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

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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)