K-pop group Monsta X have been on the scene for a decade, showing off their bold, brash, and charismatic sound.

The sextet began their career on a competition television show in 2014, and formally debuted the following year with "Trespass." Since then, Shownu, Joohoney, Kihyun, I.M, Hyungwon, and Minhyuk carved out a sizable space for themselves in the K-pop industry with their endearing personalities and boisterous blend of dance music and hip-hop. Monsta X have released numerous albums and nearly 50 singles, attracting fans from around the world.

Monsta X released their 10th anniversary album, The X, on Sept. 1. Their first fully original release since 2023 – although they put out a compilation album earlier this year – The X features funky pre-release "Do What I Want," the dominating "N the Front," and sleek standout"Tuscan Leather." Album closer "Fire & Ice" particularly really represents the group's enduring sweet romanticism: "We are tough on the outside and soft on the inside," Hyungwon told GRAMMY.com in 2021. "When it comes to music, we all get very thoughtful about it, and I guess that makes us have sentimental, moody vibes along with the toughness." 

A testament to their resonance, Monsta X were one of the primary inspirations for the seductive antagonistic boy band Saja Boys in the hit animated movie, Kpop Demon Hunters. As Monsta X enters a new era, listen to five essential songs that offer a taste of what the group has to offer across their expansive discography. 

"Hero" (2015) 

A beloved early hit from their Rush EP, "Hero"  is exuberant and swaggering in a way that defined Monsta X’s earliest releases. Smooth vocals and commanding raps weave in and out of heavy EDM drops and industrial hip-hop; brassy synths and a groovy deep bassline underscore the group's dynamism.  

"Hero" remains the group's most-viewed video on YouTube. Then seven members (Wonho left the act in 2019 and is now a solo artist), Monsta X dance draped in black atop a helipad, filling the skyline with their height-defying, and occasionally ab-flashing, choreography as they proclaim declarations of being your hero, of being your man. 

"Shoot Out"  (2018)

The lead single from Take.1 Are You There?, "Shoot Out" offers a complex medley of sounds and styles — highlighting Monsta X's ability to seamlessly blend. The vibrating opening notes of "Shoot Out" feel like a sonic attack with gritty, metal-styled strings and assertive raps from co-lyricists Joohoney and I.M. With each verse, the vocalists combine for a hypnotizing titular refrain.

Throughout, Monsta X vacillates between mourning a love lost through harmonious verses and bold choruses, with vibrating synths propulsively pushing the song forward.  While such a mixture of severity and sincerity could come off as off-kilter, Monsta X relishes in this paradigm.  

"Who Do U Love" (2019)

All About Luv,  Monsta X’s six album and first all-English release, is firmly confident in its concept. Each of the 11 tracks feels like one different flower in a beautiful bouquet of romantic balladry. 

While the album features guest appearances from Pitbull and will.i.am, its the French Montana-featuring title track that remains the most resonant. With its groovy seduction and breezy falsettos, the title track is another exploration of pop sentimentality. "Who Do U Love" sees Monsta X lean into dancefloor ready alt R&B, with rhythmic snaps guiding the way to euphoria. 

"Gambler" (2021)

As their career progressed, Monsta X went from rebel-rousing machismo to a more dashing form of dangerous gentlemen, largely epitomized by 2020’s "Love Killa" and 2021’s "Gambler" — the latter of which takes itself just seriously enough while still having fun. Released as part of the group's ninth EP, "Gambler" is funky and driven by swaggering lines like "My suit is black, my suit is fresh."

"Gambler" is built on teasing strings and snappy beats that bolster the members’ magnetic performances. Throughout, bold synths make it very clear that this is still the same Monsta X as always, but one that continues to bet on pushing itself forward stylistically.

"Do What I Want" (2025)

Back after a few years away as members’ rotated in-and-out of South Korea’s mandatory military service, The X is a testament to the act’s distinct style. 

The exuberant "Do What I Want" epitomizes Monsta X's particular career stage: they literally are doing whatever they want. They playfully taunt over Brazilian funk beats and bass, pulsating towards a catchy chorus where the members sing about how they are in control. A mid-song drop featuring I.M’s haunting rap briefly slows things down before powerfully picking up speed again. It may feel a bit off-kilter and dramatic, but that’s exactly where Monsta X love living. 

Monsta X are indeed in control, assured of their craft and style. The whole album is a celebratory moment for the group, one in which they are confident with the brand they’ve embodied now for a decade as a group.