Monica -
On Motherhood And Her Greatest Love Of All
Story by Yvette Caslin
Exclusive Images by Grace Kisa
for Steed Media Service
It seems like Monica has been preparing for the role of “Mama” all of her life. She cheerfully strolls into the sunlit lobby at the posh InterContinental Buckhead hotel carrying her eldest son, “Lil’ Rocko,” who’s tenderly resting his head on her left shoulder, as she pushes the stroller sheltering her 6-month-old infant, “‘Melo” with her right hand. This moment is novel. Monica is a shining star, who’s been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade. She has won the much-coveted Grammy, and is a multiplatinum artist; however, she doesn’t have a nanny in tow, and she’s only a few minutes late for her interview and photo shoot. This display of modesty that’s uncommon for many entertainers, makes it clear that she plays both roles well — mother and mogul. And it’s a good thing, because in addition to being “Mama,” Monica is on a serious mission to create a multifaceted entertainment empire.
With an asymmetric haircut and flaming-red highlighted bang flattering her caramel countenance and smoky eyes, Monica dotes on her children as she prepares for another day on the job as an entertainer and entrepreneur. She has less than a week before she shifts into high gear, promoting a television special that chronicles a behind-the-scenes look at her task to once again ascend to the top of the music charts with her upcoming, untitled fifth album.
The Turner Broadcasting's Peachtree TV presentation, titled “The Single: Monica” follows her into the studio with award-winning producer-songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox and J Records A&R executives Larry Jackson and Jaha Johnson, as they work on a single for her album. The one-hour documentary traces the process of creating a hit song from conception, to recording and release, while allowing fans a peek at Monica’s home life with rapper-producer Rodney “Rocko” Hill and their two sons, Rodney “Lil’ Rocko” Ramone III and Romelo “‘Melo.”
“It basically is about my quest and my journey in finding a record that works for me this time. I think it’s very different in comparison to the first time in ‘95 [and] doing it again in 2008. The television show is just a chance for the viewers to see it from my point of view as a mom, as a daughter, as a sister and also as an artist trying to make things jell. It was a pretty unique situation for the family to be taped at all times. They beared it with me for 14 days,” confides Monica, who also starred in ATL (2006) and Rockmond Dunbar’s upcoming release, Pastor Brown (2009).
“The music industry is brutal,” says James Dubose, the shows creator and executive producer. “It’s a fickle space, and the fans’ tastes are constantly changing, especially with new artists coming in to steal the spotlight. So, it’s extremely difficult for even the biggest and most established stars to have any type of staying power in the music business. Every new song or album is do-or-die, because so many reputations and careers are on the line.”
Having produced hit shows, which include BET’s “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” and “Hell Date,” Dubose recognizes that entertainers are only as good as their last project.
“[Creating hits is] a highly emotional and competitive process that requires creative, dynamic partnership and interaction among the artist, the producer and the record label in order to have a remote chance at success,” he adds. “Organically capturing this high-stakes process is what we’re looking to do with ‘The Single.’ “
Fearless and flawless, Monica was up for the challenge. She’s no stranger to trying something new. A chic dresser whose sense of extraordinary style transfers to her children, Monica recently started her own fashion line.
“Regions of Rock is my boy’s clothing line [that ranges] from infants up to size 18/20. I found that when I was out looking for things for my boys to look hot [in] to wear to different events — red carpet [and] photo sessions — I couldn’t find what I needed. The best thing for me to do was create it. I felt like as a mom that if it was missing for me, it was missing for other mothers,” she explains. “My line is urban rock. You will see a mixture of hot [denim], artwork, grommets and stones. I think my sons, especially the oldest one, is a little bit of a rocker. So, I mix those things together and put on the things that I [like]. I [would] put those things on my infant and the outfit would be hot [but] you had to put on an ugly bib, so we put hot bibs, hot booties … everything into the clothing line.”
In addition to making clothes, Monica has also been making appearances. Recently, “Miss Thang” was tapped to host one of Atlanta’s leading radio shows, “The Ryan Cameron Show” while Cameron was on vacation. It was no easy task, but Monica measured up quite well. It was not surprising.Her strong voice and engaging lyrics have garnered her endless shout-outs and accolades from haters and fans alike. It’s kept her both courageous and confident. She hopes to communicate that sentiment on the upcoming album.
“[With] my new CD, we’re debating on two titles, “Still Standing,” which is my vote, or “Lessons Learned.” Both are very relevant for me in my life right now. I have learned so much in the last five years that it’s almost impossible for me to explain who I am [now] and who I used to be,” shares Monica, who’s known throughout the industry for keeping it real with her fans and being very candid about her personal life. “I try to let people know that ‘Still Standing’ [the single] is how I feel every day. For everything that has taken place in my life, I’m still here — by the grace of God. I walk by faith [and] where I’m from and what has taken place has nothing to do with where I’m going.”
“Mo,” as her family affectionately calls her, adds that this new release also provides the perfect opportunity to return to making ballads and inspiring women to achieve.
“I wanted to go back to the types of records that I love, which are soul records,” she says. “I think it’s important for me as an artist to be open with my fans because I came in [to] the industry doing just that.”
Monica entered the music industry at age 11, and sang “The Greatest Love of All.” Now at 28, the songstress-actress has discovered her greatest love.
“My greatest love of all is absolutely my children and their father. Second, it would have to be my family. They’re the support system that allows me to do what I do,” she shares.
In between striking poses at the photo shoot, her adoration and dedication to her family is clear as the fierce and fabulous diva admiringly peeks over the photographer’s shoulders to look at Lil’ Rocko, who’s giggling and entertaining himself. With his feet clad in Louis Vuitton sneakers, he’s running back-and-forth, pushing his baby brother’s empty stroller.
The talented artist spent more than six hours on the shoot before it was time for Lil’ Rocko’s dinner. During the last few minutes of the session, he was incredibly adorable. Widening his brown eyes, he clutched his mother’s leg to command her attention. He got it.
Favorite perfume:
“My favorite perfume right now is Bill Blass. It’s very subtle. I can spray it on whether it’s daytime or nighttime. I have a perfume collection that ranges from $40-50 stuff that’s just cute [and] comes in nice bottles, to some $400 bottle that I got as a gift from the label. It’s hot, though. I like mixing. T-Boz used to always [say], ‘Mix your perfumes …’ She bought me about five different scents and I have kept that up from then until now.”
Favorite designer:
“It used to be shoes with bags, now it’s totally separate … favorite handbags — Louis Vuitton. I think my favorite shoe designer right now is Christian Louboutin; [his shoes are] very high — not for a lot of walking, but [great for] sit-down-cute-action.”
In retrospect, the summer concert stage in 1996, who would rock it the best?
“It depends on what you’re looking for when you say who rocks it the best. If you want it real and 100 percent, I would say me. If you wanted it sexy and sultry, I would always say Aaliyah. If you wanted it clean-cut and not taking too many risks, it would always be Brandy. It depends on what you’re looking for in the ‘90s era on who would rock it the best.”
How do you balance motherhood and career?
“Balancing motherhood and career opportunities: the only way to successfully do that is to decide what your priorities are. I list everything out and everybody knows that the kids come first. So, for instance, when we were filming this movie that’s coming, they have to do things a little bit different. Instead of five people flying in, there are seven. Or instead of getting a room where I’m more concerned with the size of the television, now I need a kitchen in it because I’m warming bottles. I think it’s more exciting. It brings a totally different feel. The rules are a lot stricter for my employees, but I think they appreciate it because they know that I’m creating a good environment for them.”
Comments to date: 12. Page 1 of 3. Article Rating:
AMAYA ORLANDO
Posted at 1:05pm on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
Do your thang girl! I love the way she handles her business..keep up the good work.
askale addis ababa
Posted at 4:20pm on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Beautiful photos
jasmine chicago
Posted at 11:47am on Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
i think that this was an awsome article on monica. i adore monica i think that she has a beautiful voice and personality.
shortncoco Philadelphia (PHILLY)
Posted at 4:11pm on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
Let me start but saying if Monica is taking votes on the title Still Standing would get my vote. Between watching "The Single", looking at the photos and reading this artical I can't wait until Monica's album comes out because I will be one of the f... read more»
tuff Tiff Hotlanta
Posted at 9:38pm on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008
After reading the article, I feel like Monica is my girlfriend. I love her openess and how she is so grounded and family oriented. Stay real Monica!
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Posted at 1:05pm on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008