Rook Monroe rejects conformity with new single “i don’t wanna be you.”
Rook Monroe is not your typical artist if you’re seeking something conventional or expected. With the release of his debut single on Warner Records, titled “i don’t wanna be you.”, the renowned alt-pop disruptor has unleashed a sonic revelation that many felt was missing from the current cultural landscape.
Renowned for penning Rihanna’s soul-stirring hit “Desperado” and creating a dedicated fanbase with his inaugural solo project “Californialand” in 2020, Rook has always existed on the fringes of convention. However, his latest offering stands out from the rest. This is Rook in his full unfiltered form—unconstrained, nonchalant, and fiercely truthful.
The song commences with a surprising nod to Good Charlotte’s track “The Anthem,” bursting out with scorching guitars, high-energy drums, and a punk-rap vigor that cuts through the noise of the digital realm, the music industry, and the complexities of identity politics.
The impactful line, “They/them, he, she / None of these ni**s is f‘in with me,” serves as both a startling statement and a battle cry. It’s Rook proclaiming, “I refuse to play a role in your show.” In a landscape dominated by personal branding, Rook Monroe is actively dismantling his own image in real-time.
Forget about trying to define his music within a single genre. This track defies categorization. It’s a blend of emo confession, trap tantrum, and punk-rock frenzy. Picture the emotional depth of Kid Cudi, the rawness of Yungblud, and the boldness of early Tyler, The Creator all bottled up and unleashed without any constraints.
Rook isn’t conforming to any set formula, nor is he chasing after playlist placements. He is, in fact, the driving force of change rather than being swept by it.
The song “i don’t wanna be you.” isn’t just another piece of music—it’s a therapeutic outpouring set to a backdrop of 808s. The lyrics delve deep into themes of trauma, mental health, references to Prozac, and ushers in a maelstrom of the internet jungle, all narrated with a calculated chaos that only Rook can master.
From his humble beginnings in Chicago to his current residence in Los Angeles, Rook Monroe initially made a name for himself as a behind-the-scenes hitmaker. Having contributed to tracks for industry heavyweights like Rihanna, Jeremih, The Chainsmokers, and Aminé, he’s now stepping into the limelight.
Rook’s 2020 release “Californialand” kickstarted his solo journey, firmly establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The track “Honey” alone has garnered over 14.8 million streams, signifying the start of something truly remarkable.
With the recent release of “i don’t wanna be you.”, Rook Monroe is embarking on a new chapter filled with unbridled creativity and unapologetic self-expression. This isn’t just another song—it marks the inception of a groundbreaking era where Rook is no longer content with being a background figure. He’s here to disrupt the norm, make his presence felt, and challenge the status quo.