The latest episode of “Monica: Still Standing” looked a lot like the previous three. Monica spent time in the studio, still trying to figure out exactly which songs she wants on the album. She worried about her high blood pressure, and she hung out with family. 

Dare I say that Monica’s life seems a little stuck in a rut? 

What we didn’t see before that reared its head in episode four is Monica’s fiancé Rocko. Apparently, he spends a lot of time on the road, so the family made the best of his time in town. Monica, the kids, Rock and his extended family spent the day at the amusement park. It’s nice to see a Black family enjoying quality time and bonding. Later, after the kids were pooped out, Monica and Rocko got some one-on-one on. 

What do you think of Monica’s relationship with Rocko? Is she getting what she needs?

When your health is at risk, little else matters. Black women are known for doing it all, but sometimes the body needs a rest, and episode three finds Monica at the doctor’s office.

She’s trying to get her blood pressure under control. Juggling a music career, relationship and family isn’t easy for anyone, but Monica perseveres. She struggles to deliver at the recording studio, and a sore throat results in a less-than-stellar product in the end.

I’m thinking it might have made more sense for her to stay home and get well before coming into work less than 100%.

Luckily, Monica has folks around her that are genuinely concerned about her, and not just her music. However, no one’s telling her to postpone the album release and maybe take a few months to de-stress.

I get the feeling that such a suggestion would be ignored anyway. Despite the health issues, Monica seems determined to keep it movin’. She’s overcome obstacles in the past, so if history is any indication, she’ll come out on top, as usual.

Click here for deleted scenes, video and photos from “Monica: Still Standing.”

-MM

What could have been a lonely road trip turns into a family affair for Monica. She makes the most of things by spending quality time with her kids on the tour bus. Plus, after attending her home church, Monica enjoys a dinner with her mom, cousins, aunts, kids and extended family members. It was like Thanksgiving dinner up in there.

The good thing about family is that it keeps you grounded. For a woman like Monica, I’m sure that’s important. You need that core group of people who really care about you, who you know have your best interest at heart. They can see past the glitz and fame and treat you like the flesh and blood person you are.

Plus, no fan likes a singer whose head is too big to fit on an album cover. Spending time with people who knew you before you were potty trained helps to keep the heads from swelling.

Get exclusive Monica video and photos here!

The series premiere of “Monica: Still Standing” finds the R&B star working on her fifth album and trying to figure out what single should be released first to bring all her fans back for more.

On top of her professional struggles, Monica is living out of a hotel with her two kids, and her soon-to-be stepson.

She seems to be on an upswing in both arenas, and it’s good to see her bouncing back after a loved one’s suicide.

I commend Monica’s urge to move forward and succeed after that type of loss. I don’t know anyone who’s committed suicide, but if you’ve lost someone you care about, you know that it can make you wonder what you’re doing with your own life. That sort of loss motivates you to appreciate every day and make them all count.

That’s what Monica has always done, and that’s what she’s continuing to do. After all the past dramas, successes and failures, she’s still moving forward and still standing.

-MM

Monica wants to hear from you. The ATL princess is still standing strong, and she has a new reality show on BET to prove it. BET.com will be interviewing the R&B legend this week. What do you want to know about her? Do you wonder what it’s like raising twins? Curious about what she thinks of the new crop of R&B divas? Wondering what we can expect from her show? You ask. She’ll answer.

Leave your questions below in the comments section!

Find out more about the show, premiering Tuesday.