Unpacking the Artistic Evolution of Victoria Monét: From Unsung Talent to Grammy Glory
After a watershed performance at the 2024 BET Awards, the singer-songwriter extraordinaire unofficially caps off her Jaguar II era in a fiery blaze. Let's take a look back and explore how we got here…
Image property of Sachyn Mital.
Whispers of Victoria Monét's lyrical prowess have been uttered in the artistic sphere for many years now—but it's a whisper no longer. The rising star swept fans away at the 2024 BET Awards as she commanded the stage—mesmerising all in attendance with her stellar performance.
In a tribute to the beloved 'King of R&B' Usher, Monét recreated the iconic "Bad Girl" performance from his Truth Tour (2004). Back then, Usher had the Fighting Temptations movie star—and now-world-renowned icon—Beyoncé by his side. In 2024, Teyana Taylor and Monét magically recaptured the energy fans first fell in love with all those years ago. Taylor led with the vocals: and all eyes were on Monét for the choreography.
Monét's stage presence was undeniable. Her ability to perform live is nothing short of immaculate. Boldly emitting confidence, she entranced the audience, shooting seductive looks left and right like a mermaid, taking a brief moment to leap into the moonlight. Monét and Taylor's choreography flowed freely—complementing each other and enhancing their onstage chemistry.
Clearly, their tribute resonated with fellow superstars as Beyoncé shared their rendition of the original performance on her Instagram story. Monét exclaimed: "Ooh my god! Na what! Can not grasp air, I am unwell, holy shit. I did not expect to pass out today! Gagged… completely. Beyoncé, we love you. The original bad gyal, I will forever honour you."
Decorated with trophies, Monét received the HER Award and Best Video of the Year Award for "On My Mama", adding to her cabinet of recent accolades.
Her smooth, sultry voice and flawless choreography for the fan-favourite "Alright" entranced the audience. Even keyboard warriors took to X/Twitter, resharing an awe-struck Coco Jones—riveted by Monét's salacious move-set.
Monét remained an unseen genius for many years, an innovative mind that elevated the careers of many renowned artists such as Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, and Fifth Harmony. But sadly, not herself. Unknown to many, Monét's the co-writer of Chloe x Halle's COVID-bound hit "Do It", from their critically acclaimed 2020 LP Ungodly Hour.
Most prominently, Monét formed a close relationship with pop princess Ariana Grande. The two worked together many times, Monét being the pen behind catchy pop gems "thank u, next" and "7 rings" from Grande's four-time Grammy-nominated 2019 thank u, next LP and cheeky, upbeat hit "34+35" from her 2020 Positions album.
Victoria Monét's climb to acclimation has been a long one, almost 15 years in the making. To fans, it might seem like regular people have become beloved pop stars overnight. In reality, years of hard work, resilience, and perseverance transform a good artist into a great one.
Monét was born for the stage. Forming a dance group at school and singing in her church choir was just the beginning. Her musical flair blossomed in her adolescent years when she was acknowledged by rapper and producer Rodney Jerkins, aka Darkchild. He quickly recruited her as a member of the girl group Purple Reign, which, unfortunately, was disbanded before any songs were released. But Monét did not give up there. The aspiring superstar continued to hone her artistic skills and found her footing behind the scenes—her pen power supporting the work of high-profile artists.
Her solo career suffered, with her first song, "Malice in Wonderland", flying under the radar in 2013. Disheartened but never completely losing faith, Monét worked tirelessly and endlessly to perfect her cauldron of melody. The connections she forged with seasoned professionals like Jerkins and D'Mile, as well as her collaborations with close friend Ariana Grande, would fine-tune her skills and assist her on her way out of the darkness and into the spotlight.
In 2014, Monét released her debut EP, Nightmares and Lullabies: Act 1 and its serene sequel, Nightmares and Lullabies: Act 2, the following year. Life After Love, Pts. I and II were served up in 2018, showcasing vocal maturity and silky nods to naughties R&B. With her surplus of mini-albums under her belt, Monét had already started making waves in the musical sphere with catchy bubblegum-coated cuts like "Do You Like It" and "New Love".
Monét resurfaced again with her 2020 Jaguar project, creating a sensual experience through her music. With tracks like "Moment" and "Ass Like That", she simultaneously shows off the silky-smooth, ethereal quality of her voice while taking us on a journey through her mastery of storytelling. Personifying the gym, singing "he'd make me better than before"—Monét tells a story about her self-improvement journey. She credits her dedication to "everyday squats" for her body.
Monét has the unique ability to create music that resonates deeply in the hearts of listeners. Jaguar is no exception. The fifty seconds of pure bliss she provides us with in her interlude, "We Might Even Be Falling in Love", massage the soul. The sonic landscape she creates transports us into her story—her song epitomises what falling in love should feel like. The kind of love rarely seen but spoken about in bell hooks' books, movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and personalised poetry. She imbues her songs with tender emotions, soft synths and mellow chords so tangible they almost leak out of one's heart into their headphones.
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Monét's tenacious spirit kept her working on her music during her pregnancy with her sweet, now-three-year-old daughter Hazel. Her work paid off when the release of Jaguar II in 2023 and her hit single "On My Mama" put Monét in the centre stage. The song's addictive nature and rhythm had everyone hitting replay on music platforms.
In an interview with Genius, Monét reveals that she actually felt the opposite of her song's intended purpose. She wanted it to be "a positive affirmation song you can twerk to" but was in a low place, feeling "self doubt" and judging herself—little did she know this song would be the spark that ignited her career, setting her ablaze for the masses to see. The song is a declaration of greatness, loving oneself, and an appreciation for mothers.
At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Victoria Monét won three awards for Best New Artist, Best R&B Artist, and Best Engineered Album for Jaguar II. She was nominated for seven Grammys—the second most nominated artist next to SZA.
“Monét takes fans for a ride on her latest album. From the tranquil psychedelia of “Smoke” with Lucky Daye, to the dancehall-infused party of the Buju Banton collab “Party Girls” and the soft twinkling tones in “How Does It Make You Feel?”—Monét clearly knows how to construct atmosphere.”
The singer impressed fans again with the release of her visuals for the Kaytranada-helmed "Alright". Arguably, the video (and her performance with Teyana Taylor) beautifully capped off the album cycle that's been developing since early 2023.
In Monét's silver screen-inspired opus, she pays homage to many legends, recreating signature moves and artistic expressions from icons like The Jacksons, Britney Spears and TLC. She performs familiar moves from Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" and dons a monochromatic fedora similar to Janet Jackson's in her song "Alright".
If Monét's callbacks weren't enough, the bespoke choreography by Sean Bankhead and visuals make "Alright" a cinematic watch. Monét transitions seamlessly from effeminate glitter and sparkles to a classic 80s-style pinstripe suit, wielding both masculine and feminine iconography.
At 35, Monét's unwavering commitment to her craft has borne fruit. With three Grammys, two BET Awards, and numerous accolades, she is finally receiving her well-deserved recognition and ascending the ladder towards R&B royalty. Monét's journey exemplifies the power of self-belief and resilience. It's a testament to the idea that with persistence, drive, and conviction, anything is possible.
Once a young girl passionate about dance, poetry, and singing, Victoria Monét has evolved into a powerhouse in her prime. Standing alongside the immortalised versions of Janet Jackson in 1993, Rihanna in 2013, and, of course, Usher in 2004—her journey brings our story full circle.
Stream Jaguar II below:
