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July 2nd – Monie Love was born Simone Gooden in London, England, on this day in 1970.

Love, the daughter of a London based jazz musician, is also the younger sister of techno artist Dave Angel.

Love began her career in the 1980’s as a member of the British based Jus Bad Crew, who released the single “Free Style” on Tuff Groove Records in 1988.

After immigrating to the United States, following her stint with the Jus Bad Crew, she became somewhat of a protégée of Queen Latifah and had a hit duet with the legendary Hip-Hop Queen on the Grammy Award winning “Ladies First” single in 1989.

Along with Latifah, Love became a member of The Native Tongue Posse, which at the time consisted of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers.

Love also appeared on the Jungle Brothers’ underground classic “Doin’ Our Own Dang.”

Love released her debut album “Down To Earth” on Warner Bros. Records in 1990 which spawned the hit title track, a re-working of the Stevie Wonder written 1970’s Spinners’ hit “It’s a Shame” and “Monie In The Middle” with the latter two both being nominated for Grammy Awards.

Love released her sophomore album, “In a Word Or Two” in 1993, which featured production by Marley Marl and Prince.

Love would later serve as a ghost writer for Prince protégée, model and actress Carmen Electra, who released her self-entitled debut album on the legendary funkster’s Paisley Park label.

From 2004 to 2006, Love was the morning drive host for Philadelphia’s WPHI 100.3 FM. Love currently hosts the XM Satellite radio show aptly-titled “Ladies First.”