Urban Vault caught up with South London, UK-based emcee Montener The Menace to ask him some questions about his latest releases featuring Masta Ace, Guilty Simpson, Micall Parknsun, Rah Digga, Wordsworth & more…

Certain Sound Records and Montener The Menace are ecstatic to announce the release of the first three tracks from the imminent album ‘AnyoneHome?‘. Starting with ‘High Noon’ featuring Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Wordsworth & Fatlip, then ‘The Struggle’, featuring Guilty Simpson, Micall Parknsun & El Da Sensei, and last but not least ‘Take It Back’ featuring Craig G & Edo. G & produced by Roccwell.

What is your name?

Montener The Menace

Where are you from?

Croydon, South London.

Tell us about the Hip Hop scene in London?

The scene is very strong right now. There are a lot of great artists out right now, but there have always been incredible rappers from London such as Skinnyman, Klashnekoff, Blade, Roots Manuva, and Task Force. Those guys changed the game in the UK.

You start to release three videos to promote your upcoming album ‘Anyone Home?’, tell us about the visuals?

The first and third single ‘High Noon’ and ‘Take It Back’ were both created by talented animator Hausriot Studios. He did a video from a song from my debut album so I know how good he is. I went down the animated route because I don’t want to reveal my face as I am a school teacher. The video for the second single ‘The Struggle’ was filmed on my phone as I rode my bike around Croydon Town Centre. All three videos are very effective.

Who produced the album and which features can fans expect in addition to the ones named above?

I worked with a few different producers from around the world for this album. I still have loads of beats from legendary producer Domingo from years ago, so decided to use a couple for the intro and outro. I went to school with a guy called JL Beats who sent me a lot of dope tracks. I ended up using 3 of his beats. His beats for The Struggle is incredible and as soon as Guilty Simpson heard it, he instantly replied that he had fallen in love with it. I speak to Wounded Buffalo Beats regulary and we have become good mates after he messaged me saying how much he enjoyed my first album I Have a Hidden Hobby. I used two of his beats. The other producers which make up the album are Lax the Monk (from California), Keynotez (South African), Plastic the Funky Mulatto (Germany), amazing boom-bap producer Roccwell (Germany), Hank Venture (UK) and an incredible beatmaker called Jack Cliff (UK).

In regard to the features, I am blessed to have some real legends on the album. As well as the amazing artists featured on High Noon, the album also features Keith Murray, Guilty Simpson, El Da Sensei, Edo. G, Craig G, Micall Parknsun, The Strange Neighbour, Cracker Jon, boodah (who is also my brother), a talented singer called Dixie Daye, and the great A.G.

That’s quite a lot of U.S. Underground emcees. How did you connect with these artists, over the internet or in person?

Other than Wordsworth who I worked with on my first album, all the others were over messages on Instagram and e-mail. I wanted features that would make people sit up and get excited about. I have made friends with some of them now which is nice. I speak to Wordswoth, Masta Ace and El Da Sensei regulary. I have even had Keith Murray call me a couple of times which was crazy (especially as he insisted in talking in a terrible British accent for the whole conversation).

Any UK artists involved, too?

Yes, I went to school with Cracker Jon so had to get him on my song about Croydon as he is from there too. I also roped in fellow Croydonian The Strange Neighbour for the song. My older brother and mentor boodah featured on a couple of the songs as well. If it wasn’t for him, I’d never have started rapping. He is ridiculously talented.

You are signed to the UK label Certain Sound Records, tell us about this label?

Once I completed the album, I sent it out to some labels to see who got back to me. I received offers from 4 labels, including two big ones from the U.S. but after speaking to Rob and Jack at Certain Sound Records, they were really invested in the project. They have been great and have really put everything into making the album a success.

The singles and the album see vinyl releases. How important is a physical release for you these days?

This was one of the main reasons why I signed to Certain Sound Records. I could have easily released the album digitally myself, but I wanted the album to be available on vinyl, cd, and cassette. They have delivered massively. Fans can currently purchase the 7″ single of ‘High Noon’ and ‘The Struggle’ on the Certain Sound Records Bandcamp page.

When you are not doing music you work as I teacher, right? Do your students know about your career as an emcee? Can they relate to your grown men boom-bap style?

They think that I am retired and I want to keep my identity hidden. They have no idea that I have started rapping again and I haven’t told them my rap name. I don’t think my school will be impressed with some of the swearing on the album. However, I have rapped to the class a few times and they seemed to be pretty impressed (some just sat and laughed out of embarrassment.)

What is your opinion about Hip Hop nowadays?

I have been a huge lover of rap from a very young age. I mainly stick to the classic-sounding rap, I’m not into Grime or that mumble/auto-tune style rap that seems so popular nowadays.

What inspires you when you make your music?

Honestly, I just set out to make one final album as my first album was recorded 13 years ago. I am a different person now. Back then, I was a single man who lived at home with my parents. I now own my own house and am married with 3 beautiful babies. I was inspired to make an album I am truly proud of. I enjoy making unique concept songs, with a bit of humour added.

Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter?

I have Instagram and Twitter, but mainly just use Instagram which is Montener_the_Menace.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

I am very impressed with your site. I love the fact that you are keeping it real and are interested in hearing artists’ stories behind their music. Thank you very much for reaching out to me for this interview.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

https://twitter.com/Mr_Montener
https://instagram.com/montener_the_menace