Monica

R&B artist Monica Arnold, known simply as Monica, was born on October 24, 1980 in College Park, Ga.

Monica excelled as a student, graduating from high school with a 4.0 GPA at the age of 16.  While in school, Monica remained a large contributor to the vocal world, singing in the local choir and entering talent shows until she was discovered by a representative from the Rowdy Records label.

After her 1995 debut album Miss Thang was released, Monica’s career hit fever pitch, and the singer went on to team with another of-the-moment “It Girl,” Brandy Norwood, on the 1998 Grammy-winning single “The Boy Is Mine.”

Monica, who released her sixth studio album, Still Standing in 2010, has two children. In October2010, the singer announced her engagement to L.A. Lakers player Shannon Brown.