El Chapo Is My Hero - French Montana

French Montana is putting ruthless, murderous drug lord El Chapo up on a pedestal -- and the video of his shout-out to the notorious fugitive ... is ridiculous.

French was out in Hollywood Wednesday night when a photog asked if El Chapo is still kingpin in the drug game. His bizarre answer included the word, "idol."

Seems weird to show love to a guy responsible for the deaths of thousands of people.

Then again, French calls his crew and his record label, Coke Boys.