In a recent interview with Essence, Monica offered a candid reflection on the feud that shadowed her early partnership with Brandy. She said that while the song “The Boy Is Mine” fueled division, she and Brandy eventually “took control of that” narrative.
That statement echoes the broader desire to reclaim ownership over how their relationship is portrayed. Monica said, “we’re making what the legacy of this song would be totally different for the next generation.”
From Middle of the Storm to Steering the Ship
When “The Boy Is Mine” dropped in 1998, it became a defining hit for both artists. But after its success, rumors of tension swirled. Monica admitted that, “even though the lyrical content … created more division than it did togetherness, we’ve taken control of that.”
She added, “I try to leave the past just as it is, and focus on the present and the future, because I think it’s so promising.” Over time, that focus has helped shift the narrative.
Brandy, meanwhile, voiced a shared desire to reframe their story. She told Essence, “at the time, it was two young women coming together … and the world connected with it in a way we couldn’t have imagined.” She also said, “it represented sisterhood and the power of collaboration.”
Revisiting the Feud: Fact, Fiction, and Redemption
On CBS Mornings, Monica addressed the feud’s origins more directly. She said it “started as nothing and it really did turn into something,” suggesting external pressure inflated the tension. She added, “when you start to go on a tour … we have to talk about everything.”
Brandy accepted a share of that responsibility. “The song didn’t help either. We were fighting over a boy,” she joked. Still, she acknowledged that industry narratives pushed them apart. “We created the communication and the relationship to do it,” Monica said, referring to their renewed dialogue.
Their reconciliation included a high-profile Verzuz appearance in 2020, which marked a turn in public sentiment. In 2024, Ariana Grande’s remix of “The Boy Is Mine” reignited interest in the collaboration, prompting both artists to revisit their legacy.
Their upcoming co-headlining The Boy Is Mine Tour is described as a celebration of growth and sisterhood. The tour launches Oct. 16 in Cincinnati and runs through December, visiting 24 cities.
Monica said this tour is more than nostalgia: “This tour is a celebration of our history, our impact, and the fans who have grown with us.” Brandy added: “coming together again … isn’t just about the music — it’s about honoring where we came from.”