Monica stands as an R&B icon because her powerful voice, emotional ballads and chart-topping success have made her one of the genre's most enduring talents. Her music debuted in the 1990s with an adult sound that immediately made her a radio staple while critics and fans praised her combination of emotional delivery, exceptional vocal skills and charismatic stage presence.

Monica achieved musical history at age 14 through her debut album Miss Thang which contained the successful singles “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” and “Before You Walk Out of My Life.” The Boy Is Mine established itself as a cultural touchstone through its 13-week No. 1 run and brought her first Grammy Award.