Victoria Monét’s Journey to R&B Stardom: From Underdog to Grammy Sensation
Victoria Monét, long regarded as an underdog in the music industry, has defied expectations on her path to becoming a triple threat. Since 2009, when she pursued her musical aspirations from Sacramento to Los Angeles, she has predominantly operated behind the scenes as a songwriter, contributing her talents to artists like Ariana Grande and Chloe x Halle. Despite spending much of her career in the shadows, Monét never lost sight of her personal goals as a solo artist. Her solo endeavors, marked by a series of EPs, hinted at R&B greatness but struggled to make a significant impact with audiences.
Reflecting on her journey, the 34-year-old artist acknowledges the challenges of being perceived only in relation to other artists. However, with the release of her debut full-length album, “Jaguar II,” in August, Monét found herself catapulted into the limelight. The album featured the confidently cool single “On My Mama,” which not only became her first headlining single to top a Billboard chart but also set the stage for her inaugural headlining tour. The success of the album was further underscored by Monét’s seven Grammy nominations for the 2024 awards, including prestigious categories such as Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
For Monét, the Grammy nominations signaled the end of her underdog story and era. The artist, who had previously been nominated for her contributions to Grande’s “Thank U, Next” and Chloe x Halle’s “Do It,” expressed shock and joy at being recognized for her own music. Adding to the triumph, her two-year-old daughter Hazel, featured on the single “Hollywood” alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, became the youngest Grammy nominee in history in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category.
While Monét remains unsure of the specific factors contributing to her sudden rise, whether it be singing, dancing, songwriting, or a combination of all, it is evident that her musical prowess is at the core. “Jaguar II” reimagines classic ’70s R&B elements, showcasing Monét’s versatility, from the smooth funk groove of “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye to the nostalgic brass of “How Does It Make You Feel.” Monét, a multi-hyphenate with roots in dance and inspiration drawn from icons like Janet Jackson, sees this success as just the beginning.
Despite releasing her first project in 2014, Monét envisions a future beyond her “Jaguar” series, originally conceived as a trilogy. She opted for a deluxe version of the second installment, aiming to attract more fans along the way. Looking ahead, Monét expresses excitement for the journey, emphasizing that she feels the momentum is definitely uphill. Her aspirations extend to a lasting career and, perhaps, a Vegas residency at the age of 70.
Victoria Monét Proves Why She’s a Triple Threat: ‘I Feel Like It’s Definitely Uphill Right Now’ https://t.co/XUtEJU2ceI
— Variety (@Variety) December 1, 2023