H.E.M. Steel, a proud native of Washington D.C., is not your typical rapper. His unique fusion of rap with R&B, Neo Soul, and Trap Soul creates a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh—drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder and Rakim, while carrying the torch for contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Herb Montague, known on stage as H.E.M. Steel, crafts music that’s deeply personal yet universally relatable.
In his creative process, H.E.M. Steel listens carefully to every nuance in the beat, using his voice as an instrument to flow in perfect sync with rhythm and melody. His music isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a journey through life’s moments, encouraging listeners to embrace where they are while pushing themselves toward a better future. His message is clear: be present, be authentic, and keep grinding.
In March, H.E.M. Steel dropped a compelling 6-song EP titled DC’s United, which acts as a sonic reflection of his personal and artistic growth. Just recently, he released the single Feeling Stronger (July 11, 2025), inspired by the intense energy and resilience portrayed in the John Wick film series. These projects showcase his versatility and commitment to creating music that resonates on multiple levels.
Collaboration is another pillar of H.E.M. Steel’s career. He’s worked with notable names like Crank Lucas, Elijah Harvey (renowned for producing season themes for the Washington Mystics and Commanders), and Ainae from NBC’s The Voice. These partnerships amplify his sound and widen his creative horizon.
Beyond the studio, H.E.M. Steel stays motivated by drawing from everyday life and turning experiences into lyrical inspiration. His recent milestone includes working at a sync songwriting camp in North Hollywood with Blaze Unlimited—a stepping stone toward landing his music on TV shows and movies, a dream that’s within reach.
With a steady presence on social media, H.E.M. Steel keeps his fans engaged and connected, sharing updates and thoughtful content that mirrors his authenticity. He balances his personal life and music career by setting intentional time for loved ones, ensuring his growth as an artist never overshadows who he is offstage.
Looking forward, H.E.M. Steel hopes his music provides moments that listeners will remember and cherish—music that empowers them to be unapologetically themselves, live in the moment, and find strength in their own stories.
Check out his new single “Feeling Stronger” on Spotify and dive deep into his musical journey.
Follow him on Instagram @dcnative86 to stay connected with his latest drops and insights.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3arZGZXQGoIFwYkpr0qe9V
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcnative86/
