Interlude BG
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE

R&B powerhouse Monica says her secret to maturity in her life and career is to go back to some of the greatest characteristics of her youth.

“Honestly, I am reverting back to my younger self,” she told HelloBeautiful’s InterludesLIVE host Smokey Fontaine in an exclusive interview ahead of her performance. “One thing that I had to revert back to is that fearlessness and moving the politics and the business out of the music, because it has no place in the creative process. “

Whatever her secret is, Monica’s formula for creating timeless music is definitely working. Her new record, Code Red, is on shelves now and it’s definitely a classic. At her InterludesLIVE performance in Harlem last week, she wowed the crowd with tracks from the new album, as well as some of her many hits from a career that spans two decades.

And in today’s fast-paced, digital world, having a career that substantial is no small feat. So what’s the secret to her success? Letting go of any fear or doubt.

Though we know Code Red will be a hit, ultimately, Monica is secure enough in her own talent and legacy to know that what’s for her is hers.

“Thirty million records later, I can’t be fearful of not selling records. You can’t let someone else steal your joy,” she said.

See more of Monica’s inspiring interview, as well as tidbits from her incredible performance for HelloBeautiful’s InterludesLIVE in the video above.

The grand return of the Melanin Awards amplifies and honors the finest Black-owned beauty brands with honest reviews, and discusses the evolution of beauty in Hip-Hop culture.