2014, Frenchie founded and joined his independent label Protekted Records. He released his fifteenth mixtape Fukk Fame and achieved success with the single “Ain’t Goin Nowhere.” Frenchie continued to release projects including collaborations with Jusjoose.

Unfortunately, in 2022, Frenchie was convicted of burglary charges related to an armed home invasion. He was sentenced to twelve years in prison in 2023 for his involvement in the crime.