Lola Monroe is a pioneer in semi-contemporary music, fashion, and modern feminism. Although many of her early works may be overlooked because of her tenure in the entertainment industry and what some would consider as underground energy, the network, fanbase, and knowledge she has accumulated as an artist of many different fashions and talents shines bright. Although previously hidden to me, her artistry insofar as her appearances as a video vixen, touring with artists like Wiz Khalifa, and her creating music as a rap artist has landed Monroe in high places in the entertainment industry. In a Youtube interview on the channel, Shirley’s Temple, Monroe offered a glimpse into her introduction to the industry, her childhood, and her overall journey from Ethiopia to DC to fame. 

During the interview, Monroe touched on her affiliations with 50 Cent, Trey Songz, Trina, and other artists whom she has collaborated and drawn wisdom and knowledge from. She explained that a lot of her grind and passion has come from the situations she has prevailed through in her life like abuse, teenage emancipation of some sort, and learning to navigate the world as a young woman. Her prowess not only paved the way for the video vixens of the 2000s but the baddies and models we see in mainstream media today. 

In her freestyle “ Freakin You” which was released November 5th of 2023, Monroe talks about the respect she deserves and how it takes a fierce woman to do what she has done: “ First vixen turned rapper, scrutinized in critics eyes.” Not only has she wined and dined with some of our cultural giants, but she played a major role in the popularity of their music with her appearances and the element of sexy, classy, and professionalism she brought to the table. In the aforementioned interview, she talks about the boundaries she set from the start of her career and how she has transformed as a woman, mother, and artist throughout her journey. In her song “Freakin You” she mentions how she “Used to be traumatized, used to keep trauma ties,” and later explains in her Shirley’s temple interview how the work she has done upfront and behind the scenes has made it possible for her not only to make good music that landed her on top award shows but to change herself and her immediate environment for the better because of how much work she has put in. 

From her skincare brand to her vegan lifestyle, and the confidence in her image and talent, artists like Lola Monroe exist in more spaces than we think and although she has culturally integrated with many trends, her connection to her culture, herself, and her craft prove as an example of the power that lies in commitment, talent, self-work, confidence, and truth.