Ever wake up with a song stuck in your head and you can’t quite place why it feels so heavy? That’s basically the vibe of Matthew David Morris Monsters. If you grew up on the internet in the early 2010s, you know Matthew David Morris better as MattyBRaps. He was the kid with the backwards hat and the surprisingly clean flow who took over YouTube.
But "Monsters" wasn't just another cover. It wasn't him rapping over a Justin Bieber beat or doing a G-rated version of an Eminem track. By the time this single dropped in early 2019, the "kid" was sixteen. He was dealing with the weird, often crushing pressure of being a digital-age celebrity since the age of seven.
The Story Behind Matthew David Morris Monsters
Honestly, most people expected MattyB to just fade away like other viral stars. He didn't. Instead, he released "Monsters" on January 7, 2019, and it caught a lot of people off guard. It wasn't bubbly. It was dark. It was moody.
The song centers on the mental health struggle of growing up in the spotlight. When he sings about the voices in his head and the "monsters" under his bed, he isn't talking about literal boogeymen. He's talking about temptation, anxiety, and the "tug of war" between who he is and who the world wants him to be.
Why the Lyrics Hit Differently
The opening lines set the tone immediately: "Always facing temptations / God I'm trying to be patient."
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You've got to remember that by 2019, MattyB had over 10 billion views across his channels. That’s a lot of eyes on a teenager. In his "Behind the Music" videos for the track, Matthew was surprisingly open. He admitted that the song was deeply personal, even spiritual. He explicitly mentioned that when he raps about a "presence" helping him find his way, he’s referring to his faith in Jesus.
It’s rare to see a YouTube star be that vulnerable without it feeling like a marketing ploy. For Matthew David Morris, "Monsters" was a bridge. It bridged the gap between the "YouTube kid" and the artist he wanted to become.
A Music Video That Scared the BFamily?
The music video, which dropped a couple of weeks after the audio, was a whole production. It features Matthew in a dark, atmospheric house. There are literal "monsters"—actors in creepy makeup—representing the internal battles he's fighting.
- The Visuals: Cinematic, lots of shadows, and a very "Stranger Things" meets early 2000s rock video aesthetic.
- The Message: You can’t run from your demons; you have to face them.
- The Reception: The "BFamily" (his hardcore fanbase) ate it up, but it also gained traction with people who had previously written him off as just a "cover artist."
Interestingly, Matthew’s cousin and longtime collaborator, MarsRaps, played a big role in the production. They’ve been a duo for years, and you can see that chemistry in how the track is mixed. It’s polished, sure, but it feels more authentic than his earlier, glossier pop covers.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Song
People think Matthew David Morris Monsters is just a generic pop-rap song about "bad vibes." It’s actually more specific.
It’s a song about control.
The chorus says, "But I won't lose control / Monsters underneath my bed / But we are not friends." That's a huge distinction. He’s acknowledging the darkness but refusing to let it define him. In a world where so many child stars spiral out, this was Matthew’s way of saying he was staying grounded.
Does It Hold Up in 2026?
Looking back from 2026, "Monsters" feels like the moment Matthew David Morris truly grew up. He’s continued to release music, including his 2025 projects like RUDA and singles like "Lost Between Us." But "Monsters" remains one of his most-played tracks on Spotify and YouTube for a reason.
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It’s relatable. Everyone has those days where the pressure feels like a literal weight.
Actionable Takeaways from the "Monsters" Era
If you're a fan or just a casual observer of internet culture, there’s a lot to learn from how Matthew handled this release.
- Don't ignore the pivot. If you're a creator, you have to evolve. Matthew shifted from covers to deeply personal originals, and it saved his career from becoming a footnote.
- Lean into the "Real." The reason "Monsters" has 22+ million views on some platforms isn't just the beat; it's the fact that he was honest about his mental state.
- Check the credits. If you want to understand the sound, look at the work of MarsRaps and the production team Matthew kept around him. Consistency matters.
If you haven't heard it in a while, go back and watch the "Behind the Music" for the track. It’s a fascinating look at a young artist trying to maintain his sanity while millions of people watch his every move.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to the "Monsters" official remix if you want a more high-energy version of the track.
- Check out his newer 2025 releases to see how his sound has matured even further since the "Monsters" era.
- Watch the BTS (Behind the Scenes) footage of the music video to see the practical effects used for the monsters—it’s actually pretty impressive for an independent production.