(November 17, 2023) She served in law enforcement, has her own entertainment companies, enjoyed hit songs on some of the nation’s top stations from longtime NYC R&B outlet WBLS-FM to the powerful iHeart Media platform (who named her Best New Artist for three consecutive months). Now, Brooklyn native Monique Nikkole brings all the feels with a new single, the smoldering ballad “If What I Feel Is Real.”
Hot on the heels of her last banger, “Red Bottoms and Lingerie,” Monique’s “If What I Feel Is Real” hits all the marks of a great slow jam – get to the point from the start with the multi-layered backing vocals supporting the lead, then tell the story of giving love another chance after being burned, followed by the big buildup on the bridge and sock the message to the listener.
(November 17, 2023) She served in law enforcement, has her own entertainment companies, enjoyed hit songs on some of the nation’s top stations from longtime NYC R&B outlet WBLS-FM to the powerful iHeart Media platform (who named her Best New Artist for three consecutive months). Now, Brooklyn native Monique Nikkole brings all the feels with a new single, the smoldering ballad “If What I Feel Is Real.”
Hot on the heels of her last banger, “Red Bottoms and Lingerie,” Monique’s “If What I Feel Is Real” hits all the marks of a great slow jam – get to the point from the start with the multi-layered backing vocals supporting the lead, then tell the story of giving love another chance after being burned, followed by the big buildup on the bridge and sock the message to the listener.
Monique’s “less is more” approach to her vocals works for the song. Other singers would be tempted to go into melisma-fueled hydraulics on a slow burner like this. Not Monique: She shows a solid range and has the power to go full throttle, but instead, Ms. Nikkole gives the listener just enough so that the song’s message takes center stage.
Monique’s parents stressed having that “steady safe job” was the way to go, instead of the heartache her departed father – a musician himself – had endured in his career. It’s great to see this since retired Detective Sergeant from the police force is now making her dream of being in music so very real.
Well done, Monique. Looking forward to more greatness in the years to come.
By Kevin Goins
Monique Nikkole - "If What I Feel Is Real"