Mark “Markmont” Montgomery
Markmont is one of the originators—one of the co-founders that started it all. In the beginning, he hadn’t dreamed of the organization it would become. He just wanted to rap. He just wanted to play. That original desire continues to drive him, as he is truly a “freestyle play” purist.
Born and raised in a suburb of Boston, Mark’s mom and brother worked long hours, leaving Markmont to become accustomed with independence and curiosity. Music surrounded him—he began playing trumpet in middle school, his mother played piano in church, and his uncle composed for well-known names. His walkman was a constant companion, playing a steady loop of '90s R&B and rap—De La Soul, Aaliyah, Camp Lo—but it was A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes that stood above the rest. In grade school, his brother taught him the art of DJing. He began dabbling in beatboxing, making beats, and rapped for the first time at a band performance.
He truly stepped into his identity as an MC at the 2003 World Yo-Yo Contest, blending his passion for yo-yo with the mic. Years later, after achieving his dream job at Adult Swim, he dove fully into freestyle. What began as weekly cyphers with friends evolved into Soul Food Cypher when he met Alex Acosta, who had a vision for a space to sharpen skills and build community. Drawing on his SCAD design background, Markmont helped name the movement, shape its visual identity, and build a culture rooted in respect: “I hear you and I value you. ”
Though he first saw the movement as an opportunity for them to get on in the industry, Markmont’s vision shifted when he saw the power of service—especially to youth. SFC began doing nonprofit gigs and community events, changing the perception of rap and opening doors for deeper impact. He came to see hip-hop as a gateway to trust—and trust that can open up meaningful conversations about education, justice, and transformation. “This isn’t about you, ” he says. “It’s about service—to the MC and the community. ” Through Soul Food Cypher, he’s seen what’s possible when every voice matters and every member plays their part.
For Markmont, freestyle isn’t just a technique—it’s a lifestyle, a cosmic experience (even his Instagram handle is #fullyfreestyle). Influenced by dancers and yo-yoers who improvised in real time, he’s obsessed with the idea of off-the-top creation. Freestyling—whether on the mic, with a yo-yo, or during public speaking—is where he feels most alive. “It obliterates your reality, ” he says. “It’s as infinite as space. You’re always breaking through a new ceiling. ” It’s the shared energy between MC and audience that he lives for. That moment of surprise—of saying something even he didn’t see coming—is what keeps him in love with the craft.
As an MC, Markmont blends bold clarity, depth, and play. He wants people to understand his bars, feel them in their bones, and maybe crack a smile along the way. Communication is at the heart of everything he does—because if people truly listen to your art, they just might listen to your ideas, too. Markmont isn’t here just to rap—he’s here to move people, to build something lasting, and to keep exploring what’s possible when imagination has no ceiling.