The Story Of 'Miss Thang' Part I - "Southside"

For the 25th Anniversary of her debut album 'MISS THANG' Monica reflects on 25 memorable clips, as well as highlights how starting in the trenches inspired her new music.
Part II: Dem Lights
• The Story Of 'Miss Tha...

[@nicksmith6654]

I don’t care what anyone says she will go down as one of the greats. I respect her on so many levels. She is a real woman. Classy, down to earth, talented, God Fearing, beautiful, and a REAL one.

[@leilajones5811]

I agree

[@latoya278]

Yes she is!!😍

[@itsyag6]

Period!!!!

[@eboni5125]

🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@swisschoklate736]

Nick Smith and sorely afraid of brandy norwood (NO SHADE).

[@stephenanderson1594]

Monica's first album was so underrated should have won a Grammy by herself

[@MissTip]

Stephen Anderson yesss

[@kimmyb8517]

Monica just underrated, PERIODT

[@stylesxtwo3100]

FACTS!!💯

[@latonyawrenn1435]

I most definitely agree with you, Stephen, on your comment!

[@91ramon]

Right

[@braylinnsimmons5481]

She’s finally showing us everything we’ve been waiting to see there’s not much footage of Monica in her early years and she’s giving it all to us now thank you Lord Jesus...

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

It’s awesome how she’s watching herself while we are watching it. I love that concept for the documentary.

[@collegejus]

Me too, very clever! :)

[@melmilton7993]

I remember when Mo paid tribute to Whitney at the Soul Train awards had to be about 96/97 and sang "You Give Good Love" and Whitney was in the audience like, "sing baby!" Whitney LOVED you Monica!!!

[@shaylafitzgerald3373]

She said "My people are really MY PEOPLE, and I know the difference between being related and being FAMILY". 💝🎁👪 That sums it up and makes all the difference.

[@duaneyoung9328]

Super official mo

[@bridgec]

I came from this era. 80s babies were big on talent shows and creating our own groups. Neighborhood girls getting together and imitating our favorite artist or competing in contest, even at family reunions. Looking up to Monica, Brandy, Aaliyah, Immature, girl groups: Jade, SWV etc. the good ole days.

[@WowwowLulu]

Toni?

[@561REALTLK]

Yup

[@jahminastephens8026]

Girl yesss

[@trawlins396]

Star Search!

[@koya1220]

Yesssss....🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrMusickid23]

If you think about it, Monica is a perfect blend of Whitney and Mary. But still with her own style and sound!

[@swisschoklate736]

AJH 723 at twelve it was all about mary and whitney definitely a lot of mary vocal style in that performance!!!

[@MrMusickid23]

Swiss Choklate 💯

[@EMMperfect]

Perfect description

[@oneindadome4]

Yes ! I feel that !

[@sirquincywashington7584]

U wrong baby gift come without reppentence its a gift whitney was a scarfice baby they hated her watch so so madam

[@nakeyiapeacock2914]

Monica Denise being family oriented and staying in her hometown, while speaking her mind has helped shape her for the music industry to last 25 years. ❤️

[@MissTip]

Nakeyia Peacock yessssss

[@lakeishayoung8878]

Oh yeah u sho right

[@kozmikoblivion]

The amount of Confidence lil Monica had and that incredibly mature voice... Miss EVERYThang🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@antoniosimmons7351]

I love this woman! She’s so legendary! Monica is SO down to earth and talented. Definitely R&B Royalty!

[@emorylamar]

Monica said let me make my own behind the music but my way

[@AyeshaDeuxtu]

Lol hell yea

[@teelove5830]

😂

[@Immeallday]

Right 😂😂😂😂😂

[@matthewsdunigan2340]

HA! That’s what she said! Go head, Monica.

[@charitycosten]

🤣🤣 Right!!! She said let me gets my coin my way.

[@ladydignity]

I went to highschool with Monica in CollegePark,Ga. We even had choir together! Watching her sing,I just knew she was going to be a star! #Beautiful Person #Beautiful Voice

[@RackelDav]

You didnt keep in touch with her?

[@ladydignity]

@@RackelDav ,uh no we just had choir together, wasn't close like that!

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

That's Do Awesome

[@cecip06]

Which highschool did you go to?

[@ladydignity]

@@cecip06 ,NorthClayton

[@sofresh105monica]

How can you not like her?? And this documentary was much needed people need to put some respect on her name, she often gets overlooked but people forget her VOCALS are what got her into that talent show under age,and she WON! And got a contract and the rest was history❤️ and the fact that she’s still very much relevant speaks volumes!

[@lakeishayoung8878]

SAY THAT HER VOCALS R CRISP,POWERFUL,SOOTHING N LIKE FINE WINE.TEAM MO

[@tejalxndr]

A Lot Of Girls Came In The Music Industry Only To Get Lost, Used & Abused. 25 Years Later And By Gods Grace That’s NOT The Story Of Monica!!! When Many Others Had Mental Breakdowns, Public Indecencies & A Loss Of Morals Just To Be #1 Monica Remained Resilient In Being HER!!!! Watching This She NEVER Lost Her Faith! Her Determination At A Young Age Is What Really Set The Foundation For The Career She’d Later Achieve. There Is NOTHING Or NOBODY That Can Compare To Monica Denise!!

[@JDOGFTW]

02-04 Is golden era monica to me.

[@ebonysibanda2023]

🙏🏿💜

[@LeshaFBaby]

@Mrs. Lovely thats right #stillstanding

[@MissTip]

Téj Alexander yess

[@tonyawillis464]

WELL SAID!!!!!

[@jeremiahbean1263]

Monica was a child PRODIGY..if you just set back and listen to her Miss Thang Album it was EPIC her vocals at 12 where unmatched #period!! Monica is most definitely one of our gifts of music..LEGENDARY!!

[@87mardi]

I truly LOVE Monica she is literally the only celebrity that I dream of meeting.

[@ervinaw4540]

Omg me too I’ve always loved her I don’t care to meet anyone else but her.

[@justthetruth1654]

Same I NEED mo at my wedding.

[@michaelgalbreath6546]

I did around the Code Red Era...she has the most beautiful spirit. Soooooooo friendly. ❤️

[@dajourlivingston27]

Same here. I wish to have her at my wedding someday.

[@luciusnolimit]

Michael Galbreath Same i met her at Phipps the day after Code Red came out and she signed my cd. She was so down to earth 💯💯💯

[@brandonlambert9768]

One of the best debut albums of all-time. I'll stan Monica till the day I die.

[@tray9192]

I agree!!

[@dstarstyles]

Hell yes! I'm about to listen to it right now!!!

[@timeflychi]

Don’t take it personal still on rotation 25 WHOLE YEARS LATER that’s a classic! Love you Monica❤️❤️

[@luciusnolimit]

I'm telling y'all i literally see Romelo and Laiyah whole face in Monica with a dash of Rocko in Montez 💯💯💯

[@byrdtaylor5703]

Agree!!!!

[@nadiebetrippin]

Whole face ok ❤️

[@Jaylove777]

I just turned 40, same age as Monica! I wanted to be Miss Thang as a teen, hair style, attitude and confidence!!! Monica is so underrated!!! The 90s with Monica, Aaliyah and Brandy was everything!!!

[@ShadMarie]

The problem is Monica is not 40

[@ivyunnanelson]

@@ShadMarie she'll be 40 next month

[@Nicolesdiaries1234]

The pic of Aaliyah and Monica was everything 😩

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Ikr

[@dionnereindorf4625]

When she sang real love I had THE biggest smile on my face

[@tan_ya_]

Yo I didn't know she could dance.

[@racheldominique482]

Me too!!!😁😆☺️😊

[@yamomsahoees5511]

I rewatched it like 5 to 10 times especially when she started to dance.

[@sophisticatedbadgurl]

I enjoyed that MJB "Real Love" performance. I've never really seen Monica dancing. Baby she was playing no games

[@sneakers360boots]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Brazofuerte]

Yes, that gave me life.

[@tionnejohnson226]

U should watch Ain't Nobody video and All Eyez on me video and Just Another Girl

[@tiffanyminnis1628]

Right! I was like "Monica don't dance!" 😛🤩😍🥰

[@KendellLenice]

sophisticatedbadgurl she was serious! Lol

[@tremaine861]

Monica sounded amazing doing that Mary J Blige performance

[@dionnereindorf4625]

The pic with Aaliyah ❤️

[@trawlins396]

It's crazy that she has pics with these major celebrities in her regular photo album. Normal ppl have their cousin Boobee in the pics, Monica has legends.

[@Rising-Scorpio]

She was singing that song as a lil girl. :)

[@SunshineKK99]

Monica needs her own talk show. I want to hear her speak everyday. Such a wise beautiful soul..

[@Rhythm973]

The Whitney segment made emotional. Whitney knew she was hanging around backstage and probably okay’d it; she knew.

[@tmason3409]

Same here

[@Kingmur1]

Honey you couldn’t tell 12 year old Monica nothing. She was singing!! 🤣

[@lilbit5672]

Lol ,you should seen my face. But practice makes perfect

[@SunshineKK99]

Big confidence honey 😄

[@KhalilahBall]

S. Koiley DEFINITELY!

[@leilajones5811]

She was SANGING!!!!

[@sonjawilcox2557]

🤣🤣🤣She sang with cuteness

[@tweettweet3051]

Awwww she looks like all her kids Mo is the best happy 25th anniversary baby please don't stop

[@bettyap211]

I'm so excited to watch this! It's long overdue. Monica and Brandy got me through my teenage years.

[@bktee8182]

I’m literally on spree watching all Aaliyah , Brandy , & Monica videos. My 90s teen girlies ❤️❤️

[@jmariz1]

Monica is very classy, beautiful, and so cool. She has a beautiful voice to fill the room. No one can say absolutely nothing negative about this beautiful sister ❤️

[@jusebonie]

The dance break on Real Love was EVERYTHING!!! The hairstyles and clothes took me back!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ervinaw4540]

I never argue with a troll but I will if you come for Monica. I been a fan since I was 9 now 33 I still listen to her songs. My son know who my fave singer is🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 that’s how much I listen 🤷🏽‍♀️🥰 music got me threw some tough times.

[@ShundraNicole]

🤎🙌🏽 And I second that 💯

[@blind_t2]

I hear you! Monica that you know what!

[@t33hrrs]

Period.

[@deva1133]

Yeeeeez I listen to all her old & latest music

[@MissTip]

Ervina W right

[@rayrock90]

Classic album... I still play “With You” “Angel” “Don’t Take It Personal (Remix) every other day! Imma always be a fan... can’t wait for the new music to drop!

[@glowingmyway]

Yessss!! Those are my faves as well😍

[@Sis.LetmeTellYa]

WITH YOU is my jam!

[@shannaf1265]

Especially “with you”

[@nooniepoo4776]

OMG! Laiyah and Romelo look like Monica so much.

[@CoreyChampagneTV]

I’ve always felt a special connection to Monica. We have the same birthday, both from the Southside of ATL, both went to Solid Rock Academy and both singers. Even met back in ‘99 at a Kirk Franklin concert (still mad I messed up the film before my mom could develop it 😩). Watching this further cemented my love for you Mo.

[@kenchambers7137]

Monica has a very loyal fan base

[@bougiebohemian5393]

I went to Solid Rock academy with Monica as well. Hey classmate! @coreychampagnetv

[@ThatBranB]

Damn wish my boldness was this powerful at 9 let alone the diva confidence at 12 wow. Monica was a true diamond that got polished early on. True queen who deserves her flowers 💐🌹🌹 🌼🌺. 👑

[@kelliecraft9176]

What a gorgeous child Monica was. She is still so beautiful!

[@reddroyal976]

Love me some Monica! And that pic of her and Aaliyah hit home cause they’re both favorites.

[@waltertucker4880]

I love everything about this. Why didn't this drop on a major network!?

[@ParentalDiscretionIsAdvised]

She needs to do another series of Still Standing...thats was not only a good show but it was "Raw" yet wholesome

[@charx9149]

She's Independent.

[@ParentalDiscretionIsAdvised]

@@charx9149 thats with the music, im talking about television

[@PrissyMissyMe]

I was only 10 while busting my eardrums to “Miss Thang”, lol. That car ride to NY was so worth it. Thanks Monica! I love your music!

[@yellagirl419]

Its funny Monica singing Whitney at talent shows and a few years later me and my group singing Monica at a school talent show 😂😂😂 Wow this was so Bomb especially with all the throwback footage reminds me of growing up in the 90's Thank to Everyone who helped to put this together may God bless Monica her children, family and entire team 💖💕💖💕#MissThang

[@laqueshagirl177]

12 year old Monica has me screaming 😂 whew couldnt tell her NOTHING when she learned how to run 😂

[@jeffrivera3612]

She was going ham on the greatest love of all. Giving the people patti labelle 😭😭

[@meicealways5842]

Lolllllllll

[@tiffanyreeves2980]

😂🤣 I mean gave you EVERYTHANG if you wanted it or not!!! I love it!

[@sheenaa498]

I'm in here crying laughing but screaming you betta sing lil Monica

[@Jamilah1117]

Jeff Rivera 😂

[@charleafoster3852]

Wait....what? Light the candles with a voice like? Really? Baby....he didn't know you would be lighting candles all over the world with your gift. Imagine that! Bless you Miss Thang!👑💞🤩😍

[@JNICEN40]

Say that

[@truthx7465]

My 6th-grade teacher called Monica"fast" for singing grown-up songs. Lol i'll never forget talking back to my teacher, she was a hardcore Brandy fan :P

[@lateshiachilds3640]

I’m a huge fan of both Monica and Brandy. I would have been like you and went off on that teacher.

[@tyeshiataylor]

Oh wow! I was 5 in 95’ and I remember people saying Mo was grown. Lol! But Brandy used to put on a “perfect” persona.

[@TF-gf3fs]

She was a great singer but Monica's songs were a little fast.

[@heavenbanxxx5108]

My pops said the same thing I was 14 and he was popping shit ! I’m 38 now

[@ParentalDiscretionIsAdvised]

And that's why she's a teacher!

[@jashawnlewis9324]

Her singing “Greatest love of all” is giving me chills she sounds beautiful

[@TiffanyRayneOfficial]

OMG, I just love this woman🖤👑. People tend to say a lot about her and compare her to other artist, but this is exactly why she stands out. Humble, down to earth, and didn't let the industry swallow her.

[@MonaeMonae126]

Monica hand up by her side like she cooking that good southern soul food.

[@Tieshia11]

*I love Monica...she shows the" REAL HER!!"💜💪*

[@tonyatjoseph5801]

beautiful documentary... Monica's voice was strong and very matured for her age.. and she picked the right song to sing..Whitney Houston😍😍

[@ZeeSosa23]

Why is Younger Mo over here looking like Laiyah? 😍😍😍

[@taesha8895]

And Melo

[@Loretta2323]

Right!

[@sonyab2u974]

Or you men Layiah looking like Mo?🤔🥰🥰

[@BizzzyBee]

Laiyah is her mothers child ❤

[@angellg25]

More like Melo!!!, one of those pictures she looked like her oldest as well!

[@dreydubb9478]

Mary J, Monica, n Whitney... toooo much 🔥

[@JoyG-sx7iv]

Monica is beautiful on the inside and the outside. She has been humble from day one, and the Lord WILL continue to bless and keep her. Love, peace, and blessings!

[@ravenbradford5351]

12 years old singing like a grown woman💛

[@Herm05g]

I was smiling so hard watching her like a proud father watching his daughter.Monica still has these mannerisms when she sings as an adult.😄Its crazy her and her aunt looks more like mother and daughter. 😍😍😍😍The Whitney Houston of my generation. 1:53

[@mrbrian645]

Mo will always be a huge part of my life! Been riding with her since 95 and will continue. She is apart of an era I miss so much! 👌🏾👌🏾

[@OGSuki.]

That rendition of ‘The Greatest Love of All’ was the most 90’s thing ever! 😍💖💖

[@blueskies7257]

lol yup

[@vickiebarlow3298]

She has a beautiful Soul she’s my favorite singer

[@chauncole9264]

I love monica❤️❤️ .... one of the most underrated female artist of our time💪🏾

[@tiffanysimpson2218]

Why am I so emotional watching this??? Maybe because she’s been my best friend in my head since she came onto the scene. So humble and beautiful.

[@shann_de]

Anyone that knows me know that I was thee biggest Monica fan. I remember like it was yesterday when Miss Thang was released. I had the cassette. I was a singer myself, a grade under her. She was my inspiration. Before You Walk Out My Life was my favorite. I still play that song as if it were just released til this very day! I know every single move she did on the video. The group I sang in while in middle school, we sang Why I Love You So Much at our school talent show. I’ll never forget.

[@stephanierainey6280]

Her voice and soul is so pure , so beautiful & stylish yet so humble. A true #Scorpion🦂

[@kristiwilliams3749]

Monica has hands down always been my favorite female artist. I remember being called Monica with my short hair. Still ride listening to her music till this day!!!

[@tionnejohnson226]

Monica really deserves so much more love and more credit than she gets. She is a legend and icon. People are intimidated by her but not in a negative way.

[@NetteJ]

Beautiful Monica

[@ertfgghhhh]

Lol. Monica was sooooo extra at 12yrs old singing gloa

[@JulesPerceval]

She was 9

[@jayatmosphere2745]

Jules Perceval She was 12 at 20:00.

[@JulesPerceval]

@@jayatmosphere2745 Omg I missed this part, yes beyond extra with the runs 😁

[@jaym8300]

😂😂😂

[@margaretjarbeh5307]

IKR am omg extra extra 🤣🤣

[@Just_Kianna]

Been holding onto notes since 9.

[@brandonsims5120]

It’s dope that she did it on her own although i wish Netflix would’ve picked it up or HBO. It’s just that good, and well shot !

[@lakeishayoung8878]

I AGREE OR BET,IT IS TIME N WAY OVER DUE FOR MO TO BE HONORED IN A MAJOR WAY STARTING WITH DALLAS AUSTIN,QUEEN LATIFAH N USHER.MO HAS BEEN ROBBED TO MANY TIMES AT THESE AWARD SHOWS PERIOD.

[@MrAjking808]

It’s on here for free lol smh 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@GiveItUpDot]

Fact* The album title came from Dallas Austin, he gave it to Monica due to her "attitude" towards certain songs in the studio

[@wr513]

🗣Miss Thang is still a 🔥 classic album!!!

[@dajourlivingston27]

I TRULY love me some Monica!!!! She one of my favorite celebrities who I one day want to meet. I swear she look just like her children when she was younger.

[@AyeshaDeuxtu]

Mo had that dance scene....she killed it

[@l.monique5524]

I’ve always loved Monica, soon as the cassette dropped I remember taking the insert to the salon like cut my hair like this 😂😂I still listen to this album today...forever always is my song...

[@ptthisnurpipenschmokeit8242]

The fabulous underappreciated Monica.

[@msstar7415]

Timeless beauty, genuine, classy & talented✨

[@ronaldcaseiro3002]

One of the best vocalist of our time PERIODT

[@kianicole2327]

Yessssssss!!! I love you Monica I've been a super fan since Miss Thang... You're such an amazing Woman love your values always stayed humble and true!!!

[@pierrejohnson3991]

I can't wait for part 2, this was such a blessing. I've been waiting on monica to tell her story for the longest. I wish whitney houston could've seen this, she was such an inspiration to singers. Monica thank you for opening your heart and letting us in. You are very much appreciated. FYI I can sing you any of your songs sus I know allum.

[@jayatmosphere2745]

“Miss Thang” was and still is my album!

[@AyeshaDeuxtu]

Damn her brother look just like her!

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

Monica singing "The Greatest Love Of All" at 12 years old omg those adlibs. How does a 12 year old know how to sang like that? Nothing but God.

[@jocelynetangi]

Indeed! Amen!

[@Wowitzkay]

She was 9 on the video

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

@@Wowitzkay Oh wow that's even more impressive

[@stephanielcowart6867]

@@Wowitzkay when she did the adlibs, she was 12. She says oh 12 year old Monica does adlibs.

[@trawlins396]

@@Wowitzkay not the one in the little red dress. The one where's she's wearing the vest.

[@Pinkjupiter77]

Monica is so south side ❤️❤️College Park, GA!🤍🤍🤍

[@mssexylegs]

Mo will forever be hands down the best Singer 👩‍🎤👩‍🎤 in the world to me. Hands down she can blow like “Whitney Houston” use to blow back in the days. #MonicaEverydayAllDay #JustOneOfThemDays #DontTakeItPersonal #BestFemaleSingerOfAllImes #ThatGirlMoCanSang #MoGameAreNoGame

[@Victoriaboo82]

Best comment I've seen, I agreed 10000%

[@mssexylegs]

Kenyatha Hamilton Thanks 😊 Boo

[@itsyag6]

All day long ❤

[@ThinkingLikeAVIRTUOUSWoman]

I’ve loved Monica since I was 9 years old and first heard “Before You Walk Out My Life” ❤️ Didn’t realized she was just a few years older as she was so mature and her voice was so powerful. Hard to believe she was only 12 when she recorded “Why I love You So Much” #MyFav

[@alichacooper3358]

25 years later and I still listen to Miss Thang album❤❤❤❤

[@antoinettebrown8597]

I remember when I came here from Jamaica @15 why I love you so much was my first cassette I bought . I played that everyday !! Then I eventually got the cd , I couldn’t find it and I had to buy another one which I still have @ almost 40 years old lol 😂.My girl.... ♏️💖😘🥰 I’ve every Monica CD !!!

[@deva1133]

Yeeees!! I’m 38 & that’s still my shit jus was listening to it yestrdy

[@carolallen3810]

I still listen to Miss Thang and all of Monica's albums on a regular basis. I remember playing Miss Thang while getting ready to hangout with my friends. The soundtrack of my youth.

[@nadiatanika1888]

Yes Monica

[@IAMJUSTNINI1Nonly]

She has always had a big voice so don't say she can sing it's she can SANG lol loved her since day one and still be playing all her songs. Her daughter is her twin lol.

[@damitaaikomusic]

Her music, voice and energy change my life. She is definition of resilience ❤️ LOVE FROM BELGIUM 🇧🇪

[@musiqjunkie93]

Damita Aiko I’m in Belgium too !

[@dstarstyles]

This made me cry, laugh, and brought back sooo many memories! Love you 4ever and always Ms. Thang!!!

[@shimeicareaves]

Always been so beautiful ugh 💗💗💗💞💞💞👑👑👑 I'm glad she did this ugh ok auntie we all need an auntie like that

[@brittneybutler2491]

Even though Monica can be extra sometimes, while online with the overuse term "I'm real" comments, etc., (in the past, and possibly the present day, now). Monica could always sing very well, especially back in the day, I enjoy her voice and certain songs by her! I am so glad that she has this mini documentary to show her fans, and the rest of the world her story! Hopefully, there will be a part two, three, four, etc., after this one.💖💯

[@preshesp1]

I was lucky enough to see you in concert at the Hollywood bowl. The Miss Than Tour was amazing. Especially the costume change you came back on stage and the background singers were saying 'Miss Thang'! I love covering your songs Why I love you so much and Angel of Mine. You are truly amazing!

[@sherikareynolds4998]

I love your music. You are so down to earth. I am glad I got to meet you

[@Stevenmc8602]

Lol the video was posted 4 mins ago and is 28 mins how can someone thumb down it already without evening having time to finish it?

[@itsyag6]

Exactly!!! Bunch of haters

[@JDOGFTW]

Brandy Fans?

[@QueenofWheels]

@@JDOGFTW I looked at that one and said it was her. Lol

[@sweetpeepauline]

Their is a miserable person born every second of the day. There is nothing thumbs down about Monica period.

[@ebonysibanda2023]

The vid is 28 min though! But don’t focus on the negative!!

[@lyneddac7064]

I love MO. She is so real and an inspiration to all the 80s babies growing up listening to her music. Still to this day I am listening to MO. She is and will always be my favorite R&B artist.