Liverpool producer Montao unveils “Present Tense,” an atmospheric collaboration with one of hip-hop’s most revered voices, Rakim. Moving through a slow-burning blend of trip-hop, cinematic electronica and alternative hip-hop, the track is built around a soaring female vocal loop that hangs in the air like a memory, creating a haunting and emotional backdrop for Rakim’s unmistakable delivery.
His reflective verse run’s inward, contemplating life, growth, mortality and the relentless passing of time, while Montao’s production gives those ideas space to breathe.
The result is a meeting of worlds that feels both timeless, and completely of the moment.
“Present Tense” takes Montao’s instinct for atmosphere and emotion into striking new territory, pairing his immersive, understated production with the lyrical weight of Rakim, a foundational figure whose influence on hip-hop is almost immeasurable. Rather than leaning on nostalgia, the collaboration feels forward-looking: an intimate meditation on where we are, where we’ve been, and how quickly it all passes.
In essence, Present Tense is a record for late nights, long journeys, and moments when the world goes quiet…
Present Tense is out now - https://ffm.to/presenttense
For more information on Montao:
https://montaotunes.com/
https://montaotunes.bandcamp.com
https://linktr.ee/montaotunes
https://www.instagram.com/montaotunes/
https://twitter.com/montaotunes
https://www.facebook.com/montaotunes
https://www.youtube.com/@montaotunes
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About Montao
Montao is a Liverpool-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and recording artist whose distinctive sound sits at the intersection of hip-hop, trip-hop, lo-fi and cinematic electronica. His production is built around immersive soundscapes, eclectic samples and a strong sense of musical storytelling, creating beats that leave space for some of hip-hop’s most respected voices.
His growing list of collaborations reads like a roll call of underground and legendary talent, including Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa of Wu-Tang Clan, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Royce da 5'9", KXNG Crooked, Slug of Atmosphere, Sa-Roc, Napoleon Da Legend, and Koncept.
Montao’s work has attracted international radio and press attention, including BBC Introducing, Radio X and Chuck D’s Rapstation, alongside coverage from a plethora independent music outlets. His collaborations with some of hip-hop’s most respected artists have continued to establish his reputation for ambitious, cross-continental projects, whilst his debut album, Echoes of the Cosmos, showcases the breadth of his production as a richly textured body of work.
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