Monique Moy

A pretty face is always welcome in music, however it seems as though female Hip Hop artists often have to set their natural femininity aside to appear stronger alongside their male counterparts. As a lyricist, singer and songwriter, Monique Moy understands how easy it is for young ladies to lose themselves in the business.

With her new mixtape Bag Lady, slated for release on March 7, 2011, Moy puts her craft first and foremost in the music, but confidently maintains her femininity for the total package.

Throughout the conceptual Bag Lady project, Monique Moy boldly poses the question to women everywhere: What’s in your handbag?

Bag Lady boasts a strong line-up of guest spots including Drake, T-Pain, Pitbull, Trina, T-Hud and American Idol Season 5 finalist Paris Bennett. Original production includes tracks from from T-Hud and more. Monique Moy’s creative approach to songwriting blends nicely as she flexes bar for bar on the mixtape with her lyrical cohorts.

Monique offers music fans the versatility of style and sound from her years living in Philadelphia, Chicago and Minneapolis. She began singing at just four years old, and despite early family troubles in Philly, a move to Chicago renewed Moy’s energy for entertainment. She eventually inked a deal with Minneapolis-based Hudson records, and began her professional recording career.

In 2010, Monique Moy wrote 50Tyson’s hit single “Don’t Know How to Dougie (But I Know How to Diddi)” ft. Nerdy Star, and performed the hook. As a follow-up, she tested the waters in December 2010 with the release of her first mixtape, Been There Done That hosted by Germany’s DJ Cosinus.

Moy’s galactic flow is equally relatable and artistically fresh, and she credits several female lyricists as inspiration for her work.

“I’ve learned so much from every single lady who grabbed the mic before me,” explains Monique. “MC Lyte taught me how to rip a track. From Lil Kim I learned how to be fashionable, from Queen Latifah I learned how to be a strong beautiful Black sister, and from Foxy Brown I learned how to be aggressive but sexy. Nicki Minaj has taught me how to conquer the masses, Shawnna and Nuisance bring that hustler mentality, and both Trina and Khia showed me that it’s ok to be provocative and explore my femininity.”

While most new generation MC’s feel that they are bringing everything new to the game, Moy feels that respecting what’s been done before her time is very important.

“I don’t feel that hip hop is missing anything, I am just an addition to it,” she asserts. “This generation is complex but fun, just as the generation in the ‘90s Hip Hop music offered similar diversity. Every topic in life gets explored, whether fun, catchy hooks or more serious political topics. I represent futuristic Hip Hop – I am diving into unchartered waters, and I’m not afraid to talk about it all.”

With Bag Lady, Moy hopes that other women be inspired to find their own brand of independence through her lyrical testimony.

“Bag Lady is a project that is catered for every single woman. Explore your femininity, and be tough and confident!” Monique explains. “The handbag represents ‘us’, and what’s inside of it depends on individuality. I started writing about my life, my needs and my wants, and what I wrote needed to be written. If you’re independent, it’s cool to scream so, and if you’re beautiful, it’s okay to think so. We only get one chance at this life thing, so ride it ‘til the wheels fall off!”

“I work hard in everything that I do, and humbleness goes hand-in-hand with success,” continues Monique. “I don’t want to be anybody but me. My music is the purest representation of me, my highs and my lows, and every song is a piece of me. We only have moments in time so I am grateful to God for every one of them.”

The Bag Lady Mantra

Inside my bag is strength, courage, beauty, elegance, intelligence, exuberance and creativity. My handbag represents me!

When I carry my bag, I am displaying a woman of confidence, and no matter how my day went or what critics say, I know who I am. I make the bag look good.

I am fly from head to toe! I wear success, crisp and fresh like my latest Louie, and I wear it well.

What’s in your handbag?

I am proud to be a woman, and I embrace my femininity. My music represents every side of me.

Everyone wants to have the power of self-worth, and every woman is a bag lady. Handbags, not baggage.

What’s in your handbag?

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net