K to the second
This ain't my first rodeo, uh
Check my portfolio, uh
Without the Holy Ghost, I would be gettin' my commas
On quote-on-quote, quote-on-quote, quote-on-quote
I am not so-and-so
Might be the rapper that no one knows
But I got the clique like a metronome
Let that symmetrical, new intellectual, yeah
I was the Oreo, I was the Oreo comin' up
Told 'em: At least I'ma get my degree
Then I'll be back on the scene and my cream will be double stuffed
Either that or a nuclear
Started boxing to toughen up
Then I met Jesus and seen that the struggle somebody will sacrifice all for the other one
I ain't got no records with me braggin' on it
Under the blood, blood, ain't no stackin' on it
Shout out to Reach Records, they put the master on it
Every record got the master on it
But this free freedom ain't no MAGA homie
Man, it's Jesus, Jesus, 'til I'm at annoying
We indeed are living, la la, beat it
He has reaped demons in the ceiling
I am loyal 'cause
Boy, I used to be a monster (be a monster)
I was tweakin', had my mama goin' bonkers (ey ey ey)
Yeah, you probably wouldn't believe it
If it hadn't been for Jesus
I'd be still runnin' around like I'm a gangster
Boy, I used to be a monster
Now it's 15.000 people at my concert
Got they hands up screamin', I'ma tell 'em all about Jesus
How he turned me to a rapper, an imposter
Boy, I used to be a monster, used to be a monster
Boy, I used to be a monster, used to be a monster
Yeah
Boy, I used to be a playboy (playboy)
Yeah, don't you leave your girl around me, boy (no no)
Yeah, they don't take sand to the Beach Boy
But I got me an island in my queen, boy
Bankroll, fake though
Hundred ones wrapped up in a Franco
Runnin' chips in that queso
Make diamonds dance and I say so
Draco, slang though (slang though)
'Fore the Feds ex them like Kinkos
I carry different, my aim though (my aim though)
My game dope, you already know
Boy, I used to be a monster
I was tweakin', had my mama goin' bonkers
Yeah, you probably wouldn't believe it
If it hadn't been for Jesus
I'd be still runnin' around like I'm a gangster (go)
Boy, I used to be a monster
Now it's 15.000 people at my concert
Got the hands up screamin', I'ma tell 'em all about Jesus
How he turned me to a rapper, an imposter
I used to, I used to be a monster
I used to hide the pain, I tried to keep it inside, locked up
But now I'm out my shell, I'm on the table at Red Lobster
I can't believe I almost missed it but I found the golden ticket like I'm Willy Wonka
I can't believe I'm on the team, they put me on the roster
If we both servin' God, I guess mi casa es su casa
I take these boys to school, I got 'em singin' out they minds
They like: What you singin' in vibrato?
Boy, I used to be a monster
Monster
Monster Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on September 15, 2017, KB's song "Monster" presents a powerful narrative of personal transformation, starkly contrasting a troubled past with a present life defined by faith. The artist reflects on a former state characterized by destructive behavior, stating, "Boy, I used to be a monster." This past life involved "tweakin'," causing distress to his mother ("had my mama goin' bonkers"), and potentially engaging in activities described through references to a "gangster" lifestyle, being a "playboy," and mentioning elements like "Draco," "Feds," and "Kinkos" that suggest a brush with dangerous or illegal circumstances. He also speaks of hiding pain and struggling with identity, perhaps feeling like an "Oreo" growing up.
Central to the song's message is the explicit declaration that this dramatic change in identity and lifestyle is solely attributed to his encounter with and faith in Jesus. The recurring line, "If it hadn't been for Jesus, I'd be still runnin' around like I'm a gangster," anchors the entire theme. He emphasizes that his past is "Under the blood," signifying redemption and freedom from its hold. This transformation is presented not as a gradual self-improvement but as a direct intervention through faith.
The song then details the fruits of this change. The artist describes a life now dedicated to proclaiming his faith, exemplified by performing for large crowds ("15,000 people at my concert") with the purpose of "tell[ing] 'em all about Jesus." His previous life of hidden pain and being "locked up" inside has shifted to one of openness and being "out my shell," feeling like he has found a valuable opportunity or destiny ("found the golden ticket"). The narrative also touches upon achieving a degree and professional success ("get my degree," "cream will be double stuffed," being "on the roster"), suggesting that this newfound faith coincided with or enabled positive progress in other areas of his life.
The transformation is so profound that the artist refers to how Jesus "turned me to a rapper, an imposter." This line can be interpreted as a reflection on the complete shift in his identity – the former "monster" is now a faith-driven artist, perhaps feeling like an "imposter" compared to his previous self or the conventional expectations associated with rap music, precisely because of the radical change. Despite the past, he now serves God and feels a sense of belonging ("mi casa es su casa" for those serving God) and impact, even teaching others.
Overall, "Monster" serves as a testimony to the power of faith in overcoming a difficult past and reshaping one's identity and purpose. It celebrates the freedom and redemption found through belief, leading to a life dedicated to sharing that transformative message with others. The song's inspirational core lies in its portrayal of hope and the possibility of radical change regardless of past struggles, highlighting the artist's journey from a self-destructive path to one of faith, influence, and fulfillment.
