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Dynastie Boyd
English 102
Professor Witherspoon
07, November 2014

Expository Essay

In todays society, music is one of the main aspects of the world. There are several types of
genres and artists to choose from. People idolize and adore different kind of artists. When admiring an
artist, there should be research included to learn more about the artist as an individual. By learning what
an individual experienced throughout life makes your understanding of them better. All artists have
stories, some you may or may not connect with and some actually leave an impact on your life.
Speaking about different types of music, one of my favorite genres of music is R&B. R&B is the
acronym for rhythm and blues, which was originated in the 1940s. It is also known as pop music of
African-Americans with a soulful vocal style. This type of music is more calming to me, than any type of
music I choose to listen to. Discovering R&B music at a young age really has had an effect on my life.
Whenever I experienced things whether it was bad or good, R&B music always seemed to help me with
any situation I was involved in. This genre of music can be really flexible. Whether it is slow or fast, it
always makes me feel better after listening to it. Learning about this type of music is what introduced me
to my favorite artist, Monica Denise Arnold, Brown.
On the subject of Brown, one of my favorite songs by Monica is For You I Will. When listening
to this song, it really allows my mind to have peace. The way she expresses herself about love in this song
really inspires me. It gives me the understanding that when you truly love someone, you would do just
about anything for them. It makes me reflect on the way I feel towards my family, similar to the way she
loves and cares for hers. This genre of music not only fits her vocally but also as a humble individual who
enjoys expressing herself. Also with this song in particular, it fits her because she is telling how she

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honestly feels about love and she seems to be a very loving person. It is easy to see that her emotion in
this song was inspired by personal experiences throughout her life. It is great when you can find an artist
that can really be in tune with their music and you can feel the truth behind it.
Subsequently, choosing a favorite artist takes a process. This process includes understanding the
person not only as an artist but as a human being. Once you understand the artist as a human being, you
will then be able to relate to that person and connect with their music. Born and raised in Atlanta, the
talented Monica Brown is a singer, songwriter and actress. She is the only daughter of Marilyn Best and
Billy Arnold Jr. Brown. She began training herself in singing and became a regular talent-show
contestant. She won over twenty local singing competitions during her early teenage years. As she got
older, she decided she wanted to pursue a career in singing. This was one of the best decisions she made
in her life. Although she had much success with her entertainment career, Monica experienced personal
problems. She lost her boyfriend Jarvis Knot Weems due to a devastating suicide. Her family and
spiritual guidance is what helped her through this tough time in her life. This same support is what that
helps her keep standing today.
Moreover, her career began when she became a member of Charles Thompson and the Majestics,
which were a twelve piece traveling choir. Becoming a member of this choir, is what led her to sign a
recording contract with Arista Records in 1995. Also, her first appearance was as a sassy thirteen year
old "it" girl on her 1995 debut, Miss Thang (Keith). This debut was number seven on Billboard's Top
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Brown became the youngest R&B recording act in history to have two
succeeding chart topping hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs. She appeared in several films
such as, "Boys and Girls" (2000), MTV Films Love Song (2000) and "ATL" (2006) (Keith). She also
made television appearances, which shows how flexible she can be. Shortly after Weems death, Monica
met rapper Rodney "Rocko" Hill, who she began dating in fall of the same year they ended their
relationship in 2004 (Keith). In 2007, Monica and Hill got back together then engaged and had two sons.
The two later separated and in June 2010, Monica met NBA player Shannon Brown. Under those
circumstances, she later announced her engagement to Brown and on November 22, 2010, the couple

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married in a secret ceremony at their Los Angeles home (Gregory). The marriage was not publicly
announced until January 21, 2011, when Brown told a Hip Hop TV-Show. In September 2013, Monica
gave birth to her third child, Laiyah Shannon Brown. Now that her family is settled, Brown plans on
doing a few songs with Brandy and maybe even a tour. Monica Brown shows that with her passion for
music and the support of her family, nothing can stop you unless you allow it to.
In conclusion, after exploring the different type of genres and artists I believe I did a great job
choosing Monica as my favorite artist. Researching the growth of Brown as an artist and an individual
was amazing. She really inspires and motivates me. Losing my father during my early teenage years was
very devastating, so seeing how strong Monica remained after the death of a loved one really encouraged
me. Connecting with her music came easy to me because behind all the glory and fame she is a humble
individual who loves her family. I view Monica Brown as a role model. I would encourage others to
research who they are listening to because you never know what type of effect they could have on you
through a musical aspect. By researching Brown, I learned that no matter how tough situations get,
anything is possible.

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Works Cited
MURPHY, KEITH. "Miss Thang Grows Up." Billboard 124.12 (2012): 26. Middle Search Plus. Web. 6
Nov. 2014.

Gregory, Deborah. "Monica." Essence (Essence) 29.6 (1998): 84. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 6 Nov.
2014.