Is Monica “Forgotten?”

By Extra-Ordinary Women

Monica, the acclaimed R&B artist, took a moment to reflect on her illustrious music journey as a guest on the final live tour stop of “The Shop: Uninterrupted” in Atlanta. In a candid discussion, she opened up about feeling somewhat “forgotten” among her R&B peers.

She began by sharing her unique perspective on her career, stating, “I was able to truly enjoy my career because I didn’t have any expectations. I wasn’t fixated on statistics or concerned about awards. Despite all the records I’ve broken, I’ve never really won any awards. If you think about it, I’m probably one of the most overlooked artists in the industry.” At 42 years old, Monica continued to explain, “I’ve always been the underdog, but I embrace that role because it allows me the freedom to go where I want, do what I want, and live life on my terms. However, it’s disheartening to be forgotten, especially when I hosted the Soul Train Awards, received five nominations, had three of my songs in one category, and still didn’t win.” She added, “But I didn’t let it bother me because awards aren’t why I do what I do. That’s the point I’m trying to make – I often feel overlooked in these spaces.”

The conversation, led by hosts Maverick Carter and Paul River, also featured the participation of Quavo and Lou Williams, who shared insights into their respective career journeys.

The discussion also delved into the challenges of balancing a successful career with parenthood. When asked how she manages her life and career, the Grammy-winning singer emphasized, “Honestly, there’s no balance. Family comes first, plain and simple for me. I understood early on that this path would require sacrifices. I might miss out on certain opportunities, skip some award shows, or not always be present in every room, but I’m unwaveringly committed to being present in my children’s lives. That’s one place where I can’t and won’t be replaced – I want to be there for them.”