# @essence on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOpWPXjfFj
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/35065672-essence-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f8603e6c1c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-30T13:56:16.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** essence (@essence) — https://gondola.cc/essence

## Caption

Brandy and Monica may have given us one of the greatest R&B duets of all time, but offstage their harmony hits different. Their bond is rooted in trust, balance, and a love that extends far beyond the stage. It’s proof that legacy isn’t just in the music, it’s in the embrace.

ESSENCE: Monica, there’s a protective energy and aura that you carry, especially when you and Brandy are together. So where would you say that instinct comes from? 

Monica: I guess that was a sincere observation, because I do feel protective over her. I think the way the media is now makes her uncomfortable—and I say that respectfully, because she lives and breathes for entertainment. She’s an actress, she’s a writer, she’s a songstress, she’s a producer. She’s one-of-one in that area. This is a very judgmental space. It’s a space where now people can say any and everything that they want. So my protective nature toward her is because, as we’ve grown, we’ve started to share things with each other, and it just naturally heightens my natural protective nature. I’m like that with people that I love. So I try to be the person that she is most comfortable leaning on in this new space. 

ESSENCE: Brandy, how does that affect you, and what does it mean to share that bond with her? 

Brandy: When we’re together, it creates a sense of balance and support that allows me to be fully present. Sharing that bond with her goes beyond the music—it reflects a mutual respect and understanding that’s been built over years of experiences. 

Read our Fall/Winter cover story at ESSENCE.com. 

Photographer: myeshaevon
Writer: shelbylnstewart
Stylist: jasonrembert
Brandy Hair: jstayready_
Brandy Makeup: makeupartistgaby
Monica Hair: iamhairbyhe
Monica Makeup: eva_thediva_kim
Set Design:sssinclaire
Tailor: msshanitad
Production:themorrisongroup
Post Production:camerin.stoldt
Location: mediaproductionstudios
Special Thanks: thecandlerhotel

ESSENCE, VP, Content: itsnandibby
ESSENCE, Head of Social: mentionme
ESSENCE, Art Director:so.lit
ESSENCE, Creative Operations:hashtag_bre
ESSENCE, Consulting Design Director: bibbygregory

Tour: blackpromoterscollective #TheBoyIsMineTour

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