Monica won’t record just any ol’ song and that drive to stay true to who she is as an artist and a person has been apparent since she released her debut album, Miss Thang, in 1995.
Speaking with ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! Podcast, Monica detailed how her first studio album got its name.
“The [reason] they named the album Miss Thang was because I would hear songs—that definitely ended up being hit records for other people—and I would say ‘Nah. I wouldn’t even say that. I wouldn’t even do that. I don’t want to sing that.'” the singer said. “So, the running joke was ‘Here comes Miss Thang. Play it for her, see if she likes it.’ So, the title of the album ended up being Miss Thang. Everybody there kind of took to that.”
And because of her reputation, Monica has remained one of music’s most genuine artists.
The singer says she’s happy that she decided to remain authentic and true to herself, adding that it’s something she can look back on and be proud of.
“I look back and I’m grateful for that because I never had to pretend or be pretentious in any way. It was just me doing me and coming from where I’m from, that was important for girls like myself to see.”
Take a listen to the audio above to hear more from Monica’s most recent visit to the ESSENCE Yes, Girl! podcast.
