In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan sits down with the unstoppable Monique Nikkole—a Grammy-nominated singer, entrepreneur, former detective sergeant, and true queen of reinvention. From her early roots in Brooklyn to her breakout success with “Red Bottoms & Lingerie,” Monique shares her journey of overcoming stage fright, surviving artist management struggles, building her music empire, and finding her voice in activism through her hit single “Queen of the Hustle.”

They dive into everything: her take on the BET Awards, the AI artist debate surrounding Timbaland’s “TaTa,” the reality of being an indie artist wearing multiple hats, and the discipline it takes to maintain her personal health, brand, and mission. Monique also talks about receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, launching her upcoming EP Enigmatic, and why staying grounded in your truth as an artist matters more than ever.

This isn’t just an interview—it’s a blueprint for every independent artist chasing purpose over popularity.

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