Exclusive: Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part II)
Photo by Freddy-O
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Monica’s new single is entitled “Still Standing.” In Part II of my exclusive interview with the singer, she discusses how and why she chose that particular song as her new single, including why Ludacris’ involvement in the project meant so much to her:

“Chris is on the first single and it is a testament to everything both he and I have been through. He went some tough times after the death of his father, and he and I have always supported each other during hard times. He was always there for me and we learned to lean on each other. Through it all we are both ‘Still Standing.’”
For those of you who are still wondering about Ludacris and Monica’s relation to each other, Monica confirmed that they are indeed cousins.
“I grew up going over his Dad’s house. His father was my stepdad’s 1st cousin and Chris and I have always been close. Just the other day he reminded me that when I was 10 years old, I told him that I was going to be a star.”
Both Chris…I mean Luda
and Monica are hometown Atlanta favorites. Ludacris is still affectionately known as “Chris Lova Lova” to those of us who grew up listening to he and Poon Daddy act a fool on Hot 97.5 (which later became Hot 107.9), an urban radio station in Atlanta, Georgia.
Speaking of radio…Monica revealed that one of her greatest memories is of her time guest DJing for V-103’s Ryan Cameron.
“I REALLY enjoyed doing that! Ryan was out of town and I got an opportunity to interact with the listeners on a personal level. They all shared stories and testimonies about “Still Standing” and since the show was also streaming online, out of town listeners called in as well to talk about their favorite songs. That is one thing that I would DEFINITELY do again…”
Still Standing Photo Shoot

Monica, who is always spotted carrying the latest Louis Vuitton and rocking the hottest gear, would expect nothing less for her kids! In addition to being a superstar mom, she is also taking on the fashion world by designing a high-end line of boys clothing called “Regions of Rock.” She describes the gear as an “Urban Rock “ line of clothing for infants to kids up to size 20.
“I wanted to make grown-people quality in little boy sizes. A lot of local boutiques have been very supportive. Hopefully I can have the line out before Christmas, but I’m not releasing it until it’s right.”
Do you have any regrets?
“None. I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in life, but they made me who I am today. My experiences give me alot to teach my kids. One thing I have learned though is “No Negative Energy!” Keep it as far away from you as you can…”
PREEECH! I totally agree…and I’m sending all the positive energy I can her way.
Monica’s reality show is premiering tonight, Tuesday, August 4th, on PeachtreeTV. Although you know the single…you may not know the effort it took in choosing it. She really took her time and made this decision deliberately. Monica also revealed that while the bulk of the show was taped in the A, parts were also taped in California and New York.
“The Single: Monica” airs at 10pm. Be sure to check it out. In the meantime…here’s a sneak peek:
In case you missed it: Exclusive: Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part I)
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Monica's new reality show debut's tonight | Smart Sexy Rich & Crazy!......SSRAC.com
August 5, 2008 @ 7:40 am[...] The show will air on Peachtree TV. Here’s an interview from Atlien of Straight From The A [...]
dee
August 5, 2008 @ 11:07 amOk Monica I will be checking that out. I love the energy your giving off.
rawdawgbuffalo
August 5, 2008 @ 4:39 pmnice pics hon
Averaa
August 5, 2008 @ 11:21 pmMonica- I loved your songs back in the day and I love Still Standing- I must have it!!!! It truly is you!
Averaa
DOLCE
August 5, 2008 @ 11:45 pmGREAT SHOW I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK. YOU REALLY GET TO KNOW WHO SHE IS OR GET AN IDEA AT LEAST.
Nicole
August 6, 2008 @ 1:28 amThe single is it! Got goosebumps just listening to it.. you go girl.. sing it for all of us. Your a truly talented gifted artist, and its nice to see a positive female role model who is representing for those who put family first, can hold their man down and still be successful in their careers.
God Bless you sister!
Who Cares
August 6, 2008 @ 11:09 am“None. I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in life, but they made me who I am today. My experiences give me alot to teach my kids. One thing I have learned though is “No Negative Energy!” Keep it as far away from you as you can…
———————————————
I’m impressed. It takes maturity to admit your mistakes (rather than offer excuses)and learn from them. Spoken like a real woman. Co-sign with all comments above.
Side note: ATLien you seem to be as down to earth as Monica. That could be one of the reasons your subscriber count is growing rapidly. Keep up the great work and keep doing you.
ATLien
August 6, 2008 @ 11:26 amAwwww shucks {{{Blushing}}}! Thanks WhoCares! That just made my day.
dana T
August 6, 2008 @ 12:01 pmGreat pictures ladies!
M. you look fabulous as usual and Monica I’m looking for great things from you with the boys clothing line and new show and, new music.
I’m impressed.
Dana T.
OBAMA FOR CHANGE!!!!!
lmblakely
August 6, 2008 @ 3:17 pmI saw the show last night and first thing first, Monica, you’re looking good. Secondly, I’m glad the producers arranged that beat because that had your name written all ova it and thirdly, they couldn’t have written a more perfect song for you. Still Standing not only shows where you are as a woman, but it shows where you came from and what you’ve learn. We all have testimonies but and we are all Still Standing. You said it first and it compliments you well, mama.
Great Job.
A true fan, just waiting patiently for the album.
lmblakely
Alicia Allout
August 6, 2008 @ 4:58 pmATLien, I Co-Signs with WhoCares! Keep Doing your thang… And Monica, I’ve been riding with you since you came so don’t ever change.
DeMontae
August 6, 2008 @ 6:13 pmshe can really sing and she is so pretty but that isnt enough to make her baby daddy like women exclusively.
Straight from the “A” ~ We Shine Without Tryin… » New Music! ~ “Still Standing” ~ Monica (Full HQ Song)
August 18, 2008 @ 3:43 pm[...] Exclusive Interview ~ Monica: “Still Standing” (Part II) [...]
Stacie
September 13, 2008 @ 8:59 pmI think your song is really hot, I wish you the best of luck. I think you and TI should do a remix of this song, it would be the perfect match; that you all have problems.
Straight from the “A” [SFTA] ~ A.T.L. is where I dwell… » The “A” Pod ~ “Taxi” ~ Monica
June 22, 2009 @ 4:11 pm[...] Exclusive: Monica ~ Still Standing (Part II) [...]