An Interview With MONIQUE NIKKOLE On Retiring From The Police Department and Turning To Her Other Great Passion, Music!

Get to know Monique Nikkole! She recently retired from a job of service (23 years) at The Nassau County Police Department. She’s a mother of 2 teenagers. And now, she is following her music passion full time!! 

There’s nothing like raw soul music laced with a touch of satin! That’s the only way to describe the music that Monique Nikkole creates! With the release of her brand new single “Red Bottoms And Lingerie” featuring Lil Flip out of Houston Texas, comes a brand new REMIX.

Listen Here:  https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/1HcxSM1i82VCdgcw9

Learn more about Monique Nikkole in the following All Access interview:

So what has this past year been like for you and your music? How are/did you get through the pandemic? Are things opening up now where you are? How do you feel about that? Did you get vaccinated yet?

This year has been challenging but still good because I’m here! God has blessed me. There’s a lot of opportunities and show dates that were cancelled or deferred. It was disappointing of course, but I took the time to get lot of work done through this pandemic. Although I was only able to do one live performance, I’ve been creating new music and managed to drop a new single and shot 2 music videos. Thankfully things have opened up completely in NY. I’m so excited to get back on stage! I’m currently between NYC and Georgia. Lucky the state of GA is open, but I don’t believe they ever closed lol. I’ve been fully vaccinated since February 10, so I feel a bit safer out there. 

Let’s talk about your newest track, “Red Bottoms And Lingerie.” What was the inspiration for it? How did Lil Flip get to be a part of it? Let’s talk about the music video for it… Did you have an idea in mind for it?

Red Bottoms was brought to me by my manager Michael Stemley, he heard the song and chose it for me. When I listened to it, I said wow, that’s different! It was unlike anything I’ve done before, but I was up for the challenge! After recording the song, we were trying to decide which rapper would be a good fit, my manager suggested Lil Flip. Calls where made, Flip recorded a fire verse and it couldn’t be more perfect!! The song was great on its face, but when he became part of the equation it was out of here! We definitely gelled well on this track! It was like it was made for us. 

Yes, I knew exactly how I wanted it shot and the story I wanted to portray, or infer…I wanted it to be sexy, classy, authentic and to reflect a fun playful relationship offset by a bit of roll play. You know, Keeping things interesting for that one man in your life. The music video was shot at a studio and mansion in Houston Texas. 

What would your dream music video look like? 

Hummm it would be pretty awesome to shoot in Egypt with the sphinx and the pyramids as the backdrops! It would be pretty amazing to shoot a video on the continent of Africa period! Definitely on my bucket list. 

Do you have plans to release more new music soon and a full album of new songs?

Yes indeed! I have multiple projects brewing! I’m working on my EP, which will be released the end of summer. I’m also working on a follow-up mixtape “Straight From The Crates Vol 2” and a Jazz standard album. Whew, I know that’s a lot lol, but I’ll get it done! 

I would love to know more about your 23 years working at the Nassau County Police Department and how you transitioned to music after retiring from that role? What was it like making such a big change? How long have you been wanting to turn to music?

I had a great career a Detective Sergeant! I’ve seen things that most people only see in movies. It had it’s good days and bad days like anything else, but definitely more good. I loved investigative work, it was fun and rewarding supervising ongoing investigations and closing the case with my team. The transition was ongoing, I was straddling two worlds. I’ve been in the music business for years, in a supporting role as a manager, concert promoter and studio owner. I decided to step centerstage in 2015 when I released my first single “Say Yes”. Retiring has allowed me to focus fully on music! Music has always been a huge part of my life always – now it’s everything! 

Has your family and your two teenage daughter and son been supportive of this new passion of yours? What do they think of your music? 

My family is super supportive!! My entire family is always in the audience! I love looking out and seeing them. My daughter thinks my music is ok, lol she’s into Death Metal, so… My son loves my music, but it’s not his favorite genre. He’s is a jazz musician, he plays tenor saxophone and that’s what he prefers. 

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope that it leaves them feeling happy and full of good vibes! I hope it helps to heal them and get them through a bad day!