This is someone who never reached the higher end of the chart in the early-90s, but she did make plenty of good songs that are worth remembering. Monie Love is an English rapper who had her first hit in February 1989, when “I Can Do This” reached no. 37. This sampled “And The Beat Goes On” by The Whispers, long before Will Smith ever thought of such an idea.
Next in June 1989 was “Grandpa’s Party”, which reached no. 16. It was clear that she was rather ambitious, and she soon went to America in an attempt to further her career. This was a success to some extent, as she worked with various big names on the rap scene including De La Soul, Queen Latifah, and Jungle Brothers. In July 1990 “Monie In The Middle” reached no. 46.
But in September 1990 she would have her biggest hit (which remains her best-known to this day) when “It’s A Shame” reached no. 12. This sampled Motown Spinners’ “It’s A Shame” which had been a hit two decades earlier, and also featured True Image, whoever they might be. This was also her biggest hit single in America, reaching no. 26, and did well in various other countries too. This is definitely my favourite of hers.
In December 1990 “Down To Earth” reached no. 31. I saw the American football-themed video for this again recently, and thought that this was rather amusing. Also around this time, she appeared on the cover of Record Mirror. In April 1991 “Ring My Bell” reached no. 20. This was a collaboration with American rapper Adeva, which excited plenty of people, as two big figures in this genre finally got together.
She would have a few more hits in the 90s, by which point I think Prince was involved somewhere in the production of her songs. One was March 1993’s “Born 2 BREED” (and if you want to know, “BREED” stands for Build Relationships where Education and Enlightenment Dominate. Her final hit in the 90s was August 1993’s “Never Give Up”, which missed the Top 40, but then things went rather quiet.
Many years on, in April 2000 she returned when “Slice Of Da Pie” reached no. 29, to become her 11th and final hit single in the UK. Could this be classed as a comeback? Either way, it was a surprise to see her back, but she definitely still had what it takes. Although she never had a Top Ten hit single in this country, her importance in 80s and 90s British rap music has long since been acknowledged.
ADAM'S NOSTALGIC MEMORIES 