Released: 2024 • Features: Portable, JAE5
Alright, let’s dive deep into “Tony Montana” by Skepta, featuring Portable and JAE5. This track is a melting pot of hard-hitting beats, fluid lyricism, and cultural depth that pays homage to the grind and glory of hustling. Inspired by the infamous character Tony Montana from the movie “Scarface,” the song delves into themes of ambition, struggle, and ultimately, triumph over adversity. Through a vibrant blend of English and Nigerian Pidgin, Skepta and his crew narrate the journey from rags to riches, connecting their personal struggles and achievements with the iconic figure of Montana.
The song kicks off with a bold declaration of identity, “Big Smoke pẹ’lú tobacco, Tony-Tony, Tony Montana,” introducing Skepta, also known as “Big Smoke,” who aligns himself with the audacity and ambition of Tony Montana. Juxtaposing terms like “Wacko” and “psycho” with “I want to explode,” sets a tone of intense determination and a readiness to break free from constraints. The repeated calls for “Fire oh, ginger oh,” followed by “Somebody pour me water, oh,” signify an ignition of passion so strong it needs cooling down, symbolizing the blazing drive inside them.
The verse captures Skepta’s ascent from humble beginnings, “Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we drink garri,” to a lifestyle of glamour and success, “Now they wanna snap pictures, I live flashy.” It’s a narrative of overcoming hardships and skepticism, reflected in lines like, “How they hate me ’cause I’m winnin’?” and the reminder of resilience, “I said ‘No comment,’ just to make a statement.” This progression from struggle to victory encapsulates the spirit of the grind inherent in hip-hop culture. The hook reiterates this hustler’s anthem, rallying around the theme of defying odds and achieving greatness against all expectations.
Further, Skepta touches on loyalty and equality, “Never catch me stuntin’ on my own people,” emphasizing the importance of community and shared success. The lines, “You want the Casamigos or the Hennessy? Take a shot to the head, that’s a Kennedy,” showcase Skepta’s lyrical prowess, weaving in cultural references with clever wordplay. Moreover, “I came with the criminals, my Co-D defendin’ me,” highlights the companionship and solidarity among those who share similar battles and ambitions.
The repeated invocation of “Tony-Tony, Tony Montana” throughout the song is more than just a tribute to a cinematic icon; it’s an embrace of an ethos of relentless pursuit and the transformation of ambition into reality. Skepta, Portable, and JAE5, through “Tony Montana,” craft a narrative that merges personal history with broader themes of hustle, resilience, and the pursuit of success, all while paying homage to the cultural significance of Tony Montana as a symbol of undying ambition.
In essence, “Tony Montana” by Skepta is a manifesto of overcoming adversity, a celebration of success, and a testament to the power of ambition. It encapsulates the spirit of the hustle inherent in hip-hop culture, weaving a narrative that resonates with anyone aiming to make their mark against all odds.
