Exclusive: Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part I)
I got a chance to hang out with Monica during Ben Hill Day 2008. For those of you who don’t know, Ben Hill Day is a day set aside in Atlanta to celebrate the Southside and each year it gets bigger and bigger. During the event, Monica mixed and mingled with her fans and it was obvious that she is a true ATLien. Check out part one of my exclusive interview with her:
“Rodney and I met 8 1/2 years ago in Ben Hill. At the Cascade skating rink (where the movie ATL was shot). Ben Hill is where Rodney’s from and as the event has grown we try to be a part of it every year. Ben Hill Day is a good opportunity for those who have left to come back home.”
Ben Hill Day was full of bar-b-que pits, Pit Bulls and heavy Chevy’s and I noticed that Monica knew just about everyone there, including the vendors and the kids. It seemed like they either were family, knew family or felt like family. As I stood to the side to allow yet another fan snap her picture with a camera phone, it was obvious to all that Monica was at home.
“It’s funny…you may know because you’re from here too, but most people don’t realize how many people actually come from the Ben Hill/College Park area. Organized Noize, Outkast, The Dungeon Family, Polow…I could go on and on. I’m so fond of it because not only did I meet Rodney, he was raised here and this is a part of him.”
And yes…she really is that down to earth and she really is that in love! As I congratulated her on her engagement to Rodney Ramone Hill (aka Rocko Da Don), I just had to know how it went down, so I asked, “How did Rocko propose?”
“It was Christmas Eve at midnight, we were home alone in the bedroom and he said ‘close your eyes and listen.’ He put the ring on first. I knew what was coming next so I did what I was asked. He proceeded to talk about our history together, the kids. He and he very directly just poped the question. I automatically said ‘yes!’
Naturally my next question was when and where…but Mo was clear that she was letting her man take the lead. She has always believed that you don’t have to pressure a man.
“So many people believe that once you’re engaged you have to be married by a certain time or when you date someone you should be engaged by a certain time…but I was 19 when we started dated and there has never been a moment where I felt put on hold. Everything happened the way it was supposed to.”
Monica and I talked about blogs and bloggers who are quick to jump on the bandwagon when things are presented to them. She was shocked that a voicemail left for fellow blogger BlogXilla was quickly turned into a YouTube video. I asked her about it because I had just gotten the email that day.
“Wow…a video? I had no idea it was THAT serious!”
We talked about how a simple thing, like a voicemail can turn into a viral video sensation. I originally refused to post it because I felt it was adding fuel to a non-existant flame, but since leaving the message the video has made the rounds to several other sites and has over 25,000 views. So yes…it is that serious!
“It’s not that I even care that it was posted on all those sites cause I don’t. I said what I said because I felt that the truth had to be told. No matter how small the lie. I reached out because I wanted to clear up any misconceptions about my relationship with Beyonce. Any time you can stop a lie you do yourself a favor by speaking the truth.”
Monica stated that she personally did not even see the original post that implied she was beefing with Beyonce…but her family and friends notified her about it. For the record, she didn’t even mention Beyonce’s name but a few bloggers simply speculated that she was speaking of her.
“Who I used to be..I am not anymore. It’s easy to judge me when you are on the outside looking in.”
Monica, always the proud Mommy, was quick to show me her new family photos taken by celebrity photographer Derek Blanks. “Awww Monica, these pics are beautiful. Is Lil Rocko ever jealous of his little brother?”
Never…and it’s only because I included him in EVERYTHING during the pregnancy…except naming the baby of course. I let Rodney choose the first name and his middle name is my brother’s.
In case you don’t know, Lil Rocko (3) is named after Mo’s fiance, Rodney Ramone Hill and her newest little one is named Romelo Montez Hill (19 wks). I even spoke with Lil Rocko as Monica was preparing to go to the movies. He was excited about seeing “Space Chimps” and had apparently been saying it all day. When she tried to get him to say it for me he was too busy eating chips to pay me any attention. LOL!
Monica is a very dedicated mom and takes the kids everywhere with her. On spending time with her family, she is quick to say that she “takes as many days off as on…”
Speaking of family and friends she has a ton of em in the “A”. When I asked if she would ever leave her response was “Hell No!”…Well actually that was my response..LOL! her response was:
“Absolutely not! I would never separate my children from my family. Also, my entire crew is from Atlanta and I couldn’t imagine separating them from their families. Rodney and I have looked into vacation homes but my main home will always be Atlanta. If you are from the A, [then] you know that Atlanta artists are extremely supportive of one another.”
Monica’s crew consists of her makeup artist, Christian Mugler; her stylist Beshundra Nelson and her manager Melinda Dancil. All are Atlanta natives and Melida is Monica’s 1st cousin. She keeps her staff small & doesn’t do entourages (However I felt like I was in one as we strolled around during Ben Hill day). On the real…if you see her out, she says that those are the people with whom she’s hanging.
Monica and I spoke for hours. We spoke about her reality show, which is airing August 5th on Peachtree TV, the new single and her relationship to Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges. I saved all that good information for ya’ll and will post Part II of our interview soon. In the meantime, make sure you check out Monica tonight (July 30, 2008) at Luckie Food Lounge.
Who Cares
July 30, 2008 @ 10:37 amNice interview. I have the greatest respect for Monica. She’s family-oriented,independent and has her priorities straight. Monica’s a proud mommy and seems to enjoy her life. The boys are so adorable!! Congrats on the engagement.
dana T
July 30, 2008 @ 11:19 amVery good for you Monica. Now we just need to make sure that this new CD is the BOMB!!!
I am going to need for you to work with producers outside the Atanta line. Maybe Kanye, Pharrell or Timberland?
We are no longer ridin on spinners or leanin with it or rockin with it. Your die hard fans/audience have matured and we need something with some depth and bust ya skull open beats/music, I don’t know, something **** for you.
We do not want a repeat of Janet Jackson’s latest works. I love her but Jermaine who I have mad respect for did not do her CD justice. Janet has a large following from the children (*** kids) and Island Def Jam is insisting on changing Janet into some R&B artist. The children want to twirl not lean with it or rock with it. Changing Janet’s formula was a mistake. Monica, keep your formula but tweek it a bit. It worked for your other sister, Brandy.
Timberland seems to have the right formula these day’s get with him and see if he can bring you back into the multi platinum status.
Dana T.
me me
July 30, 2008 @ 4:03 pmI love Monica she is beautiful and seems so genuine. her babies are little models too cute I know the cd will be the **** because she can SING remember when girls used to do that? Monica has never hated on anyone mosy bloggers are messy the first person who posted the video posted that comment about the shot bey name never came up that was dirty but mo you are going to be fine congradulations on the wedding thing to you will make a beautiful bride.
dee
July 30, 2008 @ 5:21 pmThis is a good look, the pictures are very cute too, can’t wait for the single next week.
dedee
July 30, 2008 @ 6:49 pmNICE interview, but I can’t wait until the new music drop, the family stuff is cool but i am a selfish fan and want the music please
j$
July 30, 2008 @ 7:23 pmmonica is such a breath of fresh air, the children are both gorgeous–monica keep being positive and REAL! i wish you, rocko, and the boys happiness and blessings
KENNO
July 30, 2008 @ 7:29 pmYALL MAKING MOVES. I LOVE MONICA SHE IS STILL A SUPERSTAR
MovieWatcher
July 30, 2008 @ 8:31 pmI will always have love for Monica.
Harlem Hussy
July 30, 2008 @ 9:54 pmHer kids are adorable. Good look on the interview Chelle.
Alicia Allout
July 30, 2008 @ 11:02 pmGreat interview! Monica is just a regular sister just like the rest of us who like to keep it real.
Alicia Allout
July 30, 2008 @ 11:02 pmGreat interview! Monica is just a regular sister just like the rest of us who like to keep it real. Can’t wait to read the rest.
bobbi
July 30, 2008 @ 11:32 pmok……now i love me some brandy and monica…the originals…..but she said they were dating since she was nineteen, am i the only one who remembers the boyfriend that she watched kill himself a few years ago? and then there was young buck…..c-murder was not even 8 years ago was it? monica be pimping them niggas…lol…
Micki B
July 30, 2008 @ 11:52 pmTotally enjoyed the interview. Monica seems so down to earth and geniune.
ATLien
July 31, 2008 @ 1:30 amJust left Luckie! Monica is the best. So glad y’all enjoyed Part I of the interview…
Rachel
July 31, 2008 @ 1:41 amSomebody tell Monica to make sure her tv show gets put on dvd for those of us outside the Atlanta area. I love her! And I am so happy to see her happy! Her babies are beautiful.
Nicole
July 31, 2008 @ 3:24 amMonica’s and Rock’s children are beautiful and I really enjoyed part 1 of the interview, can’t wait to read the rest.
@ Bobbi, If I’m not mistaken it has been 8 years since the split with C-murder and the passing of Jarvis( her first Love). I remember her saying that she met Rocko shortly after Jarvis’s Suicide and they started off as friends and then became lovers. She dated Young Buck during a brief split with Rocko. I believe she explained it all in one of her sister2sister interviews.
MAJOR
July 31, 2008 @ 10:39 amMonica always keeps it real and that is her truest beauty, because she is always directly from the heart.
dee
July 31, 2008 @ 11:10 am@major I agree, she is so relatable and genuine, she can also sing like nobodies business, a great vocalist which is not given enough credit for all she has accomplished.
sam
July 31, 2008 @ 11:14 amAh Mo and the kids are so beautiful, I also loved the interview, aslo she is just not afraid to tell it like it is.
dee
July 31, 2008 @ 11:21 amGo Mo can’t wait for the single.
MASHONDA
July 31, 2008 @ 6:05 pmjarvis died in 99 and cmurder she dated during the boy is mine album. 97 and98 so, no pimpimg just living. as for buck she made it very clear it was a few dates when her and rocko split briefly. real life stuff and thats why i love her. i am very happy for her and rocko shes been through alot and deserves it. the boys are gorgeous, they look just like her brother. i saw him at the v103 car and bike show with her. his eyes are just like the kids, and its **** as hell on a grown man.lol
samari
July 31, 2008 @ 6:08 pmI LOVE THIS INTERVIEW. SHES GROWN INTO A STRONG WOMAN AND I LOVE A STAR WHO STILL KNOWS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY SHOULD ALWAYS BE YOUR KIDS.I HEARD HER PARTY LAST NITE WAS CRAZY, AND MY GOD THESE CHILDREN, SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. I WILL WATCH HER SHOW TUESDAY FOR SURE……
samari
July 31, 2008 @ 6:09 pm@DEE, YOUR RIGHT MONICA SING HER *** OFF, JUST CHECKED OUT SOME YOU TUBES. DAMN THE INDUSTRY NEEDS THAT
dee
August 1, 2008 @ 1:07 amYes she does, very talented.
Snookums
August 3, 2008 @ 6:12 pmI “heart” Mo…
and the babies r 2 cute!!!
JAZZY
August 5, 2008 @ 2:13 amMonica is the truth, but her fiance’ is WHACK…. He is a wanna be ganster thug. His career is short lived. He should be praying that she blows up again because he will need a job soon (carrying her luggage on the plane).
DeeMoney
August 6, 2008 @ 11:14 amIt’s not necessarily the producer, it’s the chemistry and creativity that factors the most, Monica do you and everything will be ok, don’t go too far away from what got you where you are as an artist, continue to grow and mature as your fans grown and mature, forget all this pop, one hit wonder bullsh… and come with some real heartfelt story telling, even with the club joints be genuine and we accept what you deliver, it doesn’t take big bucks to bring big hits, we got em over at TightWork Ent. all day. holla at us.
Straight from the “A” ~ We Shine Without Tryin… » New Music! ~ “Still Standing” ~ Monica (Full HQ Song)
August 16, 2008 @ 3:43 am[...] Exclusive Interview ~ Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part I) [...]
rodrick mitchell
August 24, 2008 @ 1:13 pmi love u Mo and congrats on ur new album and God bless u and peace out.
Straight from the “A” ~ We Shine Without Tryin… » Did Monica Have a “Secret” Wedding?
December 23, 2008 @ 1:01 pm[...] Exclusive: Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part I) [...]