Monica (1980–)

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Monica (1980–)

African-American musician. Name variations: Monica Arnold. Born Monica Denise Arnold, Oct 24, 1980, in Atlanta, GA.

By age 10, was touring with gospel choir, Charles Thompson and the Majestics; at 12, was discovered by Rowdy Records producer, Dallas Austin; released debut album, Miss Thang (1995), which included hit singles "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)," "Like This and Like That," and "Why I Love You So Much"; graduated from high school with 4.0 average; signed modeling contract; released album, The Boy Is Mine (1998), whose title song, duet with Brandy, became 3rd-highest-selling single ever in Hot 100; other hit songs include "The First Night" (1998) and "Angel of Mine" (1999); appeared in films Boys and Girls (2000) and Love Song (2000).