The year was 1995. The golden age of song was nearly upon us, but like any great musical experience we needed a warmup act to set the tone for what was about to follow. R&B diva Monica would be that special someone.

At the ripe of age of 14, her debut single “Don’t Take It Personal [Just One of Dem Days]” exploded out of the gate rising the charts at a furious rate. Like any first-rate hip-hop cut, the mid-tempo soul groove works in samples of LL Cool J & Public Enemy all while maintaining a fresh female attitude throughout. The true sign of a great track though? It’s lasting ability. I can’t count the number of times that hook has popped into my mind when I’m going through one of dem days. Remember fondly: