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Newark-born singer is ready for the spotlight

Stepping out on her own, Newark-born singer Tiffany Monique is ready for the spotlight.

Performing as one-third of "The Mamas," the background singers for Beyoncé Knowles, Tiffany already has had a taste of the big time. But her new video is taking her to another level of fame.

Released July 30 on YouTube, "Nemesis" was shot in her hometown and Brooklyn, N.Y. It was produced by Kevin "Kwiz" Ryan from Tiffany's EP of the same name, released in June.

The collaboration with Kwiz came about after he witnesses Tiffany stand in for Beyoncé at a sound check while on tour last year and realized she is a powerful soloist in her own right.

The project also reflects Tiffany Monique's determination to succeed in what can be a cold-hearted field. "Nemesis" was influenced "by meeting so many naysayers who told me I would never make it as a professional singer," she said.

She started early through her involvement in church, where she was director of the music ministry by the time she was in high school. At 8, she won a talent show with her performance of "You Give Good Love."

Tiffany earned a music scholarship to Morgan State University, where she performed around the world as a member of the well-known Morgan Singers choir. She evened sang a solo during Pope John Paul II's visit to the United States in 1996.

Returning to New Jersey, Tiffany made key contacts at open mic nights in Greenwich Village, leading to background singing work with pop stars from Kenny Loggins to Christina Aguilera to Mya. Still, she found herself working with a pharmaceutical company.

"A few record company executives told me that although I had the talent, I didn't have the look," Tiffany said. "And over the course of my journey, I've encountered others who maintained a negative outlook on the potential of my success."

Her day job was promising, but when Beyoncé called, Tiffany took a chance and decided to leave on an adventure that has taken her from the Great Wall of China to the man-made islands of Dubai, with a lot of stages in between.

Her boss is pleased as well.

"Tiffany's voice has effortless strength, sass, seduction, and heart with a tone that puts you at ease," Beyoncé said in a release for "Nemesis." "I am very lucky to have worked with her for many years and I am proud that she now has such a wonderful piece of work to share with the world."

Tiffany Monique describes "Nemesis" as the expression of "my determination to prevail."

It is available from the usual outlets, including iTunes, Amazon and Napster, and also at www.tiffanymonique.com.

— JOE TYRRELL, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM