Monaleo’s Who Did the Body: Staying True to Your Roots
Monaleo’s newest project, Who Did the Body, meshes the regional stylings of Houston rap, R&B, and gospel inspired tracks seamlessly. Monaleo has exercised her lyrical and musical prowess on songs before, but she displays her talents on this project like never before.
I was first introduced to the Houston based rapper from her popular single, “Beating Down Your Block”, released back in 2021. The energetic Southern beat and sample mixed with her undeniable energy captivated me. Since then, Monaleo has been added to my list of Female rappers when I’m in need of a “Bad Bitch pick me-up”. Who Did the Body embodies the rapstress’ “Pretty in Pink” persona while similtaneously introducing a new, thought provoking layer to her artistry. Songs like “Dignified” and “Diary of an OG” show a certain kind of vulnerability that’s been absent in music for some time. Monaleo gives us a firsthand look at her relationship with death and legacy in the moodier track, “Dignified.” “Diary of an OG” is a laid back, yet emotional urban R&B track that recounts her internal struggle with being the eldest daughter in a family that leaned on her for additional support. Her vocal capability is on full display, playing with melody and showcasing her vocal agility similar to a contemporary R&B artist. These tracks accomplish the task of telling relatable stories and PSA’s, without being too preachy.
Songs like “Bigger Than Big”, “Sexy Soulaan”, “We On Dat” (OG Mix)” and the most popular track on the album, “Putting Ya Dine”, are musical love letters to Southern, Black American culture. The listener can feel the deep sense of love and appreciation Monaleo possesses for her subsection of American culture. “Sexy Soulaan” winks at many Black references that could only be caught through living a unique Black experience. “Bigger Than Big” is a sonic homage to Black Church. The vocals simulate a choir during the hook and the organ is unmistakably a reference to traditional Black religious music. Monaleo ties it all in with lyrics that are similar to affirmations, in the bold way that Monaleo is known for. “We on Dat” directly references locations and slang that are native to Houston, while adding multiple Houston legends like Bun B and Paul Wall.
Who Did the Body feels like an elevation in the rapper’s artistry. It’s a cohesive project that stays true to Monaleo’s braggadocious, witty, internet forward brand, while not shying away from dark, somber topics and celebrations of culture. I hope to see more Rap albums and mixtapes similar to this one in the near future. Monaleo is slowly becoming the definition of a multifaceted artist.
21st Century Black Woman 