If you’re a fan of hip-hop and R&B music, you’ve probably heard of Monica, the talented artist hailing from College Park, Georgia. Born Monica Denise Arnold on October 24, 1980, she’s also the cousin of Christopher Ludicrous Bridges, aka Ludacris, who’s famous for his rapping and acting skills.
Monica’s passion for music began at an early age when she sang with the gospel choir. Her talent quickly earned her recognition, leading to her first record deal with Rowdy Records, an independent label associated with Motown Records, in 1993. At just fourteen years old, Monica released her debut album, Miss Thang, on July 18, 1995.
Aside from her impressive singing and songwriting career, Monica has also appeared as a guest on several TV shows, including Beverly Hills, 90210, where she played herself in a couple of episodes. With eight studio albums, eight video albums, and thirty-five singles under her belt, Monica has made her mark in the music industry. Notably, she achieved three consecutive number one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts between 1998 and 1999.
All in all, Monica’s talent and passion for music are undeniable, and her fans can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future.
Now, without further ado, here are Monica’s top 10 tracks of all time that you definitely don’t want to miss:
10. Before You Walk Out of My Life
Have you ever heard a song that just speaks to your soul? Well, “Before You Walk Out of My Life” is definitely one of those tunes. It’s the kind of track that can make you feel all sorts of emotions, from heartbreak to longing to passion.
Fun fact: did you know that the song was actually written for Toni Braxton originally? But when she didn’t use it, Monica swooped in and made it her own. And boy, did she ever! The song hit number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart back in 1995, and it even reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. That’s not all – it also made it to number twenty-two on the UK Singles Chart. Clearly, people all over the world were feeling the magic of this song.
And if you’re curious about just how popular it was, consider this: “Before You Walk Out of My Life” became certified Platinum by the USA’s RIAA. That’s no small feat!
So, if you’re in the mood for a little musical heartbreak, give “Before You Walk Out of My Life” a listen. You might just find yourself feeling all the feels.
9. Why I Love You So Much
If you’re looking for a heartfelt ballad to add to your playlist, then look no further than Monica’s “Why I Love You So Much.” This amazing single was a hit on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart back in 1996, peaking at number three. It also made it to number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Why I Love You So Much” was one of the five singles from Monica’s debut album, Miss Thang, that found success on the charts. The album sold over a million copies in the US, and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America three times over. It also earned a Gold certification from Music Canada (MC).
Monica’s soulful performance of this romantic ballad really struck a chord with fans, and it’s no surprise that over 700,000 copies were sold, earning it a Gold certification from the RIAA. If you’re a fan of R&B and soulful music, “Why I Love You So Much” is definitely a must-listen. It’s the perfect song to get you in the feels and help you express your love for that special someone.
8. Still Standing (featuring Ludacris)
Let’s talk about Monica’s “Still Standing” featuring her cousin Ludacris. This duet was released as a promotional single from Monica’s sixth album, which was also named “Still Standing.” Back in 2008, the song hit number seventy-four on the charts. However, the album itself didn’t come out until March 19, 2010.
One standout performance of the song took place at the SOS Saving Ourselves – Help for Haiti Benefit program special in February 2008. Monica and Ludacris teamed up for an unforgettable performance that stole the show. The song’s opening piano notes set the tone for Monica’s heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocals, while Ludacris’ signature rap style added an attention-grabbing touch. “Still Standing” is an easy-to-catch, inspirational tune that encourages listeners to stand up and face any challenge without backing down.
Overall, Monica and Ludacris created a hit with “Still Standing” that’s still remembered and loved today. It’s a song that reminds us to stay strong and never give up, no matter what obstacles come our way.
7. For You I Will
Have you heard of the song, “For You I Will”? It’s a classic ballad that was featured in the 1996 movie, Space Jam, starring the legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan. The song comes in two versions – one is an instrumental piece and the other features Monica’s incredible vocals.
This contemporary ballad brings together the best of both worlds – pop and R&B – and is all about declaring your devotion to overcome personal challenges. And it’s no surprise that it became a massive success worldwide. It climbed up to the second spot on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and made it to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. It even got certified Platinum by the US’s RIAA.
6. So Gone
Have you heard Monica’s hit song “So Gone” from her fourth studio album, After the Storm? Released back in June 2003, this song has a perfect blend of Monica’s hip-hop performance style with a touch of old-school R&B. No wonder it became a chart-topping classic!
It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and also on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it charted at number ten.
One of the cool things about the song is the crackle of an old record at the end that gives it a vintage 1970s feel, which perfectly matches Monica’s vocal style and the classic music play. If you haven’t heard it yet, go check it out and see why “So Gone” is still a fan favorite today.
5. Everything to Me
Are you a fan of old-school R&B? Then you might want to check out “Everything to Me” – a single from Monica’s 2010 album, Still Standing. This catchy tune topped the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart back in the day and made it to number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What’s cool about this song is that it has a retro vibe that takes you back to the golden era of soul music in the ’70s. It’s got that classic R&B sound that dominated the charts back then, and it’s sure to get you grooving.
4. Angel of Mine
Remember that song that made your heart skip a beat? The one you listened to on repeat and sang along to at the top of your lungs? Well, “Angel of Mine” by Monica was definitely one of those songs.
Released on July 14, 1998, “Angel of Mine” was the third single from her album, Boy Is Mine, and it quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. That’s three chart-topping hits in a row for Monica!
Not only was “Angel of Mine” a favorite on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it peaked at number two, but it also achieved worldwide success, just like many of Monica’s other chart-topping singles. It was certified Platinum by the US’s RIAA and Gold by Australia’s ARIA.
If you haven’t heard “Angel of Mine” in a while, go give it a listen and let it take you back to the late ’90s. It’s a heartwarming and romantic hit that still has us singing along to this day.
3. The First Night
If you’re a fan of R&B, you might be familiar with “The First Night” – it’s the second single from Monica’s second album, The Boy is Mine. Released in 1998, the song hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. It even made it to number six on the UK Singles Chart! Talk about a hit song.
“The First Night” wasn’t just popular in the US and UK – it was a global success. It was certified platinum by RIAA for the fifth time in Monica’s career. That’s a huge achievement!
The song itself starts off with a soft rap and then transitions into Monica’s smooth, melodic vocals. It’s a rhythmic and bluesy track with a playful vibe that makes it a classic in the sultry R&B genre. So, if you’re in the mood for some good old R&B music, give “The First Night” a listen – it’s sure to get you grooving!
2. Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)
Monica’s debut album, Miss Thang, dropped on July 18, 1995, and the first single off the album was the catchy tune “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days).” The song starts off with Monica’s raw vocals without any background music, showcasing her impressive vocal range. As the song progresses, we hear the blend of synthesizing instruments that give it an old-school hip-hop vibe. It takes us back to the early 1990s, when hip-hop and rap were gaining popularity as a new style of music.
The song climbed up the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually peaking at number one. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it charted as high as number ten. And the song was a commercial success, with enough copies sold to earn RIAA’s Platinum certification. It also earned a Gold certification from Australia’s Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
So, if you’re looking for a throwback to the 90s hip-hop scene, give “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” a listen!
1. The Boy Is Mine (featuring Brandy)
Let’s talk about Monica’s most famous single from her entire discography, “The Boy Is Mine.” Collaborating with Brandy, this song received multiple award nominations in the music industry. In fact, it even won Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1999 Grammy Awards!
Not only that, but “The Boy is Mine” achieved double Platinum certification with USA’s RIAA, and single Platinum certification with Australia’s ARIA, Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ), and UK’s BPI. It also earned Gold certification with Germany’s Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI). Impressive, right?
When Brandy and Monica sang together, they created a rhythmic stand-off between rivals fighting over a mutual love interest. The song has become a favorite because of its playful and harmonic nature. It’s no wonder it’s still popular today!
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