Monaleo, the unapologetic force from Houston, Texas, has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most compelling new voices. At 24, she’s captivated listeners and critics alike with her fearless lyricism, bold femininity, and undeniable charisma. Her breakout hit “Beating Down Yo Block” reimagined Yungstar’s 1999 Houston classic into a post-breakup anthem that resonated across generations, earning RIAA Gold certification, over 34 million YouTube views, and cemented her as a rising star.
Music has always been a cornerstone for Monaleo, whose earliest performances took place in her church choir under her grandmother’s encouragement. By age seven, she taught herself to play piano, channeling her creativity into a natural talent for melody and expression. In 2024 her viral sensation “Don Who Leo” inspired more than 3.7 million TikTok creations, peaked at #16 on Tik Tok Billboard Charts. A commanding presence on stage, Monaleo joined Don Toliver, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Molly Santana on a sold-out arena tour, sharing her electrifying artistry with thousands of fans and further solidifying her place in the cultural conversation.
Now with over 141 million all time YouTube views and 371.5M all-time streams, Monaleo has firmly established herself as one of rap’s most dynamic lyricists. Recognized by...
Monaleo, the unapologetic force from Houston, Texas, has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most compelling new voices. At 24, she’s captivated listeners and critics alike with her fearless lyricism, bold femininity, and undeniable charisma. Her breakout hit “Beating Down Yo Block” reimagined Yungstar’s 1999 Houston classic into a post-breakup anthem that resonated across generations, earning RIAA Gold certification, over 34 million YouTube views, and cemented her as a rising star.
Music has always been a cornerstone for Monaleo, whose earliest performances took place in her church choir under her grandmother’s encouragement. By age seven, she taught herself to play piano, channeling her creativity into a natural talent for melody and expression. In 2024 her viral sensation “Don Who Leo” inspired more than 3.7 million TikTok creations, peaked at #16 on Tik Tok Billboard Charts. A commanding presence on stage, Monaleo joined Don Toliver, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Molly Santana on a sold-out arena tour, sharing her electrifying artistry with thousands of fans and further solidifying her place in the cultural conversation.
Now with over 141 million all time YouTube views and 371.5M all-time streams, Monaleo has firmly established herself as one of rap’s most dynamic lyricists. Recognized by outlets like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, XXL, Teen Vogue, and Billboard, her widespread acclaim reflects her relatability, creative versatility, and unmistakable talent. With every release, Monaleo continues to redefine what it means to be a rising star, and her trajectory only points upward.
This fall, she enters a darker, more cinematic chapter with her upcoming project “Who Did the Body?”. The project channels her fascination with the afterlife layered with Southern Gothic influence, ancestral ties, and her ongoing studies in mortuary science. Fearless, creative, and unafraid to dig deep, Monaleo continues to push Southern rap forward while staying true to the girly bravado her fans know and love.
