Interview: The Rebirth of Monifah: Talks ‘R&B Divas,’ New Music, Election 2012 & More

After taking a hiatus from the music industry, Monifah has redefined herself. The R&B songstress became popular in the 90s from her songs like “I Miss You (Come Back Home),” “You,” and her international chart topping single “Touch It.”

Monifah has three albums under her belt: “Moods…Moments,” “Mo’Hogany,” and “Home.” Unfortunately, she didn’t have much success with her third album and was dropped from her label, Universal Records. At that point, things went downhill for Monifah. She started using drugs and became addicted for seven years. We didn’t hear from her during those years. Thankfully, she won against her battle with drug addiction and has been clean for  the past two years.

Additionally, she is moving forward with her life. The “Touch It” singer stars on TV One’s new hit reality series “R&B Divas” with her R&B colleagues Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt. Although the show has been very successful as far as its ratings, television isn’t the only thing that is going on in the R&B diva’s life. She is also working on new music and expanding her brand.

We recently interviewed Monifah. During our interview, she talked about her experience from being on “R&B Divas,” her popular song “Touch It,” new music, the election, fashion, and more.

KD: First off, I would like to say I’m a huge fan of “R&B Divas.” It’s refreshing to see a reality show with substance. So, what made you join the show?

(laughs) Awesome! It was timing. I felt like it was an amazing platform to tell the truth and share. I was tired of living the way I was living and how it related to my gift. I thought it was time to tell the truth…it was time to tell the story from a very recent perspective.

KD: Did you learn anything from being on the show?

You never stop learning about yourself. Yeah, I actually did. I learned that I am worth it. It was just confirmation – not even learn – it just confirmed what god put into me to know. You know “girl you’re worth it and this is why.” My heart is good. I’m funny. I’m compassionate. I learned these things working with women hat are completely different from me that I do care about, so I did learn about myself.

KD: Let’s take it back to your hit song “Touch It.” Did you ever foresee it becoming such a successful record?

No, because I don’t think people think in those terms – especially back then. We just made music because we loved it. I don’t remember being stressed out about making a hit. My first album went gold, eventually platinum. It was just what it was. People liked it or they didn’t. I had hits before [“Touch It”]…this one was a crossover hit. It remained number one for ten weeks. When I recorded it, I wasn’t in love with it. To be honest, it’s not one of my favorite songs. I’m grateful for it because I ate for three years after that song released. I was still doing shows…It’s not one of my favorite songs to perform, at all but it’s fun…you know, it was what it was (laughs).

KD: Really? So  what are some of your favorite songs to perform?

Non-Monifah Songs: “The Way” by Jill Scott and “Purple Rain.” Monifah songs: I love doing the remix doing to “I Miss You.”