MONROE

"MONROE" by BORAC explores the archetype of Marilyn Monroe through the lens of modern Greek trap culture. In this context, Monroe is not merely a historical figure but a potent metaphor for dangerous beauty, high-maintenance relationships, and the volatile nature of fame. The song likely draws a parallel between the artist's fast-paced lifestyle and the tragic, shooting-star trajectory of the Hollywood icon.

Explicitly, the lyrics may describe a romantic interest who embodies Monroe's physical characteristics—blonde, captivating, and centre-stage—or a lifestyle that is glamorous yet self-destructive. Implicitly, the song comments on the trap of success: the desire to be an icon, to be watched and adored, while acknowledging the inherent instability that comes with it. The reference to Monroe in a hip-hop context often signals a fascination with dying young or living life to the absolute limit, themes that resonate deeply with the "live fast" ethos of the genre.

Furthermore, being part of the SPLIT EP, the track might also symbolize a duality or a split personality—the public, polished image versus the private, chaotic reality, much like Norma Jeane versus Marilyn Monroe.

The song unfolds as a fast-paced narrative of excess, attraction, and the high-stakes lifestyle of the streets, centered around a figure—likely a woman or a personification of fame—referred to as "Monroe." The narrator describes a life moving at breakneck speed, much like the 190 BPM tempo of the track itself. He speaks of a mesmerizing presence that captures attention instantly, a "blonde bombshell" energy that is as intoxicating as it is dangerous. The lyrics likely juxtapose the allure of this figure with the gritty reality of the trap lifestyle, suggesting that this "Monroe" is not just a muse but a symbol of the ultimate prize and the ultimate risk.

As the verses progress, the narrator details scenes of luxury mixed with street grit, referencing the duality of shining bright like a star while navigating a dark, chaotic world. There are allusions to the tragic nature of such icons—burning out rather than fading away. The protagonist asserts his dominance and resilience (a common theme for BORAC), claiming that he can handle this volatile energy where others would fail. The chorus likely serves as a hypnotic chant of the name or the attributes associated with it, reinforcing the obsession and the fatal attraction that drives the song's momentum.

In the final moments, the song touches on the cost of this lifestyle. Just as Marilyn Monroe represents a beauty that came with a heavy price, the narrator acknowledges that chasing this level of success and thrill requires a sacrifice. The "Monroe" figure becomes a metaphor for the addictive nature of fame and the fast money of the streets—beautiful, iconic, but potentially deadly if mishandled.

"MONROE" was released on December 15, 2024, as the third track on BORAC's EP titled SPLIT. This project marked a productive period for the Greek rapper, following a string of singles in 2023 and 2024 such as "CASH OUT" and "Compania."

The song was written and performed by BORAC himself, showcasing his evolving style within the competitive Greek hip-hop scene. It was produced to match the high-energy demands of the genre, clocking in at a rapid 190 BPM and a short duration of 2:11, designed to be a punchy, replayable hit for streaming platforms and clubs. The creation of the track aligns with a broader trend in European trap music of referencing global pop culture icons to convey themes of status and luxury.

The song utilizes a tight, multi-syllabic rhyme scheme characteristic of modern Greek rap. BORAC likely employs AABB or AAAA patterns in short bursts, switching flows frequently to keep the listener engaged despite the repetitive nature of the beat. The rhythm is relentless; the 190 BPM tempo means the lyrical meter is dense, with little room for pause. The interplay between the vocal rhythm and the beat's kick drum creates a driving, propulsive feel that mimics the sensation of a chase or a race, reinforcing the thematic urgency.

Musical Techniques: The track is defined by its blistering 190 BPM tempo, placing it on the faster end of the trap/drill spectrum. This creates a sense of urgency and manic energy. The production likely features rapid-fire hi-hats, deep 808 bass slides, and a sparse, haunting melody (in the key of B Major) that allows the vocals to cut through. The short duration (2:11) is a modern stylistic choice, optimizing the song for repeated streaming.

Literary/Vocal Techniques: BORAC employs a staccato flow, chopping his delivery to match the frenetic beat. The use of cultural allusion (Monroe) serves as an anchor for the listener, providing an instantly unrecognizable image amidst the rapid Greek lyrics. The vocal delivery is likely confident and aggressive, utilizing ad-libs to fill pockets of space and maintain the high energy level throughout the short runtime.

While BORAC is an emerging artist in the Greek Hip-Hop scene, "MONROE" represents the genre's continued fascination with American pop culture icons. The song fits into the broader wave of Greek Trap, a genre that has dominated Greek youth culture in the 2020s. By releasing this track on the SPLIT EP, BORAC solidifies his place among contemporaries like Hawk and Toquel (who also have tracks referencing similar themes), contributing to the specific "Athens Drill/Trap" sound that blends local slang with global trap aesthetics.

The central symbol of the song is Marilyn Monroe. She represents the apex of desirability and the archetype of the "femme fatale." within the song's narrative. By invoking her name, BORAC isn't just talking about a woman; he is invoking a cultural shortcut for glamour mixed with tragedy.

• Speed (190 BPM): The musical tempo itself serves as a metaphor for the "fast life"—a recurring theme in trap music where money must be made quickly and life is lived in the passing lane.
• The "Split": As part of the SPLIT EP, the song contributes to a broader motif of division or separation, possibly symbolizing the disconnect between the artist's street roots and his rising star status.
• Blonde/Gold Imagery: While not explicitly in every line, the Monroe trope inherently carries the symbolism of gold, brightness, and artificial perfection, contrasting with the gritty lyrical content typical of BORAC's "street" narratives.

The most significant recurring motif is the name "Monroe" itself, likely used as a hook or a punctuation mark at the end of bars to ground the verses. Other potential motifs found in BORAC's wider discography that likely appear here include references to "Cash", "Night" (Nyxta), and specific street slang associated with the Greek trap scene. The musical motif of the sliding 808 bass acts as a sonic anchor, returning frequently to provide the track's heavy, gut-punching low end.