Monaleo
Monaleo (born Leondra Roshawn Gay-Caldwell (née Gay); April 24, 2001) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter based in Houston, Texas.[1][2] Rising from the city's vibrant hip-hop scene, she draws on Southern trap influences to craft music that blends aggressive delivery with deeply personal storytelling.[3] Her work often confronts themes of heartbreak, mental health struggles, empowerment, and resilience, reflecting her own experiences with adversity, including suicide attempts and relationship turmoil.[4][5] Monaleo first garnered widespread attention in 2021 with her debut single "Beating Down Yo Block", a raw, viral track that amassed millions of streams and showcased her unfiltered bravado toward toxic relationships.[6][7] This breakthrough led to her affiliation with the Stomp Down collective, propelling her into collaborations and further releases that highlighted her versatility as both a fierce lyricist and vulnerable artist.[8] Her rapid ascent positioned her as a key figure in contemporary female-led hip-hop, earning praise for complicating the "tough-talking" persona with emotional depth.[9] Since her emergence, Monaleo has built an acclaimed discography, beginning with early singles like "Miss U Already" (2022) and culminating in her debut studio album Where the Flowers Don't Die (2023), which critics lauded for its introspective exploration of growth amid pain.[10][6] Follow-up releases include the high-energy 2024 EP Throwing Bows, emphasizing gritty punchlines and trap beats, and her sophomore album Who Did the Body (October 17, 2025), which reimagines Black American princess archetypes through bold narratives and Houston-rooted production.[11][3][12] With sold-out tours and a growing fanbase, she continues to influence the genre by prioritizing authenticity and cultural reclamation.[13]Early life
Upbringing
Monaleo, born Leondra Roshawn Gay on April 24, 2001, in Houston, Texas, was raised in a musical household by her family, including her grandmother who played a significant role in her early development.[1] Her younger brother, known professionally as Yung Rampage, is also an aspiring rapper, fostering a shared environment centered on music from a young age; in December 2019, Monaleo accompanied him to a studio session for his 15th birthday, where he encouraged her to record her first rap verse on his track "Family Ties."[14][8] Growing up in Missouri City, a predominantly Black suburb of Houston, Monaleo was immersed in the city's vibrant hip-hop culture, which profoundly shaped her artistic sensibilities through exposure to Southern rap traditions and local artists.[5] She often played in the streets of her neighborhood, reflecting a typical childhood in the Greater Houston area that balanced everyday suburban life with the energetic pulse of the regional music scene.[8] From an early age, Monaleo showed strong interests in the performing arts, regularly singing in her church choir under her grandmother's guidance and playing the flute in her school band, which honed her creative expression.[1][15] Initially, she aspired to become a funeral director, a career path influenced by family-oriented reflections on mortality that made her confront the emotional weight of death and loss during her formative years.[14]Education
Monaleo attended the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice in Houston, Texas, where her mother enrolled her believing she would excel as a defense attorney due to her persuasive way with words.[16] During her time there, she focused on a forensic pathology track, which sparked her interest in criminal justice and related fields like mortuary science.[16] Following high school graduation, Monaleo enrolled at Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black university in Texas, to study mortuary science with aspirations of becoming a funeral director or forensic pathologist.[1][16] She also considered majors in computer engineering and briefly weighed options in law enforcement, reflecting her high school influences.[8] Her academic path intersected with her emerging music interests through extracurricular involvement in performing arts; as a child and in school, she sang in the church choir, played the flute in the school band, and participated in talent shows, activities that honed her creative expression despite initial discouragement from pursuing music professionally.[1][17] In 2021, Monaleo paused her university studies to pursue music full-time, a decision catalyzed by personal heartbreak from a traumatic breakup in early 2020 and the viral success of her debut single "Beating Down Yo Block," which she recorded as a form of emotional outlet.[1][17][18] The track, inspired directly by the breakup, amassed millions of streams and views, transforming her academic trajectory and affirming her pivot to rap.[17]Career
Breakthrough and early releases (2021–2022)
Monaleo's breakthrough came with the release of her debut single, "Beating Down Yo Block," on February 24, 2021. Produced by Merion Krazy, the track—a raw post-breakup anthem sampling Yungstar's 1999 Houston classic "Knockin' Pictures Off the Wall"—exploded in popularity after going viral on TikTok, where users embraced its bold, unapologetic energy. By September 2021, it had amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify and more than 3.3 million views on YouTube, propelling her from obscurity to a rising figure in Houston's rap underground.[19][14][20] Building on this momentum, Monaleo issued follow-up singles throughout 2021, including "Girls Outside" on July 6, which remixed OG Bobby Billions and MO3's hit "Outside" into a confident declaration of female solidarity and street savvy. She also dropped "Suck It Up" in August, further showcasing her sharp lyricism and trap-infused sound. These tracks, alongside early freestyles shared on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, positioned her within Houston's Stomp Down collective—a local imprint and creative hub emphasizing gritty, authentic Southern rap. Her contributions to group cyphers and impromptu sessions helped cement her reputation as a formidable voice in the city's emerging female rap wave.[21][22][23] In 2022, Monaleo continued her independent trajectory with the release of "Miss U Already" on December 8, a two-track project featuring a collaboration with Alabama rapper NoCap on the titular ballad—a somber reflection on loss and resilience—and a live acoustic version. Marketed under Stomp Down, Inc., it marked her first foray into a mixtape-style format, blending emotional vulnerability with her signature intensity and earning praise for its raw production. The effort highlighted her versatility beyond viral bangers, drawing over 1 million streams in its initial months.[24][25][26] This period garnered early media buzz, with outlets noting her evolution from heartbreak-fueled tracks to more confrontational, emasculating rap styles. In a December 2022 profile, The Guardian described her as transforming personal pain into "an artform" of lyrical takedowns, praising how songs like "Beating Down Yo Block" flipped vulnerability into empowerment within Houston's male-dominated rap landscape. Such coverage underscored her rapid ascent as an independent artist unafraid to challenge norms.[1]Major releases and rising prominence (2023–2025)
In 2023, Monaleo released her debut studio album, Where the Flowers Don't Die, on May 26 via Stomp Down Records, marking a significant evolution in her artistry as she navigated themes of pregnancy, motherhood, and personal growth following a period of depression and self-reflection.[7][27] The project showcased her vulnerability alongside her signature aggressive lyricism, with tracks like "Sober Mind" highlighting her journey from a troubled upbringing to emerging stardom, earning praise for its introspective depth and Houston-rooted production.[6][9] Building on her viral breakthrough with "Beating Down Yo Block," Monaleo's rising profile led to notable performances, including a reimagined cover of Fetty Wap's "Trap Queen" for the GRAMMYs' Hip-Hop Re:Defined series in October 2023, where she infused the track with R&B and jazz elements, underscoring her versatility.[28] This exposure, combined with social media virality, propelled her key tracks to over 36 million combined YouTube views by mid-2025, amplifying her presence in the hip-hop landscape.[23] By 2024, Monaleo expanded her catalog with the EP Throwing Bows, released on September 27 via Stomp Down, which incorporated collaborative features from artists like Sauce Walka and Kaliii to broaden her sound into more playful, boxing-themed narratives of empowerment and resilience.[29][30] The project emphasized feminist reclamation and confidence, blending her raw energy with pop-infused beats to attract a wider audience.[31] In mid-2025, Monaleo entered a partnership with Columbia Records, enhancing distribution for her releases. Her ascent continued with the sophomore studio album Who Did the Body, released on October 17, 2025, via Stomp Down under exclusive license to Columbia Records, which Rolling Stone lauded for embodying "Black American Princess" aesthetics through an ethic of community, commitment, and unapologetic Black womanhood. Promotional singles "Putting Ya Dine," featuring a remix with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and "Sexy Soulaan" debuted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with the former entering at No. 39.[32][33] Further solidifying her prominence, Monaleo's collaboration "We Not Humping" (remix with Flo Milli) achieved RIAA Gold certification on October 29, 2025, for exceeding 500,000 units in the U.S., while her singles continued to chart on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop metrics, reflecting sustained streaming momentum.[34][35]Personal life
Family and relationships
Monaleo and rapper Stunna 4 Vegas (born Khalik Antonio Caldwell) welcomed their first child together in May 2023.[36][37] The couple named their son Khalick Anthony Caldwell II.[37][38] On September 19, 2025, Monaleo married Stunna 4 Vegas in an all-pink-themed wedding at Boxwood Manor near Houston, Texas.[39][38] The event, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity, was livestreamed on TikTok and attracted over 1 million views, making it a viral sensation.[38] Their son participated in the ceremony, dressed in a matching pink suit.[38] Monaleo maintains a close relationship with her younger brother, the rapper Yung Rampage. In December 2019, she took him to a recording studio for his 15th birthday, where he persuaded her to contribute her first rap verse to his track "Family Ties."[14] This moment ignited her interest in hip-hop and provided early family encouragement that influenced her decision to leave college and pursue music professionally.[8][14] Following the birth of her son, Monaleo has navigated the demands of motherhood alongside her career in touring and recording. In a July 2023 POPSUGAR interview, she described using her pregnancy as motivation to finalize her debut album Where the Flowers Don't Die, emphasizing her determination with the statement, "I know I get sh*t done," and expressing plans to involve her son in future music activities like videos and performances.[27]Mental health and advocacy
Monaleo has openly discussed her battles with depression during her pregnancy and early motherhood, periods marked by intense feelings of isolation and overwhelm that exacerbated her preexisting mental health challenges. In a 2023 interview, she described how these struggles led to suicidal ideation and two suicide attempts prior to that year, including one where she attempted to jump from a balcony but was intervened by her mother. These experiences, which built on earlier attempts dating back to her childhood, such as in fourth grade, highlighted the profound impact of hormonal changes and new responsibilities on her well-being.[7][40][41] Through therapy, Monaleo has emphasized her personal growth in managing these issues, crediting professional support for helping her recognize she was not alone in her struggles with anxiety and depression. In the same 2023 Rolling Stone feature, she shared how therapy fostered her emotional resilience, stating, "Therapy helped me realize I wasn’t alone in feeling this way," and encouraged others facing similar challenges to seek help without stigma. Her journey also involved inpatient stays in mental health facilities, where she connected with others enduring comparable hardships.[7] Monaleo's advocacy extends to using her music as a platform for mental health awareness, particularly addressing postpartum experiences in her debut studio album, Where the Flowers Don't Die (2023), which she created amid her pregnancy and reflects themes of survival and renewal.[7][41] The project serves as "music therapy" for listeners grappling with similar issues, drawing from her own postpartum depression to promote healing and self-reflection. She has further amplified these efforts through public campaigns, including MTV's Hidden Healers initiative in 2023, which focused on wellness and mental health in Black communities alongside artists like Big Freedia.[42] This work ties into her receipt of the Self-Love Award at the 2023 Give Her FlowHERS Awards, recognizing her embodiment of confidence and advocacy for self-acceptance as a mother and artist.[43]Artistry
Musical style
Monaleo's musical style is firmly rooted in Houston trap and broader Southern rap traditions, characterized by aggressive, booming flows and emasculating lyricism that transforms personal vulnerabilities, such as heartbreak, into confident, diamond-hard bars.[1][44] Her delivery often employs quick-witted, punchy rhymes delivered with clear enunciation and assertive rhythm, drawing from the raw energy of local trap beats to convey street narratives and female empowerment through unapologetic swagger.[14] This approach is evident in her signature themes of body positivity and resilience, where her vocal cadence shifts from playful taunts to commanding assertions, emphasizing technical precision over melodic excess in early works.[8] She frequently blends rap with R&B elements, incorporating smoother, emotive textures into her trap foundations, as seen in her jazz-influenced piano-backed cover of Fetty Wap's "Trap Queen," which reimagines the track as a suave, vocal-harmonized R&B rendition with background singers and subtle improvisational flourishes.[28] Production preferences lean toward bass-heavy, eclectic instrumentals that sample across genres, including rock riffs and pop twists, while maintaining a core of rhythmic drum loops and synthy accents to support her layered vocal arrangements.[5] Monaleo's sound has evolved from the raw, freestyle-driven tracks of 2021, like "Beating Down Yo Block," which showcased unpolished, on-the-fly bars over simple trap beats, to more refined, thematic albums by 2025.[14][8] In her latest project, Who Did the Body, she incorporates auto-tune sparingly in choruses for melodic depth, alongside layered vocals in chant-like sections and polished production featuring bouncy Southern beats, gospel inflections, and theremin-esque effects, marking a shift toward narrative sophistication while retaining her aggressive core.[45] This progression highlights her growing command of vocal stacking and genre fusion, turning initial heartbreak-fueled intensity into a versatile, high-impact delivery.[5]Influences and themes
Monaleo's music is deeply rooted in the Houston rap tradition, drawing inspiration from local legends such as Megan Thee Stallion and Pimp C, whose emphasis on unapologetic Southern swagger and fierce independence shapes her bold, self-assured lyricism.[46] Her early track "Beating Down Yo Block" pays homage to Yungstar's classic "Knocking Pictures Off the Wall," reflecting the rhythmic cadence and cultural pride of Houston's hip-hop scene that informs her delivery.[47] Central to her artistry are cultural roots in Black American Princess (BAP) ideals, which she reclaims as a symbol of empowered femininity within hip-hop, blending historical references like the 1997 film B.A.P.S. and The BAP Handbook with modern Black spiritual traditions such as Hoodoo and "jumping the broom."[48] In a 2025 interview, Monaleo described this ethos as an "ethic of Blackness rooted in community and commitment," challenging hip-hop's often rigid gender norms by celebrating vulnerability alongside strength.[49] Her background in performing arts and digital media further amplifies this, enabling a savvy, social media-driven promotion strategy that propelled her breakout via viral videos on platforms like Triller in 2020.[50][47] Recurring themes in Monaleo's work include resilience in the face of heartbreak and past relationship abuse, motherhood as the eldest daughter navigating family responsibilities, and a staunch anti-misogyny stance that critiques societal devaluation of Black women.[48] These motifs evolve into a triumphant celebration of Black womanhood on her 2025 album Who Did the Body, particularly in tracks like "Sexy Soulaan/Black American Princess," which fuses personal grief and love with communal heritage, and "Spare Change," which confronts misogynistic tropes head-on.[48][49] Through songs such as "Diary of an OG" and "Life After Death," she explores transformation and survival, turning intimate experiences into anthems of liberation and cultural affirmation.[48]Discography
Studio albums
Monaleo's debut studio album, Where the Flowers Don't Die, was released on May 26, 2023, through Stomp Down Records.[6] Comprising 11 tracks with a runtime of approximately 29 minutes, the project explores introspective themes of personal growth, relationships, and resilience, blending aggressive rap verses with vulnerable R&B-inflected moments.[7] Key production credits include contributions from De'Jour Thomas on the opening track "Sober Mind," J. White Did It on "Beating Down Yo Block," and DJ Chose on "Ass Kickin," with additional beats handled by Blake Straus, Merion Krazy, and Rio Leyva.[51] The album features a guest appearance by Flo Milli on "Goddess," highlighting Monaleo's collaborative chemistry in Southern hip-hop circles.[51] The release coincided with significant personal milestones, as Monaleo gave birth to her son just days earlier on May 21, 2023, fueling public conversations about her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and balancing artistry with motherhood.[7] Critically, the album was praised for complicating Monaleo's tough-talking persona with emotional depth, earning a 7.2/10 from Pitchfork for its whiplash-inducing shifts between bravado and introspection.[6] Commercially, lead single "Beating Down Yo Block" amassed over 50 million Spotify streams and peaked at number 15 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, contributing to the album's overall visibility in the hip-hop landscape.[52] Her sophomore effort, Who Did the Body, arrived on October 17, 2025, also via Stomp Down Records in partnership with Columbia Records, marking a more polished evolution in her sound.[12] The 12-track album delves into themes of loss, empowerment, and self-reckoning, with standout cuts like the introspective opener "Life After Death" and the anthemic "Bigger Than Big" showcasing Monaleo's lyrical maturity.[45] Production highlights feature heavyweights such as Mike WiLL Made-It and Zaytoven on select tracks, alongside OG Parker, Romano, Javi, and Chic for "Life After Death," creating a trap-infused backdrop that amplifies the project's emotional layers.[53] Notable collaborators include Lizzo on the NSFW "Freakshow" and Bun B on a verse that nods to Houston's rap heritage, adding star power and regional flavor.[54] Reception emphasized the album's thematic depth, with Pitchfork noting Monaleo's refined singing and narrative cohesion as a step forward from her debut.[45] In terms of performance, "Putting Ya Dine" from the project debuted at number 39 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while the album as a whole generated over 10 million global streams in its first week across platforms like Spotify.[55] Executive produced by Monaleo herself (under her real name Leondra Caldwell), Who Did the Body solidified her status as a dynamic force in contemporary rap.[56]Extended plays
Monaleo's debut extended play, Miss U Already, was released on December 8, 2022, via Stomp Down Records.[57] The project consists of 2 tracks, including "Miss U Already" featuring NoCap and a live performance version, serving as an emotional ballad dedicated to lost loved ones and marking an early showcase of her vulnerability beyond trap influences.[25] Monaleo's second extended play, Throwing Bows, was released on September 27, 2024, via Stomp Down Records.[30][58] The project consists of 10 tracks and serves as a transitional release following her 2023 debut album Where the Flowers Don't Die, building anticipation for her sophomore studio album Who Did the Body in 2025.[59][55] Coming over a year after the birth of her son in May 2023, the EP reflects a return to form amid her evolving personal life as a new mother, channeling raw intensity into its sound.[60][61] The EP emphasizes Monaleo's signature aggressive energy, rooted in Southern trap production with booming 808s, sharp snares, and relentless hi-hats that evoke high-stakes confrontation.[62][29] Tracks like "Don Who Leo" and "Ee-er" (featuring Sauce Walka) exemplify this combative style, prioritizing assertive flows and unapologetic bravado over the introspective storytelling of her prior work.[59] Production draws from classic trap templates while incorporating occasional samples, such as pop and hip-hop nods, to add layers without fully departing from her hardcore edge.[63] This approach tests subtle fusions, blending trap's aggression with hints of melodic R&B in select moments to broaden her sonic palette.[64] Throwing Bows achieved moderate commercial success, amassing over 40 million streams on Spotify by late 2025, though it did not secure major chart positions.[65] Its impact lies in reinforcing Monaleo's reputation as a fierce voice in hip-hop, earning recognition in year-end lists of notable projects by women artists.[66] Guest appearances from artists like Stunna 4 Vegas, Sauce Walka, and Kaliii enhance the collaborative, street-oriented vibe, positioning the EP as a bridge to more expansive explorations in her subsequent full-length release.[29][59]Singles as lead artist
Monaleo's entry into the music industry as a lead artist began with the release of "Beating Down Yo Block" in 2021, a track that reimagined a Houston classic and quickly gained traction through social media. Released independently via Stomp Down on February 24, 2021, the song became a viral sensation on TikTok, where users created numerous videos incorporating its post-breakup anthem lyrics and energetic delivery.[67] By 2025, it had amassed over 371.5 million all-time streams across platforms, establishing her as an emerging voice in Southern rap.[68] The official music video, uploaded on April 23, 2021, further amplified its reach, contributing to more than 57 million Spotify streams alone.[69][70] Building on this momentum, Monaleo released "We Not Humping" on December 3, 2021, initially as a solo track before issuing a remix featuring Flo Milli, which elevated its profile in the rap scene. The remix, known for its playful yet assertive bars on relationships, marked her first major collaboration as lead and was distributed via Stomp Down. On October 29, 2025, it achieved RIAA Gold certification for exceeding 500,000 equivalent units in the United States, highlighting its enduring commercial success.[71][72] In 2025, Monaleo focused on singles promoting her sophomore album Who Did the Body, starting with "We On Dat" on July 11, which celebrated Houston pride with its high-energy production and was released under Stomp Down in partnership with Columbia Records. The track, accompanied by an official video on July 13, resonated with fans through its vibrant snippet teasers and marked her first solo release of the year.[73][74] Later that year, "Putting Ya Dine" debuted as the lead single on August 25, showcasing her confident flow over trap-infused beats; a remix featuring NBA YoungBoy, released on October 31, propelled it to a peak of number 39 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The original video garnered 5.4 million YouTube views, underscoring its visual appeal and streaming impact.[35][75][23] "Sexy Soulaan," released on September 26, 2025, served as another promotional single for the album, emphasizing themes of self-empowerment and style with a block party-themed music video directed for maximum cultural resonance. Uploaded on September 26, it accumulated 1.5 million YouTube views within its first month, reflecting strong fan engagement and positioning it as a standout in her evolving catalog.[76][77][23]Guest appearances
Monaleo's guest appearances began early in her career, with her providing a verse on "Family Ties" by Yung Rampage in 2020, marking one of her initial recorded contributions to the Houston rap scene. As she aligned with the Stomp Down collective in 2021, she participated in freestyles and collaborative efforts within the group, including high-energy sessions that showcased her raw lyricism and helped solidify her footing among emerging Southern talents during 2021 and 2022.[14] Her features from 2023 onward highlighted her growing collaborations in hip-hop, particularly with Southern and female-led artists. On Flo Milli's "Bed Time" (2023), Monaleo delivered a confident verse alongside Gloss Up, contributing to the track's playful yet assertive vibe on the album You Still Here, H*?*.[78] In 2024, she appeared on Flo Milli's "Neva" from Fine Ho, Stay, where her delivery added a layer of bold energy to the song's trap-infused production.[79] These partnerships with Flo Milli exemplified Monaleo's role in fostering camaraderie among rising female rappers in the Southern circuit. By 2025, Monaleo's guest spots expanded to include veteran influences and broader hip-hop networks. She featured on Bun B and Cory Mo's "I Can't Lie" alongside Scotty ATL, blending her sharp flows with Houston legends on the track from the album Way Mo Trill, which underscored her deepening ties to the city's rap heritage.[80] Later that year, on Saucy Santana's "Can't Stand Me" from the album Haute Sauce, Monaleo brought her signature bravado to the upbeat, confrontational cut, amplifying its club-ready appeal.[81]| Year | Artist(s) | Song | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Yung Rampage | Family Ties | Single | Early recorded feature establishing her Houston roots. |
| 2023 | Flo Milli feat. Monaleo & Gloss Up | Bed Time | You Still Here, H*?* | Collaborative verse boosting female Southern rap synergy.[78] |
| 2024 | Flo Milli feat. Monaleo | Neva | Fine Ho, Stay | Added bold energy to trap production.[79] |
| 2025 | Bun B & Cory Mo feat. Monaleo & Scotty ATL | I Can't Lie | Way Mo Trill | Honored Houston legacy with veteran collaboration.[80] |
| 2025 | Saucy Santana feat. Monaleo | Can't Stand Me | Haute Sauce | Enhanced club anthem with confrontational style.[81] |