Simone Risko (born July 2, 1970, in London) known by her stage name Monie Love, is a female, English emcee and former radio personality in the United States. Love was a well-respected figure in British hip hop, and made an impact with American hip hop audiences as a protégé of female American emcee Queen Latifah, as well as through her membership in the late 1980s/early 1990s Native Tongues.

Love was one of the first BritHop artists to be signed and distributed world-wide by a major record label. Love also has a place in hip-hop history as a member of the Native Tongues, a positive-minded hip-hop collective that included Queen Latifah, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, the Jungle Brothers, and a number of other acts. Love's debut album, Down To Earth, spawned two, Grammy-nominated hits, "Monie in the Middle" (a high school-set track dealing with a woman's right to determine what she wants out of a relationship) and "It's a Shame (My Sister)" (which sampled The Spinners' "It's a Shame" written for the band by Stevie Wonder).

Love currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the single mother to four children. Currently, she has a radio show on XM & Sirius Satellite Radio called Ladies First Radio with Monie Love. It airs Saturday 6PM ET. She also has a mix show on Power 99 on Saturday nights from 9pm-2am. She is also the host for the high energy Video Mix Party with the Legendary DJ Wiz of Kid N Play. The Video Mix Party is changing the national concert experience.

The “VIDEO MIX PARTY” branded and founded by DJ Wiz of Kid ‘n’ Play is about to embark upon its 4th year anniversary. Since 2006 DJ WIZ has toured the country hosting VIDEO MIX PARTIES accompanied by CLASSIC HIP HOP Artists. DJ Wiz, and the VIDEO MIX PARTY Core Team "mix and scratch" music videos, live, using the newest audio-visual technology; while combining video classic hits of the past intertwined with today’s popular music videos. The VIDEO MIX PARTY is the cutting edge of today’s party entertainment.

j. rawls

J. Rawls is a hip hop, soul, and neo-soul producer whose work crosses over into jazz. He has worked with Dose One, Beastie Boys, Slum Village, El Da Sensei, Count Bass D, Grand Agent, 9th Wonder, J-Live, Us3, and Moka Only.

J. Rawls' production is best known for his work with Black Star, a rap group formed by Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Rawls contributed production on "Brown Skin Lady" and "Yo, Yeah" which placed him on the map among producers in the rap music genre. The album Mos Def & Kweli are Black Star did very well in the independent hip hop market, was acclaimed as one of the best albums in 1998 and was a major force in the late '90s underground hip hop explosion.

J. Rawls' first solo album came in 2001, with The Essence Of... , which featured singles "Great Live Caper" featuring J-Live, "Check the Clock" and "They Can't See Me".

He released his second solo album called The Essence of Soul in 2005 on his own label POLAR Records, which featured singles "Bailar" featuring Aloe Blacc, "Soul (Again & Again)" featuring Middle Child, and "Pleasure Before Pain" featuring Eric Roberson.

Away from his solo albums, J. Rawls is one half of the duo The Lone Catalysts, with emcee J. Sands. The group has been together since the mid-'90s and the first release from the Lone Catalysts, THE BEGINNING EP, was in August 1998. They have released three albums since: Hip Hop (1999,BUKA Entertainment), The Catalyst Files (2002, BUKA Entertainment), and Good Music (2005, BUKA Entertainment).
 

monarch magazine

Monarch is dedicated to reflecting affluent, African American professionals and their lifestyles. Here is where you can find our culture, taste, values and interest expressed. Created as a source of empowerment, an innovative resource that provides encouragement, knowledge and pride.

Monarch is designed to embody the thoughts, vision and intellect of today’s black urban professional. Identifying examples of success for those who aspire to fulfill their potential. Monarch Magazine attracts readers who have not placed limitations on who they are and what they can be. Readers who have chosen to associate themselves with things that are not defined by age or income, but rather a mind-set that says achievement.

Monarch Magazine is the forum that brings its readers all of these things delivered within a vibrant and intelligent mix of business and style.