Monaleo

Last updated
Monaleo
Birth nameLeondra Roshawn Gay
Born (2001-04-24) April 24, 2001 (age 22)
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2020–present
LabelsStomp Down, Inc.

The Orchard

Sony Music
Partner(s)Stunna 4 Vegas (2021–present)

Leondra Roshawn Gay (born April 24, 2001), known by her stage name Monaleo (pronounced mon-a-lee-o) is an American rapper and singer-songwriter based in Houston. She released her debut single, "Beating Down Yo Block," on February 24, 2021.

Contents

Early life

Gay originates from El Paso and grew up in Houston, Texas. [1] She attended The High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, located in Houston. She was in pursuit of a degree at Prairie View A&M University before putting her studies on pause due to her musical career. [2]

Career

Gay began working in music intermittently since January 2020. In September 2020, she released a snippet of her debut single "Beating Down Yo Block" with producer Merion Krazy. [3] The song samples "Knockin Pictures Off Da Wall" by Yungstar. She wrote the song while struggling with a bad breakup. [2] [4] The song went viral on social media in January 2021, gaining over 3 million streams on Spotify and 3.3 million views on the music video on YouTube. Monaleo later released the singles "Girls Outside" and "Suck It Up." [3] "Girls Outside" samples "Outside” by OG Bobby Billions. [5] In August 2021, Gay released a music video for the single, "Suck It Up." [6] [7] On May 26, 2023, she released her debut studio album, Where the Flowers Don't Die, featuring a guest appearance from Flo MIlli. [8]

Gay is represented by the Stomp Down collective. [3]

Personal life

Gay's younger brother is rapper Yung Rampage. She has publicly shared about her past suicide attempts and mental health. [3] In May 2023, Gay gave birth to her first child, Khalick Anthony Caldwell II, with partner Stunna 4 Vegas. [9] [8]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected details
TitleAlbum details
Where the Flowers Don't Die [10]

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles, showing year released and album name
TitleYear Certifications Album
"First Draft Pick"2020Non-album single
"Beating Down Your Block"2021Where the Flowers Don't Die
"Girls Outside"Non-album singles
"Suck It Up"
"We Not Humping"
"We Not Humpin' (Remix)" (with Flo Milli)2022
"Body Bag"
"Miss U Already" (with NoCap)
"Ridgemont Baby"2023Where the Flowers Don't Die
"Sober Mind" - A COLORS SHOW
"Ass Kickin"
"I <3 My N***a"Non-album singles
"Crying On Your Birthday"
"Don Who Leo"2024

Guest appearances

List of guest appearances, showing song title, year released, other artists and album name
TitleYearArtist(s)Album
"Family Ties"2020Yung RampageNon-album single
"Jammin’ Screwnem"2021GasGang Youngin, OMB Bloodbath, GuapoBe Someone: HoUSton Population
"Lock It Down"DJ ChoseNon-album single
"Real Problems"Yung AlI Am Yung
"Cee Cee" Maxo Kream Weight of the World
"Apply Pressure"Money StofficeGullyside Wayz
"Introvert"JohnDeeLivestindacity
"You Mad"Josh MercyNon-album single
"Serious"2022Rizzoo RizzooRacks and Revenge
"Matta & Mona"Yung MattaNon-album singles
"Hands Up" Tay Money
"Hot Girl"Fmb Ty, Jeezmino
"Scary"$hyneWho These Rap Niggas Wanna Be Like
"Stick On Me"KCG Josh, Maxo KreamThe Book of Joshua
"Bed Time"2023 Flo Milli, Gloss Up You Still Here, Ho? (Extended)
"Top Notch"MahoneyNon-album single

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References

  1. Rodrigues, Ashwin (November 8, 2021). "When Monoleo Raps, You Want Her to Win". Noisey. Vice Media Group . Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Stewart, Shelby (May 28, 2021). "Houston's rising female rapper Monaleo earns a spot on Rolling Loud lineup". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Seabrook III, Robby (September 15, 2021). "The Break Presents - Monaleo". XXL Mag . Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  4. "Genius: Monaleo "Beating Down Yo Block" Official Lyrics & Meaning". HipHopCanada. 2021-07-13. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  5. Stewart, Shelby (2021-07-08). "Houston's Monaleo releases 'Girls Outside,' a summer revenge anthem". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  6. Strauss, Matthew (2021-08-11). "Monaleo Shares Video for New Song "Suck It Up"". Pitchfork . Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  7. Pierre, Alphonse (2021-08-17). "Listen to Monaleo's "Suck it Up": The Ones". Pitchfork . Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  8. 1 2 Conteh, Mankaprr (2023-05-25). "Monaleo Survived Pregnancy, Depression, and Her Debut LP -- All at Once". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  9. Speakman, Kimberlee (April 15, 2023). "Monaleo Reveals She Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby with Boyfriend Stunna 4 Vegas". People . Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  10. Ushe, Naledi (25 May 2023). "If you don't get Monaleo, she says you're not listening: 'It really gets under my skin'". USA Today. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  11. "American certifications – Monaleo". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 28, 2023.