Published: Monday - April 9, 2007
Words by Anne van de Sande
Monica (Photo: Arista)
Every little girl's dream of becoming a famous singer became reality for Monica at the early age of 11, when she was discovered by music producer Dallas Austin. It was her duet with Brandy on "The Boy Is Mine" that fixed all eyes on Monica and pitch forked her into the forefront of R&B music. Almost a decade later, the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, composer and occasional actress released her fourth studio album, The Makings Of Me. Again primarily involving production by Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri, and Bryan Michael Cox -- three heavyweights who helped Monica deliver a divergent album -- the singing bird goes outside her comfort zone with songs like the snap infected "Every Time The Beat Drops" and Twista collabo "Hell No." Although she did try something new this time around, her openess stays the same, as she shares her personal experiences.
Monica makes no bones about the fact that her path was not strewn with roses. Her popularity was in decline between the early 2000s, when she dealt with more personal tribulations -- including the suicide of her boyfriend and the delay of her heavily-bootlegged third album, All Eyez On Me.
Despite the setbacks and after giving birth to a baby boy, the singer strikes back with The Makings Of Me. While pushing her latest single, "Sideline Ho," Monica spoke briefly with Ballerstatus.com about the new release and how she managed to keep her longevity in the music industry.
BallerStatus.com: Considering the fact that you've been gone for over two years and gave birth, how difficult was it to get back to the music and combine your busy schedule with motherhood?
Monica: It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, because my son motivates me to do more and I'm very fortunate to have my mother, Marilyn. She travels with me and takes care of him while I work, so after each engagement I get to hold him. I also love the fact that he gets to see the world.
BallerStatus.com: Throughout your career we've not only seen and heard you grow as an artist, but also as a person. How much of that did you want to present to your fans with The Makings Of Me?
Monica: I tried to make this album like an autobiography. A big majority of the album speaks directly on my own life experience.
BallerStatus.com: The new single is called "Sideline Ho." Can you speak a little on the concept?
Monica: "Sideline" is a song that some incredible writers and myself came up with after I shared an incident with them. It speaks on the conversation I briefly had with the woman that my then boyfriend was cheating with.
BallerStatus.com: Do you have any input in the selection of the singles or does J Records have full control?
Monica: J Records and I share decision making.
BallerStatus.com: Missy Elliot appeared on the second single, called "A Dozen Roses." You worked together before, on the single "So Gone" among others. The two of you always make a great team. How would you describe your relationship?
Monica: It's very simple -- Missy is one of my best friends and that allows us to create music at a rate that was unbelievable.
BallerStatus.com: Did you write all of the songs on the album yourself?
Monica: Not all of them, but a big majority. I participated in the entire process.
BallerStatus.com: Would you describe yourself more as free flowing in the studio or more of a writer that's really conscious of what you're putting out?
Monica: I am very conscious, but I'm realistic. I like for my music to read true and I'm not afraid to talk about the things I have experienced.
BallerStatus.com: You also rap on a song called "Hell No" featuring Twista. Now he's the speed merchant of hip-hop, so it must have been quite difficult to make everything flow together. What did the process of recording the song look like?
Monica: It was a comical scene, but I truly respect Twista. He had so much patience with me and allowed me to learn his way of rapping. Of course, rapping isn't what I do, but I did enjoy the experience. The way I learned best was with him in the booth.
BallerStatus.com:The Makings Of Me is your fourth album, which is farther than a lot of acts get these days. How have you kept your longevity?
Monica: I believe it's because of my honesty. I've been through a lot, and I thank God for keeping me because it allows me to share.
BallerStatus.com: You have had so many hits through the years. Which song do you hold the closest to your heart?
Monica: Strangely enough I don't have a favorite.
BallerStatus.com: What kind of a mark do you think you've left on R&B so far, and how do you feel about it?
Monica: I've never thought about it that way. I hope to one day leave a mark. I truly don't think I have accomplished enough yet.
BallerStatus.com: In the marketing of this business, a lot of times women have to sell their music by creating a sexy image and basically have to take off their clothes. Are you okay with that or do you go back and forth with the label about your imaging?
Monica: I dress according to how I feel as well as what I think the music may require. The label trusts my judgment on things like that.
BallerStatus.com: When you do videos or magazine shoots, how do you look to portray yourself?
Monica: I like for people to see me and feel as if they know me.
BallerStatus.com: When you look at the landscape of R&B females today, are there singers out there that you like to listen to and admire?
Monica: I love people that are real with themselves: Keyshia Cole, Letoya Luckette and most of all Mary J. Blige. Mary's a dear friend of mine and I'm grateful for her, because the things I have been through were hard to overcome, but she has been a huge help and we have both learned to trust God and lean on our faith.
BallerStatus.com: You appeared on several TV shows and had several movie roles, you recently played in "ATL." Are there any new plans for movies or do you mainly want to focus on your music right now?
Monica: I'm really focused on The Makings of Me right now, but if something comes my way, I won't be turning it down.
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