Victoria Monét, the Atlanta-born and Sacramento-raised R&B sensation behind hits like “On My Mama,” has emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry. While she is currently nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy, Monét’s journey began over a decade ago when she entered the scene as a songwriter.
Born Victoria Monét McCants, the 34-year-old artist has crafted songs for various musicians, showcasing her versatility. Her career took off after a meeting with super-producer Rodney Jerkins, who enlisted her for his girl group, Purple Reign. Although the group faced setbacks, Monét transitioned into songwriting, contributing to Diddy-Dirty Money’s track “I Hate That You Love Me” in 2010.
Monét’s songwriting career, initially pursued for livelihood, quickly gained momentum. Her impressive portfolio includes contributions to songs like Blackpink and Selena Gomez’s “Ice Cream,” T.I., B.o.B., and Kendrick Lamar’s “Memories Back Then,” Chris Brown’s “Everlasting Love,” Nas’s “You Wouldn’t Understand,” Chloe x Halle’s “Do It,” and Brandy’s “Rather Be.”
However, her most noteworthy collaboration has been with pop sensation Ariana Grande. Monét co-wrote several tracks for Grande, beginning with her 2013 debut album “Yours Truly.” Their partnership flourished with Grande’s 2018 album “Thank U, Next,” including the title track and other notable songs like “7 Rings,” “Needy,” “Ghostin’,” and “Make Up.”
In 2019, Monét and Grande’s collaboration reached new heights with the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Monopoly,” marking Monét’s first success as an artist. Their creative synergy continued through Grande’s 2020 album “Positions,” where Monét contributed to tracks like “34+35,” “Love Language,” and “Nasty.”
Monét’s influence on Grande’s music is substantial, and their collaboration has been pivotal for both artists. Despite her chart-topping success with Grande, Monét emphasized the importance of learning from personal experiences and navigating the music industry in real-time.
In a 2023 interview with New York magazine’s Vulture, Monét shared that she never sat down specifically with Grande to discuss industry advice. Instead, she learned through her own journey, stating, “I was a person who didn’t go to college. I just jumped into the field. I think that’s how I learned the best: just going into it and navigating it in real time.”
Aside from her accomplishments in the music industry, Monét has also embraced motherhood. Identifying as bisexual, she welcomed her daughter Hazel in February 2021 with her boyfriend, John Gaines. Hazel, already making history as the youngest-ever Grammy nominee, was featured on “Hollywood,” a track from Monét’s album “Jaguar II.”
“On My Mama,” another standout track from the same album, holds special significance for Monét as it was inspired by her experiences as a new mother. Recorded about six weeks after Hazel’s birth, the song reflects Monét’s journey through postpartum depression and serves as a generational message.
As Monét anticipates the Grammys with seven nominations, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and R&B Album of the Year, her impact on the music industry continues to grow. The artist, who once entered the scene as a songwriter, has now become a celebrated figure in her own right, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and genuine storytelling.
In August, Monét released her breakout studio album, “Jaguar II,” featuring singles like “How Does it Make You Feel,” “Hollywood,” and the Grammy-nominated “On My Mama.” Her undeniable talent and contributions to the music world position Victoria Monét as an artist to watch and a deserving contender for the prestigious Grammy Awards.
As she competes for accolades alongside industry heavyweights, Monét’s journey from songwriter to Grammy-nominated artist is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion for music. The Grammys on February 4 will be a significant moment for Victoria Monét, marking a high point in her career and solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.