The fabulous Monica is covering the pages of the November issue of Upscale magazine. And we’ve got the first look at her spread with all looks shot by photographer Derek Blanks:
On her personal struggles:
My family has been financially comfortable since my career began. But we’ve had other issues. I’ve experienced death, my career has been up and down at different times.
There are no secrets with me. I’m open. The only things I won’t talk about is something that affects other people. If it’s not just my story, I won’t tell it. [Like your relationship with C-Murder?]
Absolutely. He goes through enough. And it was over ten years ago. Not just him. Even before me finding my real friends, I had other types of friends. I’m loyal. And I don’t like when people are disloyal. I found out that friends I had for a long time who had not so positive things to say about me when I was not around. Anyone not being loyal or honest is the only reason why I cut off friends. I don’t live in the past. But I’ve definitely had moments where I felt I was being used.
More pics and interview highlights on being a celebrity and not working with Dallas Austin when you read the rest…
On not working with Dallas Austin on this album:
We have to be on the same page. Sometimes, he’s doing a completely different sound and it may be a different world than what I’m doing. So I feel him out and see if we’re in the same zone. Sometimes we are. Sometimes we’re not.
On growing up:
I’m just not who I used to be anymore. My focus is my children and my family as a whole.
On staying true to herself:
When I was sixteen, I would go from an awards show straight to a cookout in the hood. People didn’t understand. But the music industry never changed who I was. These are my people. It is what it is. You look at a rapper on his first album, million dollars worth of jewelry. And then you look at Jay-Z who may wear none. You grow up.
On looking forward:
My children don’t know who I dated 12 or 13 years ago. It’s inappropriate and I’ll tell anyone that. I owe my current relationship more than that.
On being a celebrity:
I love Beyonce. But her life is for her. My life is for me. It’s what’s the Most High has chosen for me. I can’t compare our careers.
On her dream duet:
Whitney is still my idol. I still need to do a song with her before it’s all over. I have to!
Work it out then Monica…
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:31 PM
Love Monica!! She looks fab!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:33 PM
Good look, Monica!
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:34 PM
loves monica….can’t wait til she drop a new cd.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:34 PM
Love Monica. she always keeps it real. hope her new album does well.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:35 PM
Just keeping it real. That’s what it’s all about. Be true to yourself.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:36 PM
I’m curious to hear why she won’t be getting married anytime soon…
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:37 PM
I like Monica she keeps it real! I’ve been a fan of hers since ‘95!! She looks FAB and I’m lovin’ her weave free hair! Plus she can sing for real which is a plus in my book. I look forward to her show and new music! Go Miss Thang!
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:37 PM
UPSCALE….Who Wants a POWER Boost?
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:39 PM
probably because he won’t. I hear that line over and over again
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:44 PM
I LOVE MONICA FOR BEING JUST WHO SHE IS, SHE’S REAL AND SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND IN MY OPINION VERY UNDER RATED ! SHE IS A GREAT SINGER AND HER VOCAL ABILITIES HAVE MADE HER ONE OF MY FAVS BY FAR ! ! !
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:45 PM
I love Monica. I don’t know what happened to her and Brandy. It’s like they drop off on their music career. But thy’re still beautiful and very successful, I’m just saying it’ll be nice to hear some real good music instead of Beyonce all the time.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:45 PM
*Her foundation looks almost the color of chalk.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:46 PM
Monica is the shit..she seems very comfortable in her skin.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:49 PM
MONICA IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL LADY AND SMART TOO! THATS MY GIRL RIGHT THERE, WILL BE COPING THE NEW CD AND WATCHING THE NEW REALITY SHOW!
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:49 PM
Monica’s vocals have been sorely missed & I can’t wait for the album.
I would love to hear a duet with her & JHud..now that would be da sh**
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:52 PM
you go! monica i like the fact you grew to become your own woman inside and out i think alot of other women need to start being true to themselves as well when you be true to yourself you never get cheated out of life .but when you dont you go threw life being to much of a people pleaser and that can lead to a very empty frustrated life . and nobody deserves to live like that so ladies start being true to yourself so you can grow into the real woman you need to be and desire to be .
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:52 PM
Monica hunny I don’t think you wanna do a duet with Mama Whit anymore..lol
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:56 PM
Love Monica!! Now if she would only get rid of her “make up artist” who looks like Clfford the Big Red Dog’s long lost cousi (except in orange)! Monica is real and her music is always on point! :) Go Monica
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:58 PM
Monica is a beast vocally. I can’t wait til she comes back. Hopefully she’ll be on some grown woman shit this time.
That looks like a gummi bear necklace in the pic with the purple outfit lol. Mmmmm…gummi bears…
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:59 PM
She has always carried herself with class. She has remained true to herself.
Thu, October 15, 2009 1:59 PM
I didnt understand her response to the question about being a celebrity. Why did she bring up Beyonce?
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:01 PM
Why shouldnt Monica duet with Whitney? I see nothing wrong with it.
I like Monica but she don’t always keep it real – and that’s real. If that Roc would ask her to marry him today she know she would say yes. It’s not her, it’s him. Just keep it real. She has been saying they were getting married soon, now she isn’t ready? Okay.Monica’s face is too painted up in these pics but I’m feeling the whoever did the styling for the shoot. Love the purple on her.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:03 PM
Can’t say anything but stuff about Miss Thang, always tells it like it is. I miss hearing her on the radio, supremely talented.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:03 PM
MONICA IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SLEPT ON….. I LOVE MONICA HER LAST TWO ALBUMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NUMBER ONE AND THATS REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CANT WAIT FOR HER TOO COME OUT WITH HER CD
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:06 PM
they proly mentioned Bey an took that part out.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:06 PM
The cover is just bad. She looks like she should be in a CASKET!. Wayyy to much funeral make-up. The 2nd pic is cute….very cute.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:06 PM
From her response it seems like she was asked about Beyonce and her career…probably the interviewer asked her if she felt she should be on the same level as Beyonce or something.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:06 PM
I’m sure they brought it up or Bey’s name was omitted from the interview here on YBF. If not, I too would like to know why her name was brought up.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:07 PM
I think she’s comparing their celebrity. Beyonce has the glitz, glamour amd flashing lights. That’s not Monica. Like she’d be more comfortable performing in front of crowd of 50K rather than a crowd of 200K. That’s what I got from that anyway lol
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:13 PM
I have ALWAYS loved Monica every since she first came out. This chick can SAAANGG! And she has always seemed to keep it real…the music industry hasn’t changed her and she has been in the business for many many years. I have always known Monica was from the hood but she is always classy and NEVER acts ghetto…like some of these other entertainers from the hood. I want to read the full interview!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:15 PM
Even tho im getting sick and tired of them damn reality shows, i am curious about her show tho…I wonder if its going to be like season 1 of keyshia cole and will she have keyshia making a guest appearance.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:16 PM
I’ve heard Monica story for over 10 years. Lest talk about something else
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:18 PM
ALWAYS ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY FABULOUS!! GO ‘HEAD MO!! THE PRINCESS OF R&B!!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:24 PM
Loves the last album it got me threw some hard times alot of people slept on that album.. I think I need to blow the dust off of it and play that today!!! …
Can’t wait for the next album and the show….
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:31 PM
I hope Monica’s project does well, she is so sweet and real.She represents Atlanta well and always has been ahead of her time, love her!
By the way she does love Beyonce, in Atlanta, I’ve seen her at several Beyonce concerts sitting on the front row. At the Beyonce Experience Show, Beyonce shouted her out and Michelle sang back-up for Monica before DC. Just putting that out there before the “Stans” show up and try to crucify Monica.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:33 PM
Is it just me or is Monica looking a foolish mess in those photos?? Sorry…not feeling these shots at all.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:37 PM
Gotta love Mo!!!!!! She keep its hood, classy and sexy. She is who she was before she became who she is today….
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:39 PM
Monica is not from the hood.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:39 PM
I absolutely love Monica; she has been my girl since she first hit the scene! She is one of few real, down to earth people in the industry!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:40 PM
I <3 Monica. Does she still have custody of the three or four kids that she was raising?
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:41 PM
ITS YOU BOO!!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:46 PM
Monica has the same expression in every pic. Her haircut stays on point though!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:54 PM
ahhh monica is coming back…thank goodness, its about time.
hope she sells many many albums cause to me she’s one of the best sangers out there!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:56 PM
Makeup looks like she is dead, she is too skinny and her feet is hella big but she still cute in the face even though she wears way too much MAKEUP ALL THE TIME!
Not really excited about her, Nothing original anymore.
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:57 PM
Riddle me this Riddle me that…why do they ask damn near every female R & B singer a career comparison question that includes Beyonce? Is the media purposely baiting these chicks to bad mouth Bey? I’m just sayin…..
Other than that..I loved her commentary and the pics are absolutely beautiful – go ‘head Moni do you, chica!
Thu, October 15, 2009 2:58 PM
ohh i meant THE BEST SANGER…..GO MONICA, KEEP PUSHING ON MAMA!
Thu, October 15, 2009 3:09 PM
when bey stans feel no threat they don’t make negative comments. that is all
Thu, October 15, 2009 3:10 PM
I love Mo! She’s just herself and is quick to check someone if needs be. She, Brandy and Aaliyah made some the hottest music period. That was a period when everyone had music for their own age group, but even though they were teens, the music was written in such a way that could reach both teens and adults. Today,it’s just adults singing to children. Mo is part of the last generation of great r&b music. I will check out the show as long as it doesn’t turn ghetto like other shows. Mo’s always kept to herself so it should be good. Hopefully BET doesn’t “ghetto it up.”
Thu, October 15, 2009 3:15 PM
i love me some monica thats my berch vocally no one can see her point blank period !
Thu, October 15, 2009 3:33 PM
Monica is one FAB chic….nuff said!
Thu, October 15, 2009 3:39 PM
Always loved her. She’s gorgeous and talented! Killer combination!
Thu, October 15, 2009 4:17 PM
BEST SINGER TODAY HANDS DOWN… FINALLY SOME R&B
Thu, October 15, 2009 4:24 PM
Monica= THAT REAL RNB
Thu, October 15, 2009 4:26 PM
any i the only one UPSET at Monica’s photoshopped face to make her look light-skinned near pinkish. OMG THese pictures are HORRIBLE…please someone agree with me???!?!?
Thu, October 15, 2009 4:54 PM
i dont even like R&B tbh but AND? got it right…Monica is the best singer there is now. To deny that is simply foolish. Erica youza hater, makeup; that mag cover is photoshopped…they all are cept the one in red isnt as much…not her face anyways…. Not feeling like explaining shadows n alignment and all that. Anways, for those of you who watched the BET awards, yall know she killed Ms Cole on ms Cole’s song. She was hittin them notes dead on the money and she was fierce in that black. Also; NO WEAVE OMG……women with no weave is sooo sexy. you dont wanna pull that shit and have it come out and she’s mad; moments gone, you get none. Smfh uh uh, she got that real hair….she is fire. Beyonce could keep that yak or whatever the fck it is she and all the rest of them other heffers be wearing. Rihanna fans plz be quiet, she not even in the same league. Monica and J Hud would be great but to compare them. Monica is cuter to me, not because of complexion but just her facial features; nice eyes, cute nose, sexy mfing lips…J Hud got nice lips 2 but Monica is all that and then some. She is bad to the brizzle, swag is offical, outta this world ho3, she sky high…drizzy on the remix lolz
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:05 PM
I love Monica, but she needs to eat something, like 5lbs even wont hurt! And her makeup is nice, but to cakey, like a drag queen is prob her makeup artist!
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:10 PM
I love Monica too but giiiiirrrrrrl, you are a STAN!! LOL! They talk about Bey stans but you almost sound homosexual. But hey, you love you some Monica…aint nothing wrong with that.
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:18 PM
I agree with you. I thought I was the only one not feeing these pics. Not a good look at all.
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:47 PM
who cares quit asking her about c-murder I wish she just get some new music out quick
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:50 PM
Derek Blanks made Monica look like a pale, ghostly fool. Why is she so light in these photos? That is not cute at all. ITs bad enough shes not photogenic.
Thu, October 15, 2009 5:55 PM
Yes Monica!!! Tell this younger generations that Whitney was in a league of her on and everyone that sings between the ages of 25-35 has been inspired by her. She is one of one and so is Monica!! I love the fact that she is ALWAYS herself and real!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 6:01 PM
Mo keeping it real love it.
Thu, October 15, 2009 6:52 PM
I Love ha!! but where has she struggled?? I know she had to experience her bf get killed but she making it seem like she’s been thru wat Keyshia Cole’s fam has been thru. She just said they’ve been stable and she is dating Rocko (rapper/ATL boss) since I can remember. She has had a great career and a beautiful son now so I dont understand.
Thu, October 15, 2009 6:55 PM
MONICA YOU ARE ONE BADD SISTER YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, SMART, AND SEXY AND AT THE SAME TIME A SINGER, ACTRESS, MOTHER AND A WHOLE LOT MORE AND YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL.
Thu, October 15, 2009 7:01 PM
and moncia i hope that all of the other people in the industry learn how to answere question that just might be loaded questions for a big feed back later on. you did a super job life is so short here today and gone tomorrow and people needs to realize that instead of trying to keep lot of unessary shyt going on all of the damn time. people needs to grow up just like some people think that your make up is to heavy but they have forgotten that they do not have to like your make up and that its your face and you look dam good.looking forward to your show and i love the heck out of you and keshias song trust you both tore that song up and at the awards show the two of you showed up and showed all the way out i respect you because you are like i said the real deal.
Thu, October 15, 2009 7:14 PM
monica i was slowly scrolling up and reading comments as i went up and girl people are a trip. always full of shyt just have to find something wrong . i can see that if they could put a picture of king kong up on the screen people would find some vicious shyt to say about him and we all know that when you are happy with your life and the things that make you happy then theres no reason to treat other people mean even if they are artist they have feeling just like every body else. they was praying that you said something about you know who so they would have something to start a cybro fight with but you out did them and they can’t find nothing on what you talked about now they are talking about your make up well its a good thing that you need none of the negative remarks to define you because you already know that you are to hot to worry about the small stuff, people needs to get a life.
Thu, October 15, 2009 7:17 PM
I don’t care for the pics but I love me some Mo!!
Thu, October 15, 2009 7:45 PM
I absolutely luvs Monica!!! She has always been so real and her voice is beautiful!! I can still put on her very first album and listen the whole way through like its brand new. I will always support anyone positive and true to themselves so I cant wait until she comes out with a new album.
Thu, October 15, 2009 7:50 PM
Everyone’s struggles arent the same though ma. Her struggle may be something more than Keyshia Cole’s family (or similar) and she just hasnt chosen to reveal all of it in the media like others do. Gotta respect her for keeping her a lot of her personal life personal.
Thu, October 15, 2009 8:49 PM
Love Monica, Cute pics….glad to see her still able to do her thing.
Thu, October 15, 2009 9:43 PM
Flop album, messing with a married man, boyfriend committing suicide right in front of her and father has cancer.
Thu, October 15, 2009 10:36 PM
Monica Looks Fantastic!!! Christian Mugler (her make artist) Has Truly Made Her Look Like A Geisha :-) We May Have Heard Monica’s Story Before But She Is Very Consistent. She Loves Her Family And Is Very God Fearing. Monica Is Empowering, Positive, Intelligent, and Sophisticated. Her Fashion In This Spread Is Through The Roof! I Can Not Wait For Her New Reality Show “STILL STANDING” B.E.T October 27, 2009 @ 10pm.
I Hope It Opens Up A New Demographic Of People And Increase Her Already LARGE Fan Base!!! Love You Monica xoxoxoxoxo
Thu, October 15, 2009 11:13 PM
ppl kill me with these ignorant ass comments! just because someone is financially comfortable does not mean that they are exempt from life’s problems…everyone has them and deals with them differently. yes shes had a great career, but how would u take having to grow-up in the limelight ALL of your life, and having that responsibility of being a rolemodel, every lifes lesson and mistake being made in the public for the public to judge you, and the pressures of having to stay relevent, not to mention the compitition, and having to constantly watch whos in your circle for those who are only there to take advantage of you, amongst all the other behind-the scene things that go on that comes with being a celebrity…these are just SOME of the things she had to endure at the age of 13-14!
Thu, October 15, 2009 11:16 PM
i agree with nina……i respect her for having gone thru all of that and still coming out HEAD STRONG! she could have easily came out like brittney spears. I LOVE AND RESPECT HER!
Thu, October 15, 2009 11:30 PM
monica aint NEVER fucked wit a married man! and her father is now FREE of cancer…thank-u and good night!
Thu, October 15, 2009 11:41 PM
o yeah… AND DO YALL NOT THINK THAT PIC RIGHT NEXT TO MONICA OF WHITNEY AINT AIR BRUSHED, OR ANY MUTHAFUCKN PICTURE BEYONCE OR RIHANNA BEEN IN…PLEEZE GTFO HER NUTSAC WIT THAT BULLSHIT… monica, keep the haters talkin ya name BOO BOO!
Fri, October 16, 2009 1:05 AM
I don’t mean no harm, but why does Monica look like Prince in one of those pictures. LOL.
Fri, October 16, 2009 3:13 AM
There is no such thing as a “underrated artist”(IMO), if you like a artist you buy there albums. Point.Blank.Period
Just had to say that, cause these so called “fans” kill me with this “underrated” bullcrap.
Fri, October 16, 2009 3:29 AM
i strongly disagree..there is such thing as a “underrated artist” Monica doesn’t necessarily fall in that category BUT she has been in the game for over 15 yrs and people STILL do not give her the respect that she has earned & deserves..PERIOD. Monica has all the components- she is amazingly talented vocally, she is beautiful, intelligent, articulate and Inspiring :-) The Makings Of Me was a very good Album but it did not sell well :-( The Past Is The Past and she is focused on making her NEW Album a true Success!!!
!!!!Go Team Monica!!!!!!!!!
Fri, October 16, 2009 9:09 AM
Love Monica to death BUT WHY HASN’T ANYONE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THE OVERSIZED GUMMI BEARS AROUND HER NECK??? I personally HATE when people don’t tell stars uhh don’t wear that, or uhmm Beyonce you need a touch up perm on the side before this interview, or Trina, Lil Kim or Foxy that outfit is tacky? Love them all to death but where is your NO team?
Fri, October 16, 2009 1:05 PM
ummm trillafatfood or whatever your name is…why if you didnt carecome in a post and waste your time hating on someone you dont know..i bet his fav artist album just floppeed and he salty at monica for doin her thang…mo never went with a married man and all mo albums are gold or platinum..even The Makings Of Me drop gold son…and throwin out that someone parent has cancer not cool fool…remember karma is a BITCH!
Fri, October 16, 2009 1:27 PM
tru dat! love her tho..lol
Fri, October 16, 2009 4:02 PM
Monica is still doing it very well… and clearly is a very thoughtful and mature sister. Though she may not reach the typical RnB “star” status, her talent caanot be denied.
Fri, October 16, 2009 4:40 PM
monica said on her twitter that she did not like the cover title and that they put it that way to sell magazines and i believe her. she said she spoke positively on all shes been through and she really didnt like the way they chopped up her quote about dallas. she also said that she told them she never asked rocko about marriage because she felt he would come to that on his own time and he did and she even has a date already , she said she did it that way because all of her male associates said that when they married women because its what they thought they should do they all ended up divorced. but that she likes the fact that rocko came to marriage on his own. and she also stated they were 19 when they began dating. so shes no different than most of us. i love that she keeps it real eventhough she knows people are gonna judge
Sat, October 17, 2009 12:10 AM
Umm she never said that on Twitter. And from someone who’s actually READ the article, it DOES say all the positive things she said, she said about Rocko and otherwise and it NEVER even mentions Beyonce or Dallas. So maybe these are extra quotes or something. And of course it’s worded like that to sell a magazine. What else would be the purpose of having a magzine if not to sell it?!
Sat, October 17, 2009 12:14 AM
Oh, and that ain’t photoshopped.I have a photog friend who worked with Mo befoer and apparently, she’s used the same make-up artist for years and that’s how he put on her make-up and she likes it! It’s sad though, cause I’ve seen her in person and her skin is BEAUTIFUL, so she doesn’t need it, but it’s her choice. She is hella skinny though :-)But that’s just her build. She’s tall and slim, that ain’t changing, I don’t care what she eats.
Sat, October 17, 2009 12:34 AM
Yeah she can say that all she want…..I loved Monica back in d day and even “After the Storm”.
Yeah I guess she is being real. Yeah be w/her (alleged) baby daddy all this time n say girls r stupid for throwing themselves at a man who got a lady. But ok, being a lil baby momma d rest of yo life cause u keep it so “real”, Monica.
Sat, October 17, 2009 1:07 AM
I LOVE Monica! She is extremely talented & has a BEAUTIFUL voice. I just feel that she should marry her baby daddy because if you love him & have 2 kids with him, then y NOT?
Sat, October 17, 2009 4:39 AM
i’ve always liked Monica….”it’s just one of those days…that a girl goes through” love that joint! can’t wait to check out her reality show. she seems to be a very strong woman with great meaningful values and u just can’t hate on that….do what it do Mo!
Tue, November 17, 2009 11:25 AM
monica i love your show its awesome keep doing you and dont ever changed. cant wait for your new album to come out