Monica is now officially back in album mode.
The Grammy winner announced that she has reunited with WME, a respected talent agency that was instrumental in the early stages of her career.
“I’m truly excited about this full circle moment to reconnect with WME since that’s where it all started for me with my debut album, Miss Thang!” Monica told Variety. “My heart is filled with immense joy as I reunite with my first talent agency for the upcoming 30th anniversary of Miss Thang. I’m grateful, humbled and immeasurably thrilled about the possibilities of this reunion!”
She continued, “Their exceptional track record and knowledge regarding my brand, both past and present, makes them the perfect partner for myself as an artist, and MonDeenise Productions as a whole. I look forward to working closely with their incredible team and exploring opportunities.”
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As part of the signing announcement, she revisited talks about her long-awaited eighth album, which is dedicated to R&B. It will follow Code Red, her final album for RCA Records. The new album will be released independently on Monica’s label, MonDeenise Productions Inc.
In addition, Monica provided an update on Open Roads, a passion project that delves into the country music genre. That upcoming album, executive produced by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Brandi Carlile, is scheduled to be released later this year.
Elsewhere, 2024 has been eventful for Monica. She achieved a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart with “Trusting God,” toured with Nicki Minaj, made a special appearance on Missy Elliott’s first tour, and reunited with Brandy for Ariana Grande’s “The Boy Is Mine (Remix),” not to be confused with their 1998 smash.
As Monica prepares to release her new album, Rated R&B provides a breakdown of all the latest information about the upcoming release.
When was Monica’s last official studio album released?
Monica has not released a studio album in nearly a decade. Her last album, Code Red, was issued in December 2015 on RCA Records. It marked her final album for the major label. Code Red debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and was anchored by the Lil Wayne-guested single “Just Right For Me.” The track, produced by Polow da Don, reached No. 18 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart before Code Red was released.
Why hasn’t Monica’s new album been released yet?
Monica’s upcoming album has been delayed after a release date was shared in 2020. There was a promise of an album each year since, leaving many fans wondering what could be stalling its release. Monica recently discussed her life with Jennifer Hudson, talking about the loss of close family members and her goal of creating timeless music. “I have been, unfortunately, very slow at creating my last album. So slow that it was initially named Chapter 38, and I’m 43. So it’s been a minute,” Monica told Hudson in February.
“But, you know the school we come from, we work until we get it right. I never put out records every year because I wanted them to feel a certain way. I wanted them to be timeless.” She added, “Real life has been happening. I lost two of my uncles [and] a lot has happened within my family, and for me, family comes first. It’s before and over everything with the exception of God himself. So I have just taken a while so we got to get this album out.”
In June, Monica engaged in a conversation with her supporters on X, the app formerly known as Twitter. She offered more insight into why she has been quiet about her new album. “I honestly try not to mention it because I have taken so much time working on it that it frustrates some and that’s by no means my intention,” she responded to a fan asking about the status of her forthcoming album.
She cited a similar explanation in her June cover story with Essence last year, prior to her appearance at their annual festival.
“I think there’s been a little frustration toward me when it comes to releasing Trenches, and I completely understand why and take full accountability,” Monica told Rivea Ruff of Essence. “But I would rather the music be late and great than be right away and missing elements that I know should be there.”
What’s the title of Monica’s new album?
Monica’s new album is now titled MDA, the initials of her full name, Monica Denise Arnold. She confirmed the title change in an interview with Variety.
In 2020, the R&B legend hinted at MDA as a potential title, particularly after dropping the Neptunes-produced track “Trenches” with Lil Baby. It went through title changes, including Trenches and Chapter 38, respectively.
Will any of Monica’s previously shared songs appear on MDA?
It has not been confirmed whether any of Monica’s songs shared since 2019 will be part of the tracklist.
Monica has released five songs so far, including “Commitment,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in July 2019. Other songs include “Me + You,” “Trenches,” featuring rapper Lil Baby, and “Friends” with Ty Dolla $ign.
More recently, Monica released “Letters,” produced by Tasha Catour and Dana Johnson, with a songwriting credit from Ciara. Each track Monica released was independently distributed through her MonDeenise Music Inc. imprint.
Is there a release date for Monica’s new album?
MDA will be released later in 2024. She confirmed the release timeline with Variety. A specific release date has not been announced at this time.
Is there a tracklist available for the album?
At the moment, there is no official tracklist available for MDA.
Is MDA available for preorder?
Monica has not announced any details regarding preorders or a link to presave at this time.
The story will be updated as more information is revealed about Monica’s new album, MDA.
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READ MORE: The Authenticity of Monica’s Debut Album ‘Miss Thang’
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