Monica DROPS Lil' Kim FROM NEW SINGLE!??!!

Well, I posted Monica's new single 'Anything (To Find You)' feat. Rick Ross & Lil' Kim.  I liked the song, but I was just curious as to why they went with Kim for a verse and not say a more current rapper.  Well, apparently some people have been thinking the same thing.  But news just came that Lil'Kim has been axed from the project!  But the reason may not be what you think.



If you have heard the song, you may have heard a short verse from Kim.  Kim says it was part of 16 bars that was shortened to make room for Ricky Rozay.  But as of today, Kim is no longer on the track at all.  I found out the real reason for the axing.

Apparently there is an issue with The Notorious B.I.G's estate!  Portions of Kim's verse contains interpolations of work from Christopher Wallace.  Biggie's mother has the final say on whether the label can get clearance for the use of the verse, and Voletta Wallace revoked the right to the clearance!


So apparently all is not well between Kim & Ms. Wallace for her not to grant permission.  So as one more dominoe falls, if Ms. Wallace says 'no', then the label can't release the song as is, so TeamMonica has no choice but to either scrap the song completely or scrap the verse.  Seems like a no-brainer to me as to what path they would take.  I mean, personally the verse wasn't that great to fight over ANYWAYS!  Just saying...
I've heard Kim rap better is allI am saying.

Addressing the issue on Twitter, Monica explained:


"I am just finding out what has happened to my single and myself & Missy are beyond hurt that @LilKim was removed. She’s our friend, a legend & @LilKim will get the respect she deserves at all cost. The clearance was revoked & I’m fighting to get it reinstated by the Biggie Estate.
I am as thorough as they come and I LOVE @LilKim bottom line is Ms Wallace has the final say and she said No. If we put it out we get SUED."

So there u have it!  Straight from the source!  Don't you just love Twitter!?  It is a GREAT sounding board to get matters out in the open, right?

Monica & Shannon Brown Wedding Pics!

As you all know, Monica wed Shannon Brown on this past Saturday at an undisclosed location in L.A.  Some of the best and brightest were in attendance to this gathering.

Per request by a reader by the name of 'KAM'; she wanted to see some pics from the soiree!
SO here you go KAM! 
Sources said:
"Kobe and Toni Braxton danced down the Soul Train line! ‘Melo did the moonwalk at the reception. It was really nice, it was a good celebration of God and Love."

Ciara & Trina

Pictures of the actual ceremony have not been released yet at the request of the bride and groom.

Monica readies new album!! Officially WEDS today in Los Angeles!

Monica with the official wedding going on today in Los Angeles, has been a busy woman.
 

Marriage, family, but always keeping work as a top priority in her life, the artist speaks on finishing up a new album due out this fall.  The disc is tentatively entitled 'New Life'.
While the album is tentatively scheduled for an October 4th release, she talks about the process of single selection and the album date:


“The label [J Records] has asked me, do I want to take an October 4 date,” Monica told fans during a Ustream session. “Over the next month I’ll decide because as of right now, we’re pressing up the new single and trying to get some clearances which are very difficult, so if anything changes it will only be because of that. We’re working on it and I’m thinking that I will keep that October 4 date.”

Talking about the music, she says that being married to Shannon Brown has left her in a happy place:

“You get to hear some different flavors, but it’s definitely R&B,” she shared. “I think when you’re in a happy place, you’re able to do your job a lot easier.”

She would then says..

“I talk about a lot of different subjects, whether it’s love, heartache, happiness, family,” she added. “The music will be a lot like Still Standing in the sense that it’s real and really about things that I’ve experienced, but it also from a very mature place. The greatest thing that happened to me is to learn forgiveness and acceptance. In this state of mind it’s easy for me to make music about where I’ve been and where I’m going and do it in a positive manner.”

With the success of  what some have titled her 'comeback' cd 'Still Standing', it will be interesting to see what Monica will give her legions of fans this time around.

Until then here is a taste of the NEW Monica.  It is unclear if this track will appear on the new disc, but recently Mo dropped a new single entitled, 'Anything (To Find You)', which features Rick Ross, Missy & Lil' Kim.  The song is produced by Missy Misdemeanor Elliot and features some of her patent ad-lib vocals & shout-outs... TAKE A LISTEN!

Seems like MONICA is off to a good start!!!

THOUGHTS!!!!??????

Week of The Woman: "Portraits of a comeback"

Monica, the R&B diva with the big voice and bigger heart.  Lately, Monica has been everywhere.  A successful comeback album, 'Still Standing', and a happy marriage and family, what more can an artist ask for these days.  Monica has uprooted her deep Atlanta ties and took her family to Los Angeles, where she still is a big part of the industry.  Monica is a mentor for the up and coming talent on NBC's 'The Voice',and there are talks about another album coming up later this year.  One thing I admire about Monica is that she comes off as a 'real' person.  No facade, no putting on airs--Just Mo. I've met Monica a few times and she always acts the same. She is a grounded individual and a very pleasant person on and off the stage.  Keep doing your thing Monica and we look for more new music soon!