montiko

Lamont “Montiko” Samuels is from the Midwest city of Dayton, Ohio. After the separation of his parents, Montiko and his father, “Big Mont” moved to the city of San Antonio, Texas. The then eight years old, Montiko tried to adjust to the new life and new school system. Under the wing of his father, Montiko learned the harsh truth of the world. Because his father worked twelve hour shifts, six days a week, Montiko was the true meaning of a latchkey kid. You could often hear him blasting rap music and bouncing a basketball through the neighborhood project. Big Mont encouraged Montiko to pursue basketball and college, despite his love for music.
A San Antonio legend on the playground, the eighteen year old senior Montiko got into some trouble, losing his scholarships and delaying college for two years. He moved to Kansas in 1998. Montiko straightened out his life and stayed out of trouble, and was eventually able to play basketball on a scholarship and earn a four year degree. After being charged with a level seven felony in Kansas City, Montiko made the decision to move back to Texas. “Moving back to Texas was the best thing I could have done. If it wasn’t for basketball, I would have stayed in Texas from the beginning. Kansas ain’t for no black man who speaks the way he feels.” When asked his intentions in the music industry, Montiko replies, “My intentions are simple. I just want to make the kind of music I enjoy listening to. Rap music now is not what got me here, so instead of complaining, I am doing my part to speak for those who’s voices can not be heard.”