MTV: You mentioned helping to inspire other women through things that you've been through. What have you learned from that time?

Monica: I knew business as well as the streets. But for me, life's biggest lesson was we take people for granted. I looked at my life like Jarvis would always be there and I'd always have him to fall back on, but now I'm having to carry all the weight on my own, with the help of my mother, and it's a real wake-up call. Now I don't hesitate to tell you, "I love you." My brother and I had this unspoken love. Now I can't allow it to be unspoken.

MTV: Jarvis was your best friend?

Monica: He was my very first love. I never had any dealings with a guy besides him until I was a part of the industry.

MTV: Who are some of the people you intend to work with on the new album?

Monica: I wanted to work with people who have experienced similar things. [Rapper] Mia X is my best friend, and her children's father's death was difficult for her because of her children's attachment to him. I was able to be there and watch her experience, and she was there to watch mine, so I'd like us to work together. ... I'd like to do something with R. Kelly. ... It doesn't have to just be we sing together or they rap on the record. They can produce on the record or write something, because I think they have some insight on it.

I am going to do records on the good things in my life [also], because there are so many good things that have happened and so many blessings that have fallen into my life. I've learned to take all of my burdens and leave them with the Lord, and then when I wake up in the morning it's so much easier for me to go through the day. I'm definitely going to do one gospel record and ... I'll talk about being a child celebrity. No privacy, everything. I just don't want to leave anything out. It's just like when I look at Mary [J. Blige], she takes me inside herself.

I don't think many artists do that. There's a lot of people I've been watching and following, but I think for me the growth will show on this album. My first two albums were fun and really light-hearted records, because there weren't many trials and tribulations at 15 and 16, but it's very different now.

MTV: Have you started writing the music yet?

Monica: I haven't written anything and I haven't accepted any music. I know people probably think it's crazy because "Just Another Girl" is out, but I have to do things at a moderate pace.