"I've visited the halls of suicide, popped some tops, and loved some beautiful women."

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Miss Money says she is "living a b-girl's dream."

The Houston-bred performer has had her share of struggles, including a 2004 muscular dystrophy diagnosis, but that's not what's important. These days, she's all about celebrating herself.

"I've visited the halls of suicide, popped some tops, and loved some beautiful women," Money proclaims. "Yes, I've had my sleepless nights, but I've also seen God's face, and I write about these things in my music. I don't pretend to be anyone other than who I am—an imperfect person who loves a perfect God."

Along the way, Money has become one of H-town's most adventurous, visionary talents. Her R&B/gospel disc, The Love of Money, released on her Money Talks Records label, earned an OutMusic nomination this year. At press time, the single "Best Friend" was ranked number-one in the gospel category at the popular music site SoundClick. Money is also a featured artist in the documentary Pick Up the Mic, which chronicles the current wave of queer rappers. One of the movie's money lines comes from Miss Money, of course: "I'm a hip-hop artist who's gay. I don't do 'gay' hip hop," (The 2005 film, directed by Alex Hinton, is currently making the festival rounds, mostly recently last month at the Vancouver Film & Video Festival, and was screened in March at SXSW in Austin. Check it out at www.pickupthemic.com).

There's more. Much more. Money produces and hosts the entertaining, informative Mic Madness show on Radio 713, her own online station (log on through her websitewww.missmoney.net). Guests have included everyone from local spirit-pop singer Christian Andreasson to Snoop Dogg's mother. There are also plans for a future episode featuring Sheryl Swoopes, the Houston Comets all-star forward and out lesbian.

"I do the show for fun and because I love my city," Money says. "Everything I do, I do because I love it!"

After graduating with a double major from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston (finishing up summa cum laude, no less), the driven diva founded Money Talks Records and Studios in 2003. The outfit includes a healthy collective of underground artists and professionally produced mix tapes. Money, who is the daughter of a Southern Baptist preacher, is also in her fourth year of DJ residency at the popular G Spot nightclub tucked inside Chances. It's an impressive balance, but one that seems to stem from her affecting mix of sincerity, humility, and sheer joy for life.

"There has always been a positive push for my music from people within Houston's community. It seems as if someone here has always taken time to listen to me. That's not something you can find in every city," Money says.

"Even though I get weary, I know that eventually, the 20-hour-a-day grind is going to pay off. And when it does, you will still be able to catch me DJ-ing at Da G Spot in Chances. I will always remember the people who clapped when no one else did."

Joey Guerra profiled local Gay Games/Outgames athletes in our July issue. His Houston Chronicle music blog HandStamp (written with Sara Cress) is published at www.chron.com.

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ON THE MONEY

Miss Money's blog on her MySpace page reveals both a strong faith and an equality strong sense of humor:

"My relationship with God is the most IMPORTANT thing in my life. I swear God is my oxygen. I often feel isolated because of my conviction so I spend most of my working on my dreams. I am privileged that anybody listens to my efforts. It's a blessing...not something I am owed.

"I also live with muscular dystrophy (MD) and have a positive outlook on my life—walking in faith...get it? Walking? Lol...dat was an MD joke. Haha! God continues to bless me. I could easily have no career but it's the direct opposite. He's given me more. In my mind, I am more than a conqueror."

Read more at www.missmoney.net.