Some artists grow into music over time. Others feel like they were shaped by it early on. For Monté, music has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. Born and raised in Detroit and growing up on West 7 Mile, his sound carries the honesty, grit, and creativity that the city is known for.
Monté first started rapping back in third grade while attending a charter school near 6 Mile. His classroom did not look like a traditional music program, but creativity was encouraged. His teacher would let students rap battle each other and write verses for presentations. What started as fun quickly turned into something more serious. By the time Monté reached high school, he was recording songs and learning how to bring full tracks together.
The moment music truly opened up for him came after discovering OutKast. Hearing ATLiens changed how he viewed what music could be. It was not just about rapping anymore. It was about creativity, risk, and pushing ideas forward. The freedom and imagination in their music inspired Monté to experiment and take his own sound seriously. That influence still shows up today and listeners might even catch traces of it on his new project.
While Monté considers himself a rapper at heart, he does not like staying in one lane. He enjoys challenging himself and writing across different styles. Lately, he has been drawn to old school funk and soul, writing songs not just for himself but also for singers. Even though he does not play instruments, his voice, ideas, and writing carry the weight of the music. Attempts at guitar and drums never fully clicked, but songwriting always did.
His musical influences reflect that depth and timeless approach. Alongside OutKast, Monté looks up to legends like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Artists who made music that felt alive, emotional, and fearless.
Now, Monté is stepping into a major milestone with the release of his debut EP Sides, dropping December 26. The seven track project is his official introduction as an artist. It is personal, intentional, and shaped by real moments from his life. He poured as much of himself as possible into the music and sees it as the clearest picture of who he is creatively right now.
For Monté, the most memorable moment of his career is happening in real time. Everything finally feels aligned. The production, the songwriting, and the people involved. Creating this project alongside close friends has made the process even more meaningful. The fun, the trust, and the shared vision all come through in the final result.
As for what comes next, Monté is keeping things open. New projects and announcements are on the way, but for now the focus is on Sides. Fans are encouraged to follow him on Instagram at @izthatmonte to stay up to date on future releases and performances.
This is only the beginning, but Monté is stepping into his moment with confidence. December 26 marks the start of a new chapter, and it is one worth paying attention to.