Montana of 300 offers insights of the music industry at Lincoln College

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois rapper, Montana of 300, offered some of his wisdom of the music industry to Lincoln College students. WAND News was there to witness the event. Students and fans of the Peoria artist spent nearly an hour listening to what he had to say. He talked about the 'business of the music industry'. 300 described signing to a label to signing off a loan. 

"They [record labels] give you this loan because whatever you sign for - that's how much they think you can make back," 300 said. 

Montana of 300 has a strong underground following. One of his albums peaked on the billboard charts at number 95 in 2016. The lecture wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Eric Nelson. Nelson has been working in the studio with 300 for the past 13 years. 

"I was teaching out here [Lincoln College] and students were all fans so I thought it would be a good opportunity to come and spread some of his knowledge," Nelson said. 

After the lecture, WAND's Tristan Hardy asked him how can aspiring young artists be successful and still get support from their family. 300 credited school. He mentioned how a person told him they dropped out of school to pursue a music career. 

"I said that was really backwards because as an artist, you are dealing with words, that's English," 300 said. "You need to know a lot about a lot if you want to have more [lyrical] ammunition than the next rapper." 

Montana of 300 suggested young artist should be a sponge, read and build their craft. They should also take advantage of their platforms on social media. 

"It is older rappers like 'Twista' that are like 'I wish we had an Instagram." 300 added. 

Montana of 300 recently released an album and he told WAND News he plans on making another one within the next three months. Then, he'll work on another album that's expected to release in May 2019. That, while completing a real-estate class.