Lil' Mo

Mo was born into a military family. Her father, Bishop Jacob D. Loving, and her mother, First-Lady Cynthia Loving Sr.,{{Cite web |url=https://praiserichmond.com/539742/rbs-lil-mos-got-soul-the-spirit-at-the-27th-annual-stellar-awards/ |title=R&B's Lil' Mo's Got Soul & the Spirit at the 27th Annual Stellar Awards |date=January 13, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101035133/https://praiserichmond.com/539742/rbs-lil-mos-got-soul-the-spirit-at-the-27th-annual-stellar-awards/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} raised her primarily in Long Island, but moved regularly due to her father's military assignments. The family lived in Texas, Georgia and North Carolina before settling in Baltimore. As an adult, Mo moved to New York City's Manhattan borough to pursue her music career.{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lil-mo-mn0000231397/biography |title=Lil' Mo Biography |last=Seida |first=Linda |website=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=January 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017093709/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lil-mo-mn0000231397/biography |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Mo began her career as a backing vocalist, session musician and songwriter. In early 1998, while submitting demo material to Elektra Records for Nicole Wray's 1998 debut album, Make It Hot, Mo caught the attention of Missy Elliott,{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WziTxdzQ4_Q&feature=player_detailpage&t=445 |title=The Skorpion Show Interviews Lil' Mo |date=May 6, 2012 |website=The Skorpion Show |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017093709/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WziTxdzQ4_Q&feature=player_detailpage&t=445 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }} who helped land her a contract deal with Elektra. On June 29, 1998, Mo released her debut single "5 Minutes" from the soundtrack for the Frankie Lymon biographical film Why Do Fools Fall in Love. The song was planned to appear on Mo's debut album, however when it underperformed in the US, it was pulled from the final track listing. Mo's debut album was originally set to be released in March 1999,{{Citation |last=Seymour |first=Craig |title=Most Likely to Have a Celebrity Death-Match with Lil' Kim: Lil' Mo |date=February 1999 |work=SPIN |volume=15 |issue=2 |page=83 |issn=0886-3032}} however, it was pushed back multiple times during Elektra's attempts to revamp Mo's image and sound.{{Citation |last=Seymour |first=Craig |title=Shorty Hard Rock |date=August 2001 |work=Vibe |volume=9 |issue=8 |page=127 |issn=1070-4701}}

Mo gained further exposure during this time for her features on Ol' Dirty Bastard's cover of Billie Holiday's "Good Morning Heartache", Missy Elliott's record-breaking single "Hot Boyz", which spent 18 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Singles from December 4, 1999, to March 25, 2000, and Ja Rule's single "Put It on Me", which was a hit on both urban and pop radio, and reached number eight on the US pop charts. More collaborations by Ja Rule and Lil' Mo followed, including "I Cry", which repurposed The O'Jays' 1978 hit "Cry Together".

On April 10, 2000, Mo released "Ta Da", her first solo single. After years of successful collaborations and features, Mo would finally release a successful hit of her own, "Superwoman Pt. II", her second single from her upcoming album. The single was released on March 6, 2001, and peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping bring then-underground rapper Fabolous to mainstream attention.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470034/fabolous-molds-new-r-kelly.jhtml |title=Fabolous Molds New ' R. Kelly,' Credits Mixtape For Bringing Him, Lil' Mo Together |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=February 19, 2003 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024041023/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470034/fabolous-molds-new-r-kelly.jhtml |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On June 26, 2001, Mo's debut album, Based on a True Story was released to generally favorable reviews. The album peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and attained a gold certification from the RIAA, making it Mo's successful album to date. In August 2001, Mo released the follow-up single "Gangsta (Love 4 the Streets)", however, it failed to match the success of its predecessor.{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lil-mo-mn0000231397/awards |title=Lil' Mo |website=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=January 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017093709/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lil-mo-mn0000231397/awards |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}

File:LilMoOct05.jpg

While recovering from being assaulted with a champagne bottle after a performance in San Francisco, Mo began her radio career, working as a part-time anchor for Baltimore urban radio station WERQ-FM.{{Citation |last=Lorez |first=Jeff |title=From 'Superwoman' to 'Girl Next Door' |date=April 5, 2003 |magazine=Billboard |volume=115 |issue=14 |page=17 |issn=0006-2510}} That same year, Mo began preparations for her second album, Meet the Girl Next Door. The album was released on April 29, 2003, preceded by the singles "4Ever" and "Ten Commandments".{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458999/lil-mo-works-on-her-second-album.jhtml |title=Lil' Mo Nabs A Fellow Lil' And Fabolous For The Girl Next Door |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=December 5, 2002 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=May 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181037/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458999/lil-mo-works-on-her-second-album.jhtml |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} While Mo promoted the singles on shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Soul Train, she would later criticise Elektra for their lack of support and minimal promotion for the album, which she attributed to being pregnant at the time.{{Cite web |url=http://rnbdirt.com/lil-mo-wants-to-ask-you-why/6816/ |title=Lil' Mo Wants To Ask You 'Why' |date=July 24, 2004 |publisher=rnbdirt.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201213345/http://rnbdirt.com/lil-mo-wants-to-ask-you-why/6816/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }}

Mo's contract with Elektra expired as the label was absorbed by Atlantic Records, and in July 2004, she signed Universal's Cash Money Records to record her third album, then titled Syndicated: the Lil' Mo Hour.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/cash-money/lil-mo-signs-to-cash-money.html |title=Lil Mo Signs to Cash Money |date=July 27, 2004 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101035138/http://www.rapbasement.com/cash-money/lil-mo-signs-to-cash-money.html |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |last=Mitchell |first=Gail |title=Lil' Mo in Cash Money Till |date=July 17, 2004 |magazine=Billboard |volume=116 |issue=29 |page=20 |issn=0006-2510}} The album was scheduled for an early 2005 release, before being pushed back to October, after its four singles (including "Hot Girls" and "Dem Boyz") failed to create any buzz. Following the destruction of Cash Money's New Orleans studio by Hurricane Katrina, Mo was dropped from the Cash Money roster and Syndicated was shelved.{{Citation |last=Gail |first=Mitchell |title=Through the Storm |date=September 1, 2007 |magazine=Billboard |volume=119 |issue=35 |pages=52–53 |issn=0006-2510}}

Mo began releasing singles as an independent artist under her production company HoneyChild Entertainment, which was first founded by Mo in 2000.{{Citation |last=Duncan |first=Andréa |title=Songs in the Key of Life > Lil' Mo |date=March 2000 |work=Vibe |volume=8 |issue=2 |page=159 |issn=1070-4701}} On August 28, 2007, Mo released the album Pain & Paper, distributed by Koch Entertainment and DrakeWeb Music Group and selling only 6000 copies. Its singles, "Sumtimes I", featuring Jim Jones, and "Lucky Her" failed to chart.

In 2008, Mo signed a two-album deal with Global Music Group and began work her fourth album, tentatively titled Tattoos & Roses: The Rebellion Against My Pain.{{Cite web |url=http://singersroom.com/content/2008-11-14/RB-Singer-Lil-Mo-Reclaims-Limelight-with-New-Deal/ |title=R&B Singer Lil' Mo Reclaims Limelight with New Deal |date=November 14, 2008 |publisher=Singersroom.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201181603/http://singersroom.com/content/2008-11-14/RB-Singer-Lil-Mo-Reclaims-Limelight-with-New-Deal/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }} The album was initially planned to include a second disc featuring Mo's live performances, however this was eventually scrapped. On May 8, 2011, Mo released the mixtape P.S. I Love You. On November 1, 2011, Mo released P.S. I Love Me in conjunction with Bronx Bridge Entertainment and distributed by Fontana Distribution. The album was preceded by the singles "On the Floor", "I Love Me", featuring Tweet, and "Take Me Away", featuring Maino.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-arts/2011/04/l-il-mo-on-her-new-album-her-theater-experience-and-life-after-radio-10530.html |title=Lil' Mo on her new album, her theater experience, and life after radio |last=Godfrey |first=Sarah |date=April 28, 2011 |website=TBD Arts: Inside D.C. entertainment |publisher=TBD.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509205422/http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-arts/2011/04/l-il-mo-on-her-new-album-her-theater-experience-and-life-after-radio-10530.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://singersroom.com/content/2011-09-28/Lil-Mo-Return-with-Tweet-for-PS-I-Love-Me/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Lil Mo Talks Tweet Collaboration, PS I Love Me, More |date=September 28, 2011 |publisher=Singersroom.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201181559/http://singersroom.com/content/2011-09-28/Lil-Mo-Return-with-Tweet-for-PS-I-Love-Me/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }}

In 2013, Mo became a cast member of the reality television series R&B Divas: Los Angeles, which premiered on TV One on July 10, 2013.{{Cite web |url=http://tvone.tv/shows/randb-divas/inside-the-show/r-and-b-divas-la-announces-cast.html |title=R&B Divas: LA Announces Cast |date=April 5, 2013 |publisher=tvOne.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222153601/http://tvone.tv/shows/randb-divas/inside-the-show/r-and-b-divas-la-announces-cast.html |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2014}} The season's reunion special garnered a total of 834,000 viewers, tying with the debut of the sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show as the network's No. 1 telecast among adults 25–54 in TV One history.{{Cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/09/06/tv-ones-rb-divas-la-reunion-part-1-is-the-networks-most-watched-telecast-of-all-time/201380/ |title=TV One's 'R&B Divas: LA Reunion Part 1' is the Network's Most Watched Telecast of All Time |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=September 6, 2013 |website=TVbytheNumbers |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224061835/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/09/06/tv-ones-rb-divas-la-reunion-part-1-is-the-networks-most-watched-telecast-of-all-time/201380/ |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On September 10, 2013, Lil' Mo released the song "I'm a Diva" via iTunes.{{Cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/im-a-diva-single/690805486 |title=I'm a Diva – Single by Lil' Mo |date=September 10, 2013 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028113759/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-a-diva-single/id690805486 |archive-date=October 28, 2014 |url-status=live }} Another non-album single, "L's Up", was released the following week.{{Cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ls-up-single/706433155 |title=L's Up – Single by Lil' Mo |date=September 17, 2013 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028115403/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ls-up-single/id706433155 |archive-date=October 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}

On October 28, 2014, Mo released her fifth album, The Scarlet Letter, under Penalthy Entertainment.{{Cite web |url=http://youknowigotsoul.com/lil-mo-signs-new-label-deal-new-album-scarlet-letter-release-august |title=Lil' Mo Signs New Label Deal, New Album 'The SCARlet Letter' to Release in August |date=April 24, 2014 |publisher=YouKnowIGotSoul.com |access-date=May 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507034137/http://youknowigotsoul.com/lil-mo-signs-new-label-deal-new-album-scarlet-letter-release-august |archive-date=May 7, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{Cite tweet |number=502307013926617090 |user=THELILMOSHOW |title=the scarlet letter album will be available Oct 28!! the song i sang "just not that into you" on #rbdivasla will be featured on there as well |author=LIL' MO |date=August 21, 2014}} The album was preceded by the single "Should've Never Let You Go", as well as her second mixtape No Shit Sherlock, which featured contributions by Da Brat and songwriter Tiyon "TC" Mack.{{Cite web |url=http://www.centrictv.com/music/articles/2014/04/18/lil-mo-drops-no-shit-sherlock-rap-mixtape.html |title=Lil Mo Drops 'No Sh*t Sherlock' Mixtape |last=Joseph |first=Justin Dwayne |date=April 18, 2014 |publisher=CentricTV.com |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507080624/http://www.centrictv.com/music/articles/2014/04/18/lil-mo-drops-no-shit-sherlock-rap-mixtape.html |archive-date=May 7, 2014 |url-status=live }} On April 29, 2015, R&B Divas: Los Angeles ended after its third season.

In January 2016, Mo began hosting the WKYS radio show The Fam in the Morning with DJ Quick Silva. She was fired from the show in February 2017.{{Cite web |url=https://thejasminebrand.com/2017/02/03/exclusive-lil-mo-was-not-fired-over-spike-leechrisette-michele-controversy-she-speaks-out/ |title=(EXCLUSIVE) Lil Mo Was NOT Fired Over Spike Lee/Chrisette Michele Controversy, She Speaks Out |date=February 3, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101035134/https://thejasminebrand.com/2017/02/03/exclusive-lil-mo-was-not-fired-over-spike-leechrisette-michele-controversy-she-speaks-out/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Later that year, Mo joined the cast of VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York and appeared in an episode of Couples Court with the Cutlers. She would also appear in We TV's Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 12 — Hip Hop Edition.

On October 25, 2018, Mo announced her retirement from the music industry to pursue a career in law.{{Cite web |url=https://thejasminebrand.com/2018/10/25/lil-mo-leaving-music-industry-to-be-a-lawyer-im-about-to-be-somebodys-lit-a-attorney/ |title=Lil Mo Leaving Music Industry To Be A Lawyer: "I'm about to be somebody's lit a** attorney!" |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101035137/https://thejasminebrand.com/2018/10/25/lil-mo-leaving-music-industry-to-be-a-lawyer-im-about-to-be-somebodys-lit-a-attorney/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On June 22, 2001, while being escorted to a limousine, Lil' Mo was assaulted by a male at a San Francisco concert venue.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444760/lil-mo-attacked.jhtml |title=Lil' Mo Recovering After Bottle Attack |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=June 25, 2001 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181026/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444760/lil-mo-attacked.jhtml |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} She was bludgeoned in the head by the man's champagne bottle and was immediately hospitalized at California Pacific Medical Center, where she received 20 stitches. The incident traumatized Mo and left her suspicious of the attack, in which she felt it may have been a potential "set up". Mo confirmed to MTV News that she had to cancel many shows and cease a double-music video shoot for her single "Gangsta" so she could recover from the incident.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444824/lil-mo-frightened-after-attack.jhtml |title=Lil' Mo Frightened, Suspicious After Attack |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=June 27, 2001 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181034/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444824/lil-mo-frightened-after-attack.jhtml |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} A reward ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 was issued in hopes of catching the assailant. Though the alleged male attacker was never found, local San Francisco police received anonymous tips that the attacker boasted about his actions at a Hunters Point housing project near San Francisco, California.

In 2001, Mo met her first husband, Augustus "Gus" Stone, at a Washington, D.C. gas station. After dating for five months, they wed on August 29, 2001. On August 19, 2002, Mo gave birth to her first child, Heaven Love'on Stone. On February 24, 2005, Mo gave birth to the couple's second child, God'Iss Love Stone. In December 2005, she filed for divorce. Their divorce was finalized in August 2007. Through the marriage, she became the stepmother to his son, Jerez Coleman, who in June 2014 appeared as "Kidd Cole" on an episode of MTV's television series Catfish: The TV Show.

On June 22, 2008, Mo married Gospel recording artist Phillip Bryant. On January 16, 2009, Mo gave birth to her third child, Justin McKenzie Phillip Bryant.[http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/01/21/lil-mo-and-phillip-bryant-welcome-son-justin-mckenzie-phillip/ Little Mo and Phillip Bryant Welcome a Son] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125095922/http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/01/21/lil-mo-and-phillip-bryant-welcome-son-justin-mckenzie-phillip/ |date=January 25, 2009 }} Celebrity Baby Blog, January 21, 2009 On July 10, 2012, Mo gave birth to her fourth child, Jonah Maddox-Phillip Bryant.{{Cite web |url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/05/lil-mo-is-expecting/ |title=LIL' MO IS EXPECTING – Black Celebrity Kids |publisher=Blackcelebkids.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715022432/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/05/lil-mo-is-expecting/ |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2012}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/05/lil-mo-and-the-family-is-on-the-right-track |title=Lil' Mo and the Family Is on the Right Track – Black Celebrity Kids |publisher=Blackcelebkids.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719082953/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/05/lil-mo-and-the-family-is-on-the-right-track/ |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2012}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/07/lil-mo-welcomes-fourth-child-in-time-for-fourth-album/ |title=Lil' Mo Welcomes Fourth Child in Time For Fourth Album – Black Celebrity Kids |publisher=Blackcelebkids.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910165319/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2012/07/lil-mo-welcomes-fourth-child-in-time-for-fourth-album/ |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2012}} The couple separated due to his infidelity{{Cite web |url=https://madamenoire.com/425011/thats-knew-lil-mo-says-discovered-husband-cheated-one-threesomes/ |title='That's When I Knew:' Lil' Mo Says She Discovered Her Husband Cheated During One Of Their Threesomes |last=Rogers |first=Jazmine Denise |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101050410/https://madamenoire.com/425011/thats-knew-lil-mo-says-discovered-husband-cheated-one-threesomes/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} and officially divorced on September 15, 2014.

On October 1, 2014, Mo married professional boxer Karl Dargan.{{Cite web |url=http://s2smagazine.com/91669/lil-mo-planning-to-marry-new-younger-boyfriend/ |title=Lil Mo planning to marry new, younger boyfriend |last=Scott |first=Tracy |date=March 19, 2014 |website=Sister 2 Sister |publisher=S2SMagazine.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320051841/http://s2smagazine.com/91669/lil-mo-planning-to-marry-new-younger-boyfriend/ |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=March 19, 2014}} On August 28, 2015, Mo gave birth to Karl Sharif Dargan Jr., her fifth child and Karl's third.{{Cite web |url=http://s2smagazine.com/99296/lil-mo-talks-catfish/ |title=Lil Mo talks 'Catfish' |last=Eskridge |first=Sonya |date=June 12, 2014 |website=Sister 2 Sister |publisher=S2SMagazine.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140613192012/http://s2smagazine.com/99296/lil-mo-talks-catfish/ |archive-date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=June 12, 2014}} In 2018, at the reunion special of Love & Hip Hop: New York, Mo announced that she was expecting her sixth child. Mo admitted on social media that she had suffered a miscarriage a month before the reunion aired.{{Cite web |url=https://madamenoire.com/1032890/lil-mo-miscarriage/ |title=Lil' Mo Criticized After Making Poor Joke About Abortions, Months After Revealing Miscarriage |last=Uwumarogie |first=Victoria |date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101050410/https://madamenoire.com/1032890/lil-mo-miscarriage/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} In May 2019, Mo announced that she had left Karl, after he had spat on her in front of their children during an argument.{{Cite web |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2019/05/18/fans-call-bluff-on-lil-mos-supposed-split-with-husband-karl-dargan-we-dont-believe-u/ |title='We Don't Believe U': Fans Call Foul on Lil Mo's Supposed Split with Husband Karl Dargan |last=Berger |first=Tia |date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101010926/https://atlantablackstar.com/2019/05/18/fans-call-bluff-on-lil-mos-supposed-split-with-husband-karl-dargan-we-dont-believe-u/ |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Mo revealed in later interviews that he had been physically abusive throughout their marriage.{{Cite web |url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2019/12/28/21040410/lil-mo-split-estranged-husband-karl-dargan |title=Lil Mo details calling it quits with estranged husband Karl Dargan |last=Woods |first=Aleia |date=December 28, 2019 |website=Revolt.tv |access-date=April 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229141408/https://www.revolt.tv/news/2019/12/28/21040410/lil-mo-split-estranged-husband-karl-dargan |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |url-status=live }} Their divorce was finalized in April 2021.

In 2003, Mo revealed to Vibe magazine that she struggled with an eating disorder since 2000.{{Citation |last=J. Solomon |first=Akiba |title=The Big Picture |date=July 2003 |work=Vibe |volume=11 |issue=7 |pages=110–111 |issn=1070-4701}}

In 2019, Mo revealed that she had struggled with an opioid addiction.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/lil-mo-reveals-she-beat-opioid-addiction-was-abusive-relationship |title=Lil Mo' Reveals She Beat Opioid Addiction + Was in an Abusive Relationship |last=Perkins |first=Tai |date=December 3, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101050416/https://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/lil-mo-reveals-she-beat-opioid-addiction-was-abusive-relationship |archive-date=January 1, 2020}}

Mo was raised in a Christian household; her parents are Holiness preachers. In a 2017 episode of Love & Hip Hop: New York, Mo revealed that she had converted to Islam three years prior as a result of her marriage to Karl, and is seen praying in hijab.{{Cite episode |title=Bodied |series=Love and Hip-Hop New York |network=VH1 |date=2017 |season=8 |number=3}}

A feud between Mo and former collaborator Ja Rule embroiled in late 2001, when Murder Inc. began favoring Ashanti over her. In January 2003, while co-hosting 106 & Park: Prime, Mo sent a shout-out to 50 Cent, just seconds after she premiered a Ja Rule video. The incident angered Ja Rule and Murder Inc. Mo had told the press she assumed BET was going to edit out the shout, and did not think the gesture would cause an uproar. Ja Rule released the diss track "Loose Change," which targeted Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Chris Lighty and Lil' Mo. Rule credited himself as the reason why she had any hits.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471038/ja-rule-calls-50-loose-change.jhtml |title=Ja Rule Calls 50 'Loose Change,' Disses 'Feminem' And Dr. Dre |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=April 4, 2003 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102220650/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471038/ja-rule-calls-50-loose-change.jhtml |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }} In May 2003, Mo released a freestyle diss to Ja Rule.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471821/record-quick-news-on-lil-mo-ja-rule-eminem-american-idol-luther-vandross-pod-more.jhtml |title=For The Record: Quick News On Lil' Mo And Ja Rule, Eminem, 'American Idol,' Luther Vandross, P.O.D. & More |date=May 9, 2003 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101022324/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471821/record-quick-news-on-lil-mo-ja-rule-eminem-american-idol-luther-vandross-pod-more.jhtml |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

In April 2003, controversy arose regarding payment for Lil' Mo's contributions on "I Cry" and "Put It on Me".{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471311/lil-mo-wants-no-beef-with-ja.jhtml |title=Lil' Mo Wants To Drop Beef With Ja Rule And Focus On Family |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=April 16, 2003 |website=MTV News |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=May 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226012215/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471311/lil-mo-wants-no-beef-with-ja.jhtml |archive-date=December 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }} In 2005, Lil' Mo filed a lawsuit against Ja Rule, Murder Inc. and Def Jam for over $15 million.{{Cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/2005/08/12/lil-mo-filing-lawsuit-against-ja-rule-murder-inc-def-jam/ |title=Lil' Mo Filing Lawsuit Against Ja Rule, Murder Inc. & Def Jam |last=Watkins |first=Greg |date=August 12, 2005 |website=AllHipHop |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201233000/http://allhiphop.com/2005/08/12/lil-mo-filing-lawsuit-against-ja-rule-murder-inc-def-jam/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }} In 2010, the two reconciled,Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ofAHORVLUqk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140217163553/http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ofAHORVLUqk&t=386 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofAHORVLUqk&t=386 |title=LIL MO DOESNT HAVE A ANSWER WHY FABOLOUS WONT DO A SONG WITH HER? |website=Superstar Radio |date=April 14, 2011 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 16, 2014}}{{cbignore}} and the next year, recorded a track together titled "U & Me".{{Cite web |url=http://www.hiphoplead.com/music/ja-rule-u-me/ |title=Ja Rule Ft. Lil Mo – U & Me |date=February 10, 2011 |publisher=HipHopLead.com |access-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201203604/http://www.hiphoplead.com/music/ja-rule-u-me/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=usurped }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNH0kIMzX1k |title=Ja Rule – U & Me (Feat. Lil' Mo) (2011) |date=February 9, 2011 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217163600/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNH0kIMzX1k |archive-date=February 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}

The feud between Lil' Mo and R&B singer Keyshia Cole originated in August 2005 via the radio series Star and Buc Wild Morning Show. Mo was reported to have dismissed the vocal talent of a new crop of R&B performers, saying that they relied on dancing. Cole took offense and went to Dream Hotel in New York City, where she encountered Lil' Mo's manager Phil Thornton and a stylist, allegedly stating "You all are traitors. [Lil' Mo] is the enemy.". Lil' Mo shrugged off the incident, saying she was told that Cole was intoxicated at the time,{{Cite web |url=http://blackvoices.aol.com/black_entertainment/bvbuzzcanvas?id=20050822102109990001 |title=Inside the Buzz |last=Murray |first=Jawn |date=August 23, 2005 |website=AOL Black Voices |publisher=AOL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208102322/http://blackvoices.aol.com/black_entertainment/bvbuzzcanvas?id=20050822102109990001 |archive-date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=January 16, 2014}} which Cole denied.{{Cite web |url=http://www.crunktastical.net/2005/10/15/buzz-notes-31/ |title=Buzz Notes > Keyshia "Troll" Cole Clears The Air |date=October 15, 2005 |website=Crunk + Disorderly |publisher=crunktastical.net |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203090008/http://www.crunktastical.net/2005/10/15/buzz-notes-31/ |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=live }}

In March 2013, Cole was criticized by urban media outlets for her Twitter critique of Beyoncé's "Bow Down/I Been On".{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |title=Dissing Beyoncé's 'Bow Down (I Been On)' Backfires On Keyshia Cole | last=Johnson | first=Billy Jr. |date=April 4, 2013 |website=Hip-Hop Media Training |publisher=music.yahoo.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219112125/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |title=Donkey of the Day: Keyshia Cole Goes At Beyoncé |date=March 19, 2013 |website=The Breakfast Club |publisher=YouTube.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219112125/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |url-status=live }} This led to Mo and Cole exchanging hostile tweets over the next few days.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrrxr4v_cPM&feature=player_detailpage&t=26 |title=Shots Fired: Lil Mo Wants Keyshia Cole to 'Bow Down' and Stop Tweeting |website=HipHollywood |publisher=YouTube.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626041330/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrrxr4v_cPM&feature=player_detailpage&t=26 |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://singersroom.com/content/2013-04-04/Keyshia-Cole-Responds-To-Lil-Mo-Smiling-Through-The-Bull/ |title=Keyshia Cole Responds To Lil Mo, 'Smiling Through The Bull' |last=Joszor |first=Njai |date=April 4, 2013 |publisher=Singersroom.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201214940/http://singersroom.com/content/2013-04-04/Keyshia-Cole-Responds-To-Lil-Mo-Smiling-Through-The-Bull/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }} Despite the exchanges, in May 2013, Mo said there was no beef between her and Cole,{{Cite web |url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/05/weigh-lil-mo-declares-sing-circles-keyshia-cole/ |title=Weigh In: Lil' Mo Declares She Can Sing Circles Around Keyshia Cole |date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=ThatGrapeJuice.net |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201215235/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/05/weigh-lil-mo-declares-sing-circles-keyshia-cole/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=live }} which led to the two exchanging hostile messages again via Instagram and Twitter.{{Cite web |url=http://tlcnaptown.com/2068221/lil-mo-and-keyshia-cole-go-at-it-on-twitter-and-instagram-pics/ |title=Lil Mo and Keyshia Cole GO AT IT on Twitter and Instagram (Pics) |last=Vaughn |first=Karen |date=May 29, 2013 |website=106.7 WTLC |publisher=tlcnaptown.com |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140117024240/http://tlcnaptown.com/2068221/lil-mo-and-keyshia-cole-go-at-it-on-twitter-and-instagram-pics/ |archive-date=January 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Lil' Mo discography}}

Studio albums

• Based on a True Story (2001)
• Meet the Girl Next Door (2003)
• Pain & Paper (2007)
• P.S. I Love Me (2011)
• The Scarlet Letter (2014)

• Lilith Fair (with Missy Elliott) (1998)
• Missy Elliott: Live in Hamburg/Germany (1998–1999)
• Sprite Simon Dtour Live (with 3LW) (2003)
• Rock the Mic Tour (with Jay-Z and 50 Cent) (2003)
• Seagram's Gin Live Tour (with Xscape) (2005)

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.thelilmoshow.com/}}
• {{IMDb name|1245309}}

{{Lil' Mo}}

{{Cash Money Records}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mo, Lil}}

Category:1978 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters

Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters

Category:20th-century African-American women singers

Category:African-American women singer-songwriters

Category:American women singer-songwriters

Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:Cash Money Records artists

Category:Singers from Baltimore

Category:People from Long Island

Category:Singers from New York City

Category:People from Odenton, Maryland

Category:Singer-songwriters from Maryland

Category:20th-century American women singers

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:East West Records artists

Category:Elektra Records artists

Category:21st-century African-American women singers

Category:Singer-songwriters from New York (state)