The song "Tony Montana" by Esham tells the story of a tough life in a rough neighborhood, where the protagonist has gone through various struggles and experiences. The lyrics reference the character Tony Montana from the movie "Scarface," who was involved in the drug trade and faced many challenges. The line "I been yellin 'Reel Life' for about 10 years" suggests that the protagonist has been expressing their real-life experiences through their music for a long time. The lyrics also highlight the harsh realities of the protagonist's environment, with lines like "I'mma cold-hearted nigga in a cold-ass world." They describe engaging in illegal activities, such as selling drugs, to survive in a tough neighborhood. The song also touches on the dreams and aspirations of the protagonist, mentioning a desire for wealth and success, represented by the acronym "C.R.E.A.M" (which stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me). Despite the difficult circumstances, they strive to elevate themselves and leave behind their previous struggles. The song also reflects on the protagonist's personal history, including their mother's drug addiction and their own near-death experience at birth. These experiences have shaped the protagonist's perspective and their determination to succeed. Overall, "Tony Montana" conveys the struggles, ambitions, and resilience of someone trying to make a better life for themselves in a challenging environment.
