Within the past 5 years alone, a plethora of aspiring rappers have stemmed from the windy streets of Chicago, Illinois. The term “drill music” is referred to as a sub-genre of hip-hop that has become increasingly popular throughout the industry, and every single day it seems like the youth is gravitating towards that type of sound. While artists and listeners seem to favor production and heavy 808’s over lyricism, it’s easy for a young MC to blend in amongst the crowd of fellow artists. There is one artist who has shattered all pre-conceived notions of this Chicago sound, and his intelligence as an artist and as an individual are truly inspiring. Montana of 300 is bringing lyricism, wordplay, and uniqueness to the industry when it needs it the most. He has defied all statistics, and he serves as motivation for all people whether they are musically inclined or not.
Montana of 300 does not smoke. He has never been drunk in his life. He does not rely on co-signs or features for exposure. He has gained over 160 million views on YouTube organically, all on his own. He does not let a record deal alter his morals as a man. He uses his past as motivation. Growing up, his mother battled addiction and instead of using that as a reason to become another victim of hard drugs, he uses it as guidance. The title “300” is not gang related, however his nickname “Mr. Let that 40 Bang!” is a nice little reminder to the competition that he is NOT to be messed with. In an unstable environment, he was able to do what a lot of people said was impossible. He escaped the demons that haunted his family for years, and he has created a new life for his loved ones through his words, and nothing else. The term “rapper” does not serve him justice, because he is a poet. His metaphors and similes dance across any production effortlessly, and his collection of freestyles and mixtapes serve as a reminder to anyone who wants beef.
As I said previously, his wordplay as an artist is inevitably prevalent, yet his lyrics still possess that gritty Chicago edge that listeners love. His tales of drug dealing and overcoming a life of crime grabs the microscopic attention-spans of today’s generation. He has set the bar for lyrical quality, while releasing music in mass quantities constantly. His hit track, “F*ck Her Brains Out”, is in constant rotation up here at the University of Scranton, and it’s funny how even preppy college students wearing Vineyard Vines can connect to his music. Although I personally did not grow up in an environment even comparable to Montana, he paints a vivid picture for listeners, and it appeals to people who may be unfamiliar with such hardship like myself.
On May 20th he will release his project “Fire in the Church”, following “Cursed With a Blessing”, “Gunz n Roses” (with Talley of 300), and an array of free material. His imprint FGE is stacked from top to bottom with talent, with artists such as Talley of 300, $avage, J Real, Jalyn Sanders and No Fatigue: each one possessing that same level of intensity when it comes to flow, lyricism, and the violent subject matter we all love. They are LETHAL in this industry, and if you think they have not individually proved themselves yet than you need to listen harder and pay attention. They ripped apart the “FGE Cypher” on the Gunz n Roses album; take a listen below.
In conclusion, I strongly urge whoever is reading this to google his name and take a stroll through his lifestyle. He meticulously illustrates his triumphs and tribulations in every song, and serves as an example for all children trying to evade the street life. I chose to write this piece on him because I’m a fan of his music, and a fan of what he stands for as a man. Although I cannot personally relate to his life, it doesn’t mean that I can’t take something from it. So I urge you to not only hear the music, but to listen to his words and study the knowledge that stems from it. His artistic ability has grown as his career has developed, and he sure as hell hasn’t “sold out” like the rest of the industry has done. He has ignited a competitive flare within the music industry. He makes these one hit wonders look like a children’s church choir. He makes fellow drill artists look like Kidz Bop singers. He has shattered all of the labels that derive from the Chicago rap scene, and he has paved his own lane in the world of music. There is no XXL Freshman cover that can disprove these facts. If you haven’t listened to him yet than fix your alarm, stop sleeping on genuine talent, and go cop that new project May 20th.