The power of this self-appointed Godmother of Hip-Hop and R&B will take you by surprise. At first glance, her down to earth style, unassuming manner and petite 4-foot-11 inch frame gives the impression that she's just along for the ride. But after spending a little time with her, the truth becomes unmistakably clear, Lil Mo is not a passenger she lives life in the driver's seat!
Having grown up in a fairly idyllic and stable home, she's no stranger to being misjudged. While many artists spin tales of the hard-knock childhood, her family was often ridiculed for being the "fake Cosbys." "I was a church girl. People didn't respect me because I didn't have a lot of street knowledge." But this natural smooth talker quickly learned to use her New York upbringing to garner respect as she moved around the country with her military family.
Born Cynthia Loving, Lil Mo began to emerge in 1988, when her father was deployed in Korea for a year. For the first time, her family was left to fend for itself in the rough neighborhoods of Atlanta. "I rebelled during that time. I started listening to what my parents called "worldly" music. I would lock myself up in my closet and rap others' songs, changing the lyrics to make them my own. That's when I knew that this (music) is what I wanted to do."
Her dreams of stardom lead her back to New York City after high school graduation. She gained popularity as she frequented open mic contests at local clubs such as the famed Nell's. Lil Mo's lucky break came when the group Gangstar needed a lead singer for their Jazzmatazz world tour.
A talented songwriter, she secured a production deal with Flavorhood Entertainment, under the umbrella of Elektra Records. Before the ink on the deal could even dry, Missy Elliott selected one of Lil Mo's tracks for her album, Da Real World. Before long her list of writing and appearance credits read like a "Who's Who of Hip-Hop and R&B." She has worked with heavy hitters such as Keith Sweat, BlackStreet and Lil Bow Wow. Most notable are her collaborations with Missy Elliott, Fabolous and Ja Rule. In 2001, Lil Mo released her debut album, Based On A True Story, on Elektra Records, which featured the hit single, "Superwoman (Part II)." Her sophomore album Meet the Girl Next Door was released in 2003 and yielded the smash collaboration with rapper Fabolous, "4 Ever."
In January 2007, Lil Mo along with her business partner and friend, Russell Webster, launched the independent label, HoneyChild Inc. Their first venture is her upcoming album, slated for release on August 28th, Pain and Paper. This mother of two joyfully refers to her latest project as her third child. "Finally, I get to be myself! This album represents me the things I've been through and how I've grown." Along with the new label comes her new moniker, The Godmother Lil Mo. Of this she says, " I don't want to compete for anyone's title. It is time for me to make my own stamp. I'm just being who I am."
Pain and Paper is a no-holds-barred lyrical journey into the soul of the experiences that have transformed her into a woman. Believing that openly sharing her personal pains and struggles can inspire others, she dares to put the good, the bad and the ugly on the table. "I've always wanted to be the person who writes the song that helps you get through. Music can inspire you to do greater things." The debut single on the CD is the Summer smash "Sumtimes I," featuring rapper Jim Jones. The album also features "Sumtimes I, Part 2" with collabo buddy Fabolous. Among this feast of musical delights is a daring remake of the Shirley Murdock classic, "Husband." This soulful hit, produced by Troy Taylor, is given a complete makeover, as its former slow, brooding arrangement is replaced with a lighter and airier, yet equally engaging sound. The earthy and sensual "My Youngin," featuring rapper Da Brat, cleverly deals with the social and emotional nuances of the older woman, younger man romance. Pain is the star of the track "One 4 The Road," Lil Mo's vocals masterfully expose the all to familiar frustration of investing hope in a hopeless romance. "Lucky Her" delves into finding the right love at the wrong time, only to discover they finally get it right with someone else!
Growing up she may have been Daddy's baby, but The Godmother Lil Mo is a woman now! She's back and in the driver's seat, doing what she does best giving us her heart while filling our lives with unforgettable music!
