65: Monica – Powerful Women of 2013

Ever since the release of her debut LP, 'Miss Thang,' Monica was set to be a star. Not only did the album produce three hit singles that charted in the top 10, but 'Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)' and 'Before You Walk out of My Life' also made the singer the youngest artist to have back-to-back songs top the Billboard R&B Singles chart.

While her first record placed her in the spotlight, it was her 1998 LP, 'The Boy Is Mine,' that firmly planted her there. From the success of 'For You I Will,' which appeared on the 'Space Jam' soundtrack, to her fiesty duet with Brandy on the title track, the album boasted hit after hit with 'The First Night,' 'Angel of Mine' and her cover of Richard Marx' 'Right Here Waiting.' This album went triple platinum and the title track won Monica and Brandy a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Her following four albums didn't repeat the same hype as 'The Boy Is Mine.' However, Monica kept going at it despite her own personal issues as well as trying to make a hit record. With a new perspective, Monica came back with 'New Life' in 2012, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. She's working on her eighth album, tapping big-name producers including Missy Elliott, Polow Da Don and Stargate. Fingers crossed that we get to hear more new material in 2013 -- she collaborated with LL Cool J earlier this year. For now, she's being powerful as a mom and is pregnant with her third child.