It's been over a decade since we've heard anything about her -- but I got an email yesterday asking me to do a post on singer Mona Lisa, who's 90's hits include "Just Wanna Please You" and "Can't Be Wasting My Time". I was a huge fan of hers growing up and thought it would be a good idea to see what she's been up to.
Mona Lisa, whose real name is Kimberly Leadbetter, was born in Union, South Carolina. She later relocating to Yonkers, NY. She began singing in church at the age of 7 and by 10, she was performing for sold out audiences at the Ujamma Dance Theatre of Harlem. After performing and winning talent competitions across the state, at 12 years old she performed at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY where she received a standing ovation. She even got money thrown at her, which hadn't been done in years. By 13, Mona's talent caught the attention of world renowned producer Narada Michael Walden who took her under his wing and by 15, she was signed to Island Black Music. By her 16th birthday, she had her debut album "11-20-79" (her birthday) arranged.
In 1995, her debut single, "Can't Be Wasting My Time" was released on the Don't Be a Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood soundtrack and her album was released soon after, with the follow up single, "You Said". From that spawned tv appearances and magazine spreads.
With the Island Black Music Records imprint being dissolved into Def Soul/Island Def Jam, their roster (including Mona Lisa, Case, Kelly Price, Montell Jordan, Dru Hill and others) followed suit, and began working on new projects. Mona continued to work behind the scenes, writing, and concentrating on her schoolwork. Education was always important to her, and in 1998 she graduated with a 4.0 average. With her departure from the label in 2000, at the age of 20, Mona decided to continue with her education. With dreams of running her own business. Mona has always remained in the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes, writing, producing, and splitting her time between LA and NY working on a variety of projects.
As of 2009, she has been at work on her long awaited second studio album, working with grammy award winning producer Jimi Kendrix and she also has a partnership with Straight Paper/Triple Beam Entertainment.
Throwback Video "Just Wanna Please You" - Mona Lisa ft. Lost Boyz
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ARTIST OR PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO DO A POST ON, EMAIL ME AT SHANNONSHANAE@GMAIL.COM!!
