Fershgenet Melaku (born October 23, 1986), better known as LoLa Monroe and previously known as Angel Melaku, is an American rapper and actress.

Melaku was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and raised in Washington D.C. She is of Ethiopian descent.^[2][3][4] She began writing poems and songs at the age of 12.^[5]

Monroe made her acting debut in the Wendy Williams biopic Queen of Media and later acted in Crazy like a Fox. She began modeling and appearing in music videos for various artists such as Kanye West and Trey Songz.^[6] She later became LoLa Monroe in 2007; "Monroe" is a reference to the actress, model, film producer and singer Marilyn Monroe.^[7]

In June 2009, Monroe released her first mixtape, Boss Bitch's World. Her second mixtape, The Lola Monroe Chronicles: The Art of Motivation, was issued in October. She also released her collaboration mixtape Untouchables later the same year.^[8]

In September 2010, Monroe released her mixtape's first single, "Overtime". A video for the song was also recorded and premiered on 106 & Park. In December 2010, LoLa released her fourth mixtape, Batteries Not Included.^[9]

Monroe was nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards of 2011.^[10]

In October 2011, Monroe was announced as Taylor Gang's first lady, and signed to the label. Her first mixtape to be released under the label was Lipstick & Pistols. After many push backs, the mixtape released on October 23, 2013.^{[citation needed]}

On September 4, 2013, she released her debut single "B.B. (Boss Bitch)" featuring Chevy Woods and Juicy J, produced by Sledgren and supposed to be on her debut album. Then on September 19, she along with producer Cardo left Taylor Gang and dismissed their affiliation with the label.^[11] LoLa Monroe later confirmed that she had never signed to the label in the first place.^[12]

Artists who have influenced her musical style include Jay-Z, MC Lyte, Trina, Salt-n-Pepa, Lauryn Hill and Tupac Shakur.^[5]

On December 25, 2012, Monroe announced that she and rapper King Los were expecting their first child together.^[13] She gave birth to a boy in March 2013.^[14][15]