Review by Rohit Loomba (@poombster)
Montana of 300 has worked hard to build a strong following. His efforts even got him nominated to be a member of the 2016 XXL Freshman class. While Montana is part of the Chicago drill movement, he has done it in a unique way, using introspection and metaphor to not only share the grime life of Chicago but to share the inner conflict that comes along with it. It’s with this style that Montana crafted his latest album, Fire in the Church, the follow-up to 2014’s Cursed with a Blessing.
The production on FITC complement Montana’s particular mood on each track particularly well. Montana approaches each track with a deliberate feel that he’s trying to convey which he is able to do with support from well-crafted production. The sample and drum-driven “Heat Stroke” is the perfect backdrop for a Montana who feels the urgency to share all his inner thoughts while the more airy sounding “Wifin’ You” finds Montana singing on the hook. The characteristics rolling drum lines of Chicago drill can be heard throughout FITC and often are the focus of the production efforts. While not the best production, the beats on FITC are cleanly produced and get the job done while allowing Montana to shine. Producers contributing to the album include A1TayDaProducer, Too Blunt Beats, Charisma 808, Dray Royal, Tye Productionz, Mr. 500 Beatz, Snow God, and Billard.
While production drives many of today’s Hip-Hop releases, FITC is primarily fueled by Montana. While Montana raps about the Chi and the hustle, he adds an additional dimension to this by sharing the struggle of the man caught in the storm of the streets. FITC is Montana’s diary of sorts, capturing a man who’s faith in God is juxtaposed with the street life: “All praise the God they ain’t know that he made grenades like this/ And niggas hate but even Jesus had days like this/…/I’ll kill your ass and then say shit like God said it was your time.” With all this and then some, Montana is relentless on “Heat Stroke” which opens the album. Almost serving as a confession of sorts, elsewhere on “Heat Stroke” Montana shares “I fight demons daily, baby, Satan’s still my rivalry/ Declinin’ all his bribery, the lord would never lie to me.” Further into FITC on “Fighting Demons, Dropping Jewels,” Montana offers hard-gained insight: “The afterlife isn’t promised, only death, we can’t dodge it/ This life we live ain’t forever so make the most while you got it/ Don’t fry your brain with narcotics, see God is my only chronic/ Your demons might bring you down but he’ll bring you up like hydraulics.” It’s this kind of introspection that is the essence of FITC. While he has shown glimpses of this before, FITC brings the largest dose of such wisdom from any single Montana release. It’s not easy to pick stand out tracks but “Heat Stroke” is hard not mention once again. What is easier is to identify some of the weaker tracks on the album which come in the form of “Wifin’ You” and “Mf’s Mad, Pt 2.” Features on FITC include other Chi-town emcees Talley of 300, Jalyn Sanders, and Savage. The most recognizable feature comes from Kevin Gates.
There is an interesting dichotomy in what Montana raps. Some may call it hypocritical but it seems to be an honest, unfiltered testament of what it feels like to juggle the forces of good and evil in a not-so-perfect world. Montana is demanding more attention and respect with FITC. Whether you stream it or indulge in the deluxe edition which features a special 48-page booklet, FITC deserves your time.
3 (out of 4)