Monie Love is a 55-year-old presenter, actress and radio presenter from London, England. She made her acting debut in 1990’s “Devil’s Night”, a collaboration with Warner Records and Down to Earth. Her second feature, In a Word or 2, produced by Marley Marl, surprisingly divided fans the late Prince over thirty years ago, although I personally prefer it to Down to Earth. The Native Tongues member returned to the music scene 10 days ago after being featured on 7xvethegenius’ new album Self 7xve 3, and is looking to take her comeback to the next level with the release of a brand new EP of material.
Produced by former Da Beatminerz member Baby Paul, “Sho Luv” feels like she’s taking herself to the next level after being away for over 3 decades, while “Cape Vinny” goes the soulful boom bap route, talking about the clarity that comes from having her mind become congested. Ruste Juxx and T3’s “Jus We” continues to sample soul with romantic themes, while Skyzoo and Tuff’s lead single “Divine” talks about memories fading away on stage.
The third and final single “Mo’ Skillz” features Amir, kicking off the backend of Love Notes and marking the return of the first lady of Roc-A-Fella Records, who joins Mo’s cover of Mystic Flight Orchestra’s “Shadows” sample, pays homage to Gang Starr’s single “Skills,” leading into “Atonement,” which incorporates strings and synths, discusses reparations, and hands people the same rope she was given. Second single “1 People” features Nana Fofie and is the official closing track for me, not including the remix of “Sho Luv” which attempts dancehall.
Originally teased back in the fall of 2021 under the title “Lovestruck,” we finally have Baby Paul on “Monie Love,” one of hip-hop’s pioneering women, returning after a career in radio starting with “In a Word or 2,” because so many artists are facing pressure to surface right now and we all cherish the shape of this ever-evolving industry. All in all, their attempt to extend the play at a grassroots level made up for the long delay, with a handful of carefully selected guests not having to worry about who would live stream it or buy it.
Score: 8/10
