Lola Monroe Interview – Against All Odds

When I first heard that Angel Lola Luv, the beautiful video vixen who graced my computer screen, tv screen, and coffee table via magazines over the last three years, was starting a rap career, I seriously had my doubts. Lola was venturing into unchartered lands for models. The rap game is a dog-eat-dog world, and being a female in the rap game is that much tougher. But as I started to hear more from her about her story, her struggle, and her inspiration, the more I could understand. In a time where stereotypes still run rampant in hip hop, Lola is out to go against all the odds, and silence the critics. WeLoveHipHop.com caught up with Lola last week for a conversation, to talk about her past, present, and very bright future.

WLHH: For those that may not know, where are you from?

LM: I was born in Ethiopia, but raised in D.C

WLHH: For those that follow you on Twitter, they saw a pic of you and Soulja Boy in the studio last night(click here to view), can you speak on the project you two were working on?

LM: We were recording some material. It came w/ a dope record. I can’t really speak on it yet, but be on the look out for it real soon!

WLHH: Making the transition from modeling to the rap game is certainly not one that is taken often. When did you know it was time to make that jump into starting your rap career?

LM: If you go back to my previous interviews in publications, I have always said that I was going to go in this direction. I’ve been writing in some form since I was 12 years old. Music has always been apart of me, but I knew it was time to make the move when I did.

WLHH: For those that may ask, why should we be checkin for Lola Monroe’s music, what would be your answer?

LM: Theres a void in the game right now. I feel like everybody brought something diff, from Lil Kim to Foxy Brown, to MC Lyte and Queen Latifah. Everyone has their own swag, just like me. To me, it’s not just about music. I have a movement, Boss Bitches World, and my first mixtape represents that.

WLHH: The rap game is just like any business, there are more people that envy and hate you than will show support. Among your female peers, have any reached out to show love and help you in your new career?

LM: I recently did an interview with RealTalkNY, and MC Lyte talked to me, and definitely gave me some good advice. I’ve had some artists I was cool with before I got in the game, and once I started making moves in the music industry, they started acting funny.

WLHH: Have you retired from the modeling game for good, or do you see yourself ever getting back in front of the cameras again?

LM: I may do a cameo for one of my homie’s videos, but right now Im focused just on my music.

WLHH: Who were some of your musical influences?

LM: Coming up I listened to Jay, Biggie, Pac, Kim, and Foxy. When I was taking songs and rewriting, I used theirs. Later on, it was T.I, 50, Jeezy and Wayne.

WLHH: What can we expect from Lola Monroe after the mixtape drops? Are you working with any other artists upcoming projects?

LM: Im working on my second mixtape that I am working with DJ Infamous, and on that one I’m going in. I’m at that point where I’m ready to kick it up a notch. The current one will be due in all DLTR stores nationwide on June 23rd.

WLHH: You have had the rare opportunity to gain experience in both the modeling and rap game. From what you can tell so far, what game is shadier?

LM: With the music industry, you do more interaction with people. With modeling, I was requested for a job, I go on set, and I roll out. Music, it’s different. With these artists, I’m not just doing their videos, I am exceling to a point where they are looking at me as their competition.

WLHH: Do you feel it’s an obstacle for you to try to break into the rap game now, with some industry people looking at you as a model first?

LM: It’s definitely been an obstacle, to have people see me on the sexy pictures, but never heard my story, or what I’m all about. That is what causes me to push even more though. Some people get it twisted, and think it’s easier for me to transition to the game, but it’s really tougher.

WLHH: What are your thoughts on the current state of hip hop?

LM: I feel you have the new generation coming and they’re dope. At this point, I dont feel like Hip Hop is Dead at all. I can pop in a Jay-Z album just like I pop in a Jeezy cd. Everyone brings their own style to the table.

The Video that started it all…

You can check Lola on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/lolamonroe202 or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DaRealAngelLola