There may be loads of expertise to be discovered within the lush expanses of Georgia. The Peach State is a number one drive in all genres of music, but it surely’s had fairly a run in Hip Hop. Labels like High quality Management Music and Younger Stoner Life have helped develop Platinum-selling voices from Atlanta and past, and in a small city referred to as Thomaston, a younger Mondaii was ready for his probability at stardom.

As a rapper with the soul of a rustic boy, Mondaii, actual title Tony Matthews, navigates his burgeoning profession with a decided spirit. His journey, magnified by his wealthy Southern heritage, resonates with those that hear the authenticity in his phrases and the energy behind his normally soft-spoken demeanor. His path to this place—albeit nonetheless early in his profession—reads like a stroke of luck. Whereas immersed in his day job at one among Ok. Michelle‘s eating places, little did Mondaii know that his artistry would catch the discerning ear of the very singer he labored for.

Discovering his musical brilliance by way of the digital whispers of social media, Ok. Michelle prolonged an invite to collaborate. She acknowledged the gold mine of expertise earlier than her, altering the trajectory of Mondaii’s future. Thus, started his ascent, co-penning tracks for the hitmaking singer, with some blossoming as singles and others ready within the wings for the discharge of her upcoming album.

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I bear in mind simply seeing Eminem, “Forgot About Dre.” I stated, wait a minute. He’s a white rapper that seems like this. It taught me that, wow, Hip Hop actually is available in all shapes, sizes, colours, orientations. It’s concerning the craft, and never a lot about all the things else.

-Mondaii

But, it isn’t simply his songwriting that units him aside. Acknowledged and celebrated by the enduring duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mondaii obtained a grant that furthered his musical journey and cultivated deep-rooted mentorships. At present, these legendary producers stand beside him, guiding and nurturing as Mondaii crafts his personal legacy.

From the onset of our interview with Mondaii, it was clear that he’s a younger man with a dream in his coronary heart and his eye on the prize. He’s tackled each alternative headfirst, hoping that the music he creates will resonate with listeners who could also be missed, however who nonetheless push ahead with confidence. Learn by way of our expansive (and enjoyable!) dialog with this rising artist as he speaks with us about his roots, songwriting for Ok. Michelle, smart recommendation from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, his dream collaborations with Pink and Nicki Minaj, being open about his sexuality, and remaining genuine in an trade that usually dulls one’s shine.

This interview has been barely edited for readability.

HotNewHipHop: So I see that you simply’re a Georgia native. And, after all, Georgia has been spitting out hitmakers and skills for so long as I can bear in mind. What impressed you to pursue music professionally, and never simply as one thing you’re simply doing on the aspect?

Mondaii: Effectively, I’ve at all times had a dream of doing music. However what made me do it professionally is I noticed how a lot cash may very well be produced from songwriting. I see folks residing various kinds of life. If that is what I really like, then why wouldn’t I need to pursue this as a profession? I imply, I by no means seen myself clocking in—and no shade to the those who do that, you recognize what I imply? I by no means actually seen myself clocking in like a traditional nine-to-five. Generally, I really feel like I’ve ADHD, my consideration span is brief, for one. So, me doing one thing routine might get very monotonous quick for me. And I felt like, my goal and my God-given calling was music.

In 2017, I’d make these Rap movies the place I’d do covers on Instagram to folks’s tracks. I’ll possibly do an eight to 16-bar freestyle. I simply began doing it extra persistently. At some point, Ok. Michelle noticed it and despatched me a DM! And she or he was like, wow, I didn’t know he was proficient. I need to work with you on my album. And I used to be like, wow. Right here’s my probability. Alright, we’re doing it! We’re doing it! Type of like that.

That’s unbelievable! I heard that on the time you had been working at Ok. Michelle’s restaurant?

Sure, I used to be. I used to be working as a server. And I’d by no means point out to her that I did music. As a result of though it was Ok. Michelle’s restaurant, she had like a supervisor to supervise. So, I actually by no means see her, she’d be calling the massive pictures. Even when instances the place I did see her, it was not like I used to be dying to say, “Hey, right here, take a look at my mixtape.” As a result of I do know, earlier than I met Ok. Michelle, I’d be afraid. I’d be like, “Y’all, Ok. Michelle’s gonna curse me out. Like, she’s gonna go off after which I’m gonna be jobless.” [laughs] So, I by no means stated that I did music.

Nonetheless, proper subsequent door to Ok. Michelle’s restaurant was Killer Mike’s barbershop. And I bear in mind after work, I’ll be exterior with my buddies, a number of the employees over there, and we now have little cyphers in entrance of the restaurant and stuff. And I bear in mind one of many cooks at Ok. Michelle’s restaurant—I don’t know if she confirmed Ok. Michelle, or one among my different co-workers that had been larger up in place than I used to be exhibiting her that I rapped. However lengthy story quick, she discovered, and he or she was like, “Yeah, nicely, you by no means stated something.” And I used to be like, you recognize, I used to be fearful of her like [laughs]. So, that’s how that occurred.

And what tracks did you’re employed together with her on particularly?

Okay, so in 2017, I began working with Ok. Michelle. So, I’d do her smaller initiatives. I labored on her mixtape. I bear in mind she would simply ship me every kind of cool artistic concepts and be like, “What are you able to do to this?” And I really feel like she would get a kick out of how briskly I can ship her one thing again. Like, so many various folks’s songs. One time she despatched me “Taking part in Video games” by Summer time Walker, I got here up with one thing tremendous quick and despatched it again to her. She would ship me all the most well liked tracks which can be out that she needed to do.

I bear in mind this Cardi B tune. And she or he simply despatched it to me, and I’ll ship her one thing again actually, actually fast. However that was on her mixtape stuff, which was actually, actually good. Now, quick ahead. You recognize, I used to be beginning out. I’ve at all times been a songwriter, and I like to put in writing songs, however I’d write largely Hip Hop tracks. So, what was actually particular about our relationship is I really feel like she noticed one thing in me that I didn’t see myself on the time.

However I didn’t promote myself quick. As a result of on the time, she was like, “Hey, sufficient with the mixtape stuff. I need you to work with me on my album.” I listened to R&B rising up as a child, however I by no means wrote any R&B music. So, it was one thing new for me to do, however I preferred writing. I took it on as a problem. And quick ahead to immediately, I’m her I’m the Downside album, which is meant to be launched very quickly. I’m gonna have a complete of 9 songs on the album.

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Dang!

You’ll be able to take a look at two songs that I’ve already written. I’m on “Wherever the D*ck Could Land.” It’s that includes Gloss Up from High quality Management. I wrote on that one which’s at the moment out. And I additionally wrote on the observe that she has out referred to as “You.” So, these are two singles that I’ve out on her album proper now. And I’ve seven extra coming. Excited for these to come back out!

That’s unbelievable. Congratulations on that. As a result of that’s a really—that’s a narrative that doesn’t occur to everyone. It’s simply making the most of a chance that’s introduced to you after which simply watching it unfold over the course of years to one thing higher. I really like these hustling-from-the-bottom tales, you recognize? And also you stated this was your introduction to writing for R&B. What is a big lesson, simply as a songwriter typically, that you simply discovered? What’s one thing that you simply simply have noticed within the songwriting course of?

Effectively, I feel one of the vital priceless issues that I’ve discovered is to get your corporation collectively. You recognize, it’s not referred to as the music music, it’s referred to as the music enterprise for a motive [laughs]. And, you recognize, I need to maintain this interview on a constructive mild be aware. However, I’ve had situations the place I’ve labored with artists, and I’ve had music that I used to be part of that essentially wasn’t credited for. However, you recognize, all in all, it taught me, okay, that is how try to be transferring.

You’re within the studio, get splits. As an up-and-coming author, you recognize, I was scared to make folks really feel uncomfortable or will make me really feel uncomfortable to conduct enterprise after. In case you’re in a studio, we’re all artistic, we’re all hyped concerning the tune. “Yeah, yeah, that’s the one, that’s the one!” After which I gotta be like, “Alright, y’all. Okay, so I’m gonna want your data. I’m going to share data.” [Laughs] You see how that may be like a temper killer?

I used to be scared to try this. Generally I’d be like, “I’ll simply wait later,” you recognize? I imply, they clearly see I used to be on the tune. However no, you wait later, folks get amnesia. You bought folks dealing with the enterprise that wasn’t even within the studio. And subsequent factor you recognize, you’re gonna look on the credit, and also you’ll be like, “Wait a minute. The place I’m at?!” [laughs] If something, I really feel like, you recognize, it’s taught me methods to be a boss. And it’s taught me to be my very own bodyguard. No one’s gonna take up for me and communicate up for me how I’m gonna do it for myself.

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That’s actually true. Yeah, particularly out right here within the Music Music! [laughs] Effectively, conserving that power, as you stated of one thing that’s constructive and coming off of the teachings that you simply’ve discovered and what you see is efficacious… I do know that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have been mentors and buddies to you. That’s tremendous fascinating to me as a result of I’ve cherished them since my childhood, approach again when the dinosaurs roamed the earth [laughs]. I used to be a Janet woman, Ms. Jackson, in case you’re nasty. Speak about the way you met and developed a relationship with them. How that has influenced your profession? And simply the recommendation from monumental legends like them?

Oh, sure! To start with, I really like them. They’re like my massive uncles. I be like, ‘Yo! Large Unc!” Actually, I used to be simply speaking to Mr. Jimmy immediately, really. Um, however yeah, I met them by making use of. I met them by way of the chance of making use of for a grant. So, final yr, that they had a grant, they partnered with the Black Music Coalition. And naturally, they awarded up-and-coming musicians, an award to assist them out.

So, throughout that point, I actually didn’t stay in Atlanta, however I’d at all times be right here. And I’m not even going to carry you, I used to be struggling. I needed to be in Atlanta so unhealthy. I used to be attempting to get on folks’s albums, within the studio, I used to be sleeping in my automotive. It was actually, actually tough for me. And I utilized for this grant. I virtually didn’t apply as a result of I felt like, what are the probabilities? You bought so many individuals which can be doing issues approach higher than I’m? You recognize what I imply? What are the probabilities? Folks with extra spectacular accolades than me? What are the probabilities that I’m gonna get this grant by making use of?

I noticed the grant, and I noticed a few of my buddies making use of and saying, hey, tag me on this. I sort of hate being a type of folks as a result of I really feel spammy. Anyway, I felt like God actually put it on my spirit to love, “Hear, boy, go’n forward and apply for that grant.” As a result of that’s simply our relationship [laughs]. So, I utilized, and possibly a month or so glided by. I used to be nonetheless in my mother and father’ home within the nation in a small city referred to as Thomaston, Georgia. I feel I used to be operating some errands for my mother, and I acquired a name from a random quantity. It was like, “Hey, you’re a finalist within the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Musicmakers Grant.” And I used to be like, “Oh, what?! Like, actually?” I used to be so surprised. I bear in mind being tremendous excited.

However I don’t even suppose that I used to be as a lot excited that I used to be a finalist with the grant. I used to be simply tremendous excited that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis knew who I used to be, a small boy from a rustic city in Georgia. So small folks go to Walmart for enjoyable, you recognize what I’m saying? Like, they know me. What?!

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So, I used to be tremendous enthusiastic about that. Quick ahead. I had heard I used to be a finalist, they flew me out to L.A. to satisfy with them. And I met with them, I chopped it up with them. We talked about music. I really feel like we linked immediately. You recognize what I imply? They only have actually, actually nice spirits. They actually had like a really mentor and father figure-like presence. They’re legends on this sport. Yeah. So, I informed them my story. I really feel like they resonated lots with me. And I used to be awarded the grant.

After which, after being awarded the grant, I sat down and chopped it up with Mr. Terry and Mr. Jimmy. Mr. Terry tells me…he sits me down. He says, “You recognize, once you’re out right here in L.A., you’re getting all these awards and all the things. Don’t stare up on the Hollywood signal too lengthy since you may crash.” So, I’m trying like, I really feel prefer it’s a message, however what does that imply?

He says, “Don’t stare on the Hollywood signal so improper, you may crash.” So, you recognize, I contemplated a short while, I got here again to him. And I stated, “I acquired it. I do know what it means.” And we talked, and the which means of what he stated was so profound. He’s principally saying, you recognize, don’t chase what’s in, or what you suppose is glitz and glam or stylish. Since you may crash.

Not that you simply actually may crash, however you possibly can crash since you may burn your self out. And he was telling me the premise of that Hollywood signal. The glitz and glam of the trade will not be the identical premise of why you might be gifted your present. Yeah. And he was principally saying if you got your present to be impactful and make a distinction on this planet, then that must be your motivator, at all times. That’ll proceed driving you once you don’t get the yeses that you simply want. Otherwise you don’t have the moment gratification that you simply want or you desire to. Do you get what I’m saying? So, he was like, “Simply at all times know what your motivating issue is and attempt to do nice issues in music, in order that you possibly can give again, as nicely.”

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That’s actually good. As a result of you’ll be able to see it on a regular basis in interviews, on Instagram, social media, throughout. Artists, they’ll tweet or put in a caption—you’ll be able to inform they’re simply burnt out, they’re simply drained. You gotta rise up right here and placed on this TikTok video as a result of that’s viral proper now. And also you gotta make this tune with this particular person as a result of that’s what’s scorching proper now. And it removes them from their authenticity of why they even acquired into it within the first place.

However talking of 1’s authenticity, you contact in your sexuality in your music. We’re seeing an inflow of queer artists being comfy with incorporating their artistic abilities with simply who they’re and the way they stay their lives. That is in an trade with a historical past of telling folks to cover that a part of themselves. Why do you’re feeling it’s vital so that you can share that in your music?

You recognize, I really feel prefer it’s crucial for me to incorporate that a part of my life and my music as a result of it’s me. And it’s really a giant motive of why I’ve a robust ardour for music and the way I acquired into music typically. I felt like rising up as a child, I really feel like folks might see issues on folks. Folks wish to fake that they don’t know. I felt like I at all times tried to be one thing I used to be not. I’m from a small nation city. My mother and father are Southern Baptists. So, I used to be at all times informed, in case you’re homosexual, you’re going to hell, you’re gonna burn in hell. Zero to 100!

How everyone else be forgiven for his or her sins, however I’m going to hell? [laughs] No, possibility me, although. So, yeah, I simply bear in mind not with the ability to slot in. I at all times bear in mind attempting to vary. I bear in mind attempting to at all times change issues about myself. Folks at all times inform me, “Oh, you don’t must stroll like that.” Or, “You don’t must sound like that. Put some extra bass in your voice! Males don’t discuss like that. Males don’t do that, males don’t try this.” And also you’re attempting to vary all these items about your self. You’ll lose your thoughts.

I believed possibly I’ll match in additional if I play soccer, possibly extra masculine. Didn’t work. I attempted to play basketball, didn’t work. So, I’m like, what? How can I be there with my friends? How can I slot in with out being ostracized? I imply, I’ve at all times had a singular voice that I used to be a little bit bit insecure about as a result of I sound completely different from my common male friends. So, I used to be like, I’ll do that out. I’ll attempt that out. I do know, I’ll attempt rapping.

And I bear in mind simply seeing Eminem, “Forgot About Dre.” I stated, wait a minute. He’s a white rapper that seems like this. It taught me that, wow, Hip Hop actually is available in all shapes, sizes, colours, orientations. It’s concerning the craft, and never a lot about all the things else. So, I began rapping. I’m not gonna inform you a lie and say I used to be simply immediately good. I really sucked [laughs]. However I needed to do it, so I simply stored learning the craft, studying completely different methods, and I progressively acquired actually, actually, actually good at it.

It’s to the purpose the place I used to be like, “Oh, I’m gonna pop my ish!” I really feel prefer it’s a sport for me now, I need to be the very best. I’m coming to compete. So, I really feel like my sexuality has undoubtedly been part of my music. That’s why I need to embrace it as a result of I really feel that with me, not likely having a close-knit group to go to rising up, I really feel like I need to put that extra within the music so we will normalize sure issues. Normalize that it’s no matter your sexual orientation or your pursuits.

Folks wish to classify LGBTQ with a rainbow. However it’s ironic that it’s a rainbow that has multi colours. However we’re solely seen in a single coloration spectrum. And I need to let folks know that, hey, we now have layers. You recognize, we’re not all flamboyant, death-dropping, duck-walking, you recognize what I imply? Now we have layers, we’re all distinctive. All of us possess various things. And I don’t need to be simply restricted to, you recognize, making homosexual music or music for the queer group. I need to make music for everyone. Yeah, we’re artists. Sure, I’m. However I’m going to make music for everybody.

That’s superb. And the way would you outline your music? Like, “My music is for those that _____”?

My music is for individuals who need to be ok with themselves and unfold like to others. I simply need to empower folks. And I need to make them really feel like they’re the ish, as a result of they’re.

And what can we count on out of your upcoming mission?

Effectively, I’ve an upcoming mission referred to as Boy Interrupted. And I really feel like you’ll be able to count on some bops which can be gonna make you’re feeling good. Additionally, I really feel like we will count on some extra reflective songs which can be gonna be a little bit bit extra thought-provoking. I like giving meals for thought in my lyrics.

Okay, all proper. Effectively, meals for thought, sprinkle, sprinkle [laughs]. In fact, you’ve already labored with Ok. Michelle, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are your mentors, you bought your foot within the door popping out of a little bit nation city and performing some massive issues. What are some dream collabs? In case you might manifest one thing proper now, get a cellphone name, three artists that you’d be dying to cease all the things you’re doing and simply hop within the studio with?

Oh, my goodness. So, it’s going to be a random choice. I’d say my dream collaboration will probably be Nicki Minaj. Like, all the things to be within the studio with Nicki Minaj, whether or not writing on a mission or us collaborating. I really feel like rising up, simply the boldness wherein she attacked her lyrics—earlier than her, I actually, actually preferred Biggie Smalls, however you recognize, that collaboration wouldn’t be attainable except somebody regenerated his voice. So, I’d say the primary one can be Nicki Minaj.

The second can be Pink. I actually love listening to Pink as an adolescent and in my center faculty years. I really feel like Pink lowkey impressed my songwriting as a result of I like to inform tales of triumph that wins. Like, I used to be as soon as the underdog, similar to feeling in energy, or tales of the place you’ll be able to go from down right here however go up there? As a result of I really feel like that’s been my life. So, I want to collaborate with Pink as a result of she makes these timeless, empowering hits. And who else…

Maintain on, maintain on. What Pink are we speaking about? Are we speaking about Pop Pink? Are we speaking about Nation Pink? The belting out ballads Pink?

It may very well be no matter! I really like my early 2000s Pink. “You and Your Hand” and “Household Portrait.” I like that. That was cool as a result of I do Different music as nicely. I write that as nicely. However I’d additionally like ballad Pink, create one thing timeless. I need to create timeless music, I don’t need to create something that’s only for the now. That even once I’m gone, it could possibly transcend throughout time, you recognize?

Yeah. That replay worth from one technology to the subsequent.

Sure. And I feel my third collaboration can be…that is so arduous. Does it need to be an artists or producer?

It may very well be something!

Mr. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis!

Oh, after all. In fact!

In fact! They already acquired the sport on lock. Been producing hits for years. You recognize? I really feel like I’m proficient. We all know they’re legends! [laughs]

Yeah, that’s the good reply. As a result of the nice lord is aware of if I had an oz. of musical expertise, I’d be chasing them across the nation…begging! [laughs] And that is my final query. I requested it to everyone. It’s innocent. So, we all know that superstar in and of itself is an phantasm, proper? When folks have a look at artists, they see them for what they suppose they’re. Followers see them as no matter they’ll discover on social media or in interviews or of their artistry. And even folks on an artist’s workforce have expectations of what they need to be doing to work on their profession. Households have expectations of who they’re inside the family unit. As an artist, what’s one thing concerning the coronary heart of who you might be as an individual that doesn’t at all times translate as a result of this veil of superstar will be virtually a boundary between you and most people, and even simply the world?

Wow, that may be a very thought-provoking query [laughs].

That’s why I requested it final!

Wow. As a result of look, I’m attempting to determine if that is an interview or a remedy session [laughs]. However no, I feel one thing that will get missed as a result of expectations from the music trade about me is that—wow. That’s an ideal query. I’m over right here, like, caught. I don’t know…that will get missed? Perhaps it does. However I, I suppose that I’m not at all times assured. I’m not at all times as assured as my lyrics might painting me.

I do know, I pop mad ish in my lyrics. If anyone is aware of me, I’m fairly soft-spoken. I’m very thoughtful of others. I’m an excessive empath. Like, I really feel, and I sense energies very simply. So, I’ve a very, actually, actually massive coronary heart on the finish of the day. And I actually attempt my finest to assist folks. Even with my music, I need to make folks really feel good. I’ve felt not seen so many instances on this music trade, or missed on account of what I understand it’s important to need to make it on this trade.

Folks like issues which can be flashy, which can be boastful, however on the finish of the day, I’m only a common man. I’m common. I really feel similar to the subsequent particular person, I get my emotions damage typically once I put them on the road. I’m not at all times probably the most assured. So, typically I needed to simply pep myself up and encourage myself. That’s one thing that I really feel like might get misplaced in translation with my music and within the trade. That I’m only a common man attempting to attempt to make it by way of this factor referred to as life.