Monica’s forthcoming album, Chapter 38, is not only indicative of the number of years she’s spent on Earth, but it’s also an album signifying her growth as an artist, her womanhood and the life lessons she shares with her fans.
Recently, Monica Brown stopped by ESSENCE’s Webby-nominated “Yes, Girl!” podcast to talk about her new album and drop life gems like only the Georgia peach can. Although the singer is in the middle of a divorce with former NBA player Shannon Brown, Monica was in great spirits as she spoke about keeping things amicable with her soon-to-be ex-husband.
“I’m not ashamed of what’s happening in my life,” Monica said. “I just think because I still have such a love and respect, even for Shannon, that there’s certain things that are just not up for discussion. We don’t have to be together to respect one another. We don’t have to be together to uplift one another and make sure that my kids always see that mom is looking forward to you having a relationship [with dad] forever and ever. Anything I can do to really assist in making sure it continues to be everything that it’s always been, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Monica, who has starred on the VH1 reality show T.I. & Tiny: Friends and Family Hustle for two seasons now, says she drew a hard line in the sand about what parts of her personal life were and weren’t up for public consumption. “I was very adamant [about not filming my divorce.] It doesn’t mean everybody listened. But I was very adamant,” she explains. “It was also why I was pretty reluctant about putting anything out at first. Then I said ‘I won’t let my personal life hold up the music.’ But I never want people to merge the two. See I’m highly offended with even the thought that it’s for a storyline. That’s not how I roll, and that’s never been the case. But that’s not enough sensationalism for a lot of places. They want something else. They want the drama. “
Ultimately, Monica says leaning on her close circle of friends, which includes Friends and Family co-stars Tameka “Tiny” Harris and Toya Wright, has been part of her healing process. “Those women are really my friends,” Monica said. “We try to protect each other. Tiny and Toya have been through a lot. Those are all people that have experienced what I’m going through. So you take it one day at a time. But when it comes to what you share with the world, there just has to be limitations.”
So is she looking forward to dating in the future? Well, not exactly. “I love being with one person,” Monica said. “I love getting to know the depths of who a person is and enjoying spending time. I don’t think I would make a good dater.”
Monica first filed divorce paperwork back in March. The couple originally tied the knot in 2010 and they had two weddings – one private ceremony in November 2010 and a more lavish Atlanta ceremony in July 2011. Together they share a daughter, Laiyah Shannon Brown, 5.
Listen to Monica’s full segment on “Yes, Girl!” below!