Monica is officially back in album mode, preparing for her long-awaited return to the music scene. The Grammy-winning R&B icon has announced that she is working on her eighth studio album, titled MDA, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release. The album marks a significant milestone in her career as she reunites with WME, the respected talent agency that played a key role in her early success.
“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!”
Monica 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.”
Her upcoming album, MDA, will be released independently through Monica’s label, MonDeenise Productions Inc. The album will follow Code Red, her last studio album with RCA Records, released in December 2015. Code Red debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and featured the single “Just Right For Me” with Lil Wayne.
Monica’s new project has been eagerly awaited by fans, especially since its release has been delayed several times. Initially expected in 2020, the album has undergone numerous title changes, including ‘Trenches’ and ‘Chapter 38’. Monica addressed the delays in a conversation with Jennifer Hudson, explaining that personal challenges have impacted her timeline.
“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 shared with 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.”
Monica emphasized that family comes first, noting that the loss of two uncles and other personal events have affected her focus on music. She stated, “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 addition to ‘MDA’, Monica is also working on another album, ‘Open Roads’, which explores country music. This project is executive produced by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and is expected to be released later this year.
Throughout 2024, Monica has achieved significant milestones, including a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart with “Trusting God.” She has toured with Nicki Minaj, appeared on Missy Elliott’s tour, and collaborated with Brandy and Ariana Grande on “The Boy Is Mine (Remix).”
Monica’s new album MDA is a highly anticipated release that promises to showcase her growth as an artist. As she prepares to share her new music with the world, fans eagerly await the latest chapter in her storied career.
