Monaleo Is Throwing Bows In Her Latest Project
Rapper Monaleo is known for her hard-hitting lyrics that usually shock her audience coming from one of the most drop-dead gorgeous women most of us have ever seen before. Her love for all things pink, glitter and Hello Kitty are a sharp contrast to her lyrical abilities which makes her that much more intriguing. Gearing up to take over Miami this weekend during Rolling Loud, Monaleo caught up with Galore to talk about all things Texas, beauty and much more!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What do you love most about being from Houston, Texas?
I love how rich my culture is. I love my southern roots. I love the cuisine here. I love our music. I love the fashion statements that we make, and I love how big and boisterous we are here in Houston.
What’s the first song that made you feel like I can go all the way as a rapper?
Last year you released your debut album “Where The Flowers Don’t Die” which features 11 songs. Take us back to this time and talk about the inspiration behind this album.
During the time that I released “Where The Flowers Don’t Die”, I was going through my pregnancy, trying to figure out who I was as an artist, and individual and most importantly as a woman. it was difficult to navigate writers block, and pregnancy brain. I had to challenge myself and push myself to the limit. I did not even know that I could reach.
What song are you playing for someone who’s never heard this album?
You recently released your new EP “Throwing Bows” which has a super cute boxing theme. How does this project differ from your first?
I feel as though “Throwing Bows” is way more aggressive and assertive than “Where The Flowers Don’t Die” was. This project is much more forward in the femme rage space. It channels all of the negative energy that I experienced during my pregnancy and postpartum.
You are also the executive producer of this album, was this your first time doing that? What did you learn through this process?
This was my first time executive producing a project. I was so excited to be more hands-on in the production process, and I feel like it made the world of a difference to me and incentivized me to tap into my creative juices.
Which song from this album is in your opinion the most underrated and why?
The song that I feel is most underrated is “Wam Bam” by me and baby Kia. I feel as though the song is so out there that a lot of people aren’t as receptive to it as I would like them to be, but the lyricism is there, and the energy is certainly there.
You’ve been on tour this summer with Teezo Touchdown and are heading back on stage this Fall with Don Toliver. What have you learned so far from being on tour with these headlining artists?
My tours with Teezo Touchdown and Don Toliver have taught me to break out of my mold in my comfort zone. It has challenged me as a performer. The things that I used to do on stage no longer cut it for crowds like the ones I’ve been performing in front of lately. They require a lot more energy and a lot more excitement. I’m appreciative of the opportunity because it’s building my confidence in ways. I didn’t know it could.
Along with working as a rapper you balance motherhood effortlessly. What are some of your favorite things about being a mom?
I really enjoy cooking and feeding my baby. Cooking to me feels like of the purest forms of love. So, to cook delicious meals and feed them to my son and watch him react so happily is one of the most joyful feelings. I probably will ever experience this life. I’m so grateful to be his mother and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to care for him.
Some people may not know that you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Talk to us about being a part of this community and how it reflects in your artistry.
I love being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. We share a lot of the same niche experiences, especially other young black girls who grew up bi or queer. I always like to drop gems in my music to let them know they have a friend in me.
In your music you talk about depression, family issues and anxiety that you’ve dealt with over the years. How is your mental health currently?
Currently, my mental health is so much better than it used to be. Though I still struggle with things from time to time I’m just glad that I’m not where I used to be. That’s all I ever ask for.
As your star power rises, how do you protect your mental health and what advice do you have for anyone reading this who struggles with the same thing?
I protect my mental health by limiting what I see and what I absorb. I block out negativity, and I constantly make time to nurture and love myself in the mist of everything that I’m doing. I would advise anybody busy or not busy to take time to yourself. Take time to love yourself and get to know who you are and the things that you enjoy. Life is short. Live it.
You’re known for being obsessed with blush and your beauty signature is adding it to your nose. What’s your current fave blush product and shade?
My current favorite blush product is… I don’t know if I should share it yet. I’m not ready for it to fly off the shelves...
Would you ever create your own beauty brand? What products would it include?
I would love to have my own beauty brand. Of course, the first product would be blush.
You can always be seen rocking colorful hair like pink and blonde. What is your go to hairstyle and colors you can’t live without?
My go to hairstyle is curly natural wig. It’s so low maintenance but effortlessly beautiful.
Congratulations on your recent engagement announcement! What are you most looking forward to about becoming a wife?
Looking forward to the trials and tribulations, and the discernment that being a wife will bring. I’m excited to grow in myself and I’m excited to continue to grow my family, love, and nurture them.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
For 2025 I’m just looking forward to being alive. Everything else is a plus.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Joshua Hopes (@scanlics)
Photography Editor: Kevin Bua (@urbn.kev)
Wardrobe: Galen (@4galen)
Hair Stylist: Hair: Tynisha B (@tynishabee)
