Monument cover

Monument

Kollegah · 2018

64 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop

A dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and aggressive beats that showcase Kollegah's lyrical prowess and multifaceted persona.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Orbit Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Dear Lord — This track serves as a heartfelt reflection on faith and personal struggles, showcasing Kollegah's vulnerability amidst his usual bravado.
  • →
    Royal — The song captures a lavish lifestyle while critiquing superficiality in the rap scene, blending catchy hooks with sharp commentary.
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    Psycho — In this track, Kollegah explores darker themes with a gripping narrative style, highlighting his versatility as an artist.
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    Cohiba Symphony — This track stands out for its luxurious production and clever lyricism, reflecting on success while maintaining an air of exclusivity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Kollegah's intricate wordplay and varied production create a compelling hip-hop experience, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, particularly in the instrumentation, which adds a dramatic flair to the production.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with resolution
  • intricate wordplay and bravado
  • engaging themes for deep listening
  • wave-like pacing throughout tracks
  • evocative storytelling in every song

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, instant gratification
  • dislike complex lyrical narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases Kollegah's lyrical prowess and thematic depth, marking a high point in his career.
Themes
luxurious excess· faith and struggle· superficiality in rap
Career context
By the time 'Monument' was released in December 2018, Kollegah had already established himself as a leading figure in German hip-hop, following his successful album 'Imperator' from 2014. This album marked his return after a three-year hiatus, during which he navigated personal and professional challenges, including public controversies and shifts in the rap landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Farid Bang· Sido· Bushido

Tracklist

  • 1 Orbit Start here 2:53
  • 2 Dear Lord 4:54
  • 3 Blow Out 3:25
  • 4 Royal 4:44
  • 5 Das erste Mal 2:54
  • 6 Bossmove 3:16
  • 7 Gospel 2:49
  • 8 Psycho 2:58
  • 9 Löwe 5:29
  • 10 La Vida Koka 3:05
  • 11 Makiaveli 3:53
  • 12 Realtalk 3:58
  • 13 Continental 3:28
  • 14 Donlife 3:11
  • 15 Cohiba Symphony 3:58
  • 16 Da 2:59
  • 17 Monument (Outro) 6:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata