BY NOREEN PEREZ

No stranger to this world of hip hop, sex, drugs, money and controversy; Lola Monroe is taking the world by storm but this time as an artist. Having released a slew of mix tapes Lola has stepped out of the light of former model to an established female emcee. Lola bombarded the industry by using modeling as a stepping stone to enter the entertainment field. A very rare blend of Ethiopian and Trinidadian descent; this exotic beauty hails from Washington, D.C. where she gained much of her life experiences. Lola used her beauty to astonish critics in the beginning but she now wants her lyrical content to do all the talking. Now touring much of the U.S with her very popular mix tape entitled Boss Bitch’s World Vol II: Batteriez NOT Included, Lola does not seize to amaze fans. Accrediting the lategreat Marilyn Monroe for her stage name Lola Monroe has stepped into alight all her own. Attacking the rap game with a vengeance Lola Monroe’s mission is to instill a lasting impression upon all of whom she encounters.

Full Blast Magazine: Do you have a preference as to which name to go by? Or is either one appropriate at any given time? Being Angel Lola Luv is your model name. 

Lola Monroe: Well, I now officially go by Lola Monroe which is my artist name. People don’t refer to me as Angel Lola Luv any more they get that music and being an artist is all I do now.

Full Blast: How easy was it to transition from being a model to a female emcee? Was it easy at all?

Lola Monroe: The transition from being a model to an artist was a challenge that was understood before I decided to make that move in my career. The challenge had a lot to do with people having a hard time taking sexy images and connecting a voice to it. Those images never came with a voice so they didn’t know my story or struggles nether did they know where I came from. They had a hard time understanding that what I did prior to officially putting out my music and becoming a full time artist was just a job. That’s what you call basically having a one track mind. You can’t deny anyone’s talent or passion based on their prior occupation. That’s like saying a nurse can’t elevate their career and study to become a doctor.

Full Blast: How excited are you about your new mix tape Boss Bitch’s World II: Batteriez Not Included? 

Lola Monroe: I’m very happy about my newest project Batteriez Not Included and even more pleased because it was received very well. I have come into my own as an artist and this project displays not all but most of what Lola Monroe is about. It is hosted by my homie DJ Holiday which is one of the illest DJ’s so I’m glad he is a part of it. He really has been supporting my music and pushing for me so shout out to him.

Full Blast: How was it working with Trina on your new single “Overtime”?

Lola Monroe: It’s always dope working with Trina. I was on the remix for one of her singles “That’s My Attitude” and we also remixed “Run This Town” for my Art of Motivation mix tape. We have got to working together a couple times before but when it was time for my single to drop and I listened to the record I knew I had to get Trina on it. She has been really supportive of me and my music from the jump. I sent her the record she knocked it out and sent it right back. She is really the sweetest girl.

Full Blast: Would you work with any other female artists that are in the industry today? 

Lola Monroe: Yeah, I would defiantly work with other female artists. I have worked with a couple of them. I think when females get together and create dope music it turns into a powerful thing. I love it!

Full Blast: What do you say to people who compare you to Nicki Minaj; Lil Wayne’s protégé?

Lola Monroe: Well, I don’t think too much of it now. Nicki and I have different styles and we have our own movements. I understand that is what they do in this game especially with female rappers. There aren’t a lot of us that are out. Definably not as much as the males in the rap game so they try to put us against each other and or compare us. It is what it is I just focus on what I do. You can’t work towards greatness if your focus is on those types of things. There is enough room for all of us.

Full Blast: Who are some of your other influences?

Lola Monroe: Coming up I was mostly influenced by male artist like Jay-Z and Wayne my biggest musical influence right now is Los. He is an artist based out of Baltimore. I came up in the era of Foxy, Kim and Missy. They have the most influence on me but I have been inspired by all the females in the game. It’s always been hard for females in the rap game so the fact that they left their mark in the game they way they did; is inspirational so I salute them all. 

Full Blast: So tell us about your love for music.

Lola Monroe: I don’t think the love and passion I have for music can be easily described in just words. It’s an outer body feeling that it gives me. When I was a little girl it was an escape and release for me from all my troubles. Now music has given me a way to touch and inspire people through my stories. It’s an amazing thing.

Full Blast: Being that Valentine’s Day is around the corner, do you have a Valentine?

Lola Monroe: Yeah… I have a Valentine.

Full Blast: How many tattoos do you have?

Lola Monroe: I only have two tattoos; one on my neck and the other one on my left hand. I do want another tattoo. I’m going to think it through and make sure it’s the right one and in the right place first. I can only get so many after this so it has to be meaningful and in the right place.

Full Blast: Have you ever gotten a tattoo that you regret; like one of an ex-boyfriend’s name?

Lola Monroe: When I had my first boyfriend I got his name tatted on my neck. I can’t say I regretted it but a little while after we broke up I had moved on and I was in a different place so I got it covered with a blue rose. What’s crazy is about a month ago he got killed. I went to the funeral and they had all blue roses for his funeral. Crazy!

Full Blast: What do you see in the future for Lola Monroe?

Lola Monroe: I see a well accomplished business woman and an inspirational artist that touched a generation of people. I see success and greatness for Lola Monroe.

Download your free copy of Boss Bitch’s World Vol II: Batteriez NOT Included courtesy of DatPiff.com.