Victoria Monet
Victoria Monét is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and producer. From writing hits behind the scenes to winning Grammys with her own music, her journey is one of talent, persistence, and creative evolution.
Introduction
Victoria Monét McCants (professionally Victoria Monét) is a multifaceted American musician: singer, songwriter, and producer. She first gained recognition as a behind-the-scenes writer and collaborator, penning major hits for artists like Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony. Over time she transitioned into a solo artist, releasing EPs and, ultimately, the studio album Jaguar II, which earned her widespread acclaim. Her ascent from supporting roles to center stage shows how creativity, resilience, and vision can transform a career.
Early Life and Origins
Victoria Monét was born on May 1, 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia. She moved as a teenager to Sacramento, California, when her parents relocated.
From a young age, she was involved in the performing arts: singing in her church’s youth choir, participating in dance groups, and staging performances in school.
She attended Sheldon High School in Sacramento, after persuading her mother to change their address so she could qualify for its performing arts program.
These early experiences in singing, dance, and performance helped shape her musical sensibilities and confidence.
Songwriting Beginnings
Before fully stepping into the spotlight, Monét built a reputation as a talented songwriter. Her early work included writing for acts such as Diddy Dirty Money, Fifth Harmony, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and others.
Her collaboration with Ariana Grande is particularly notable: she has co-written songs on nearly every Grande album from Yours Truly (2013) through Positions (2020).
Her behind-the-scenes success gave her industry credibility and creative freedom to grow her own voice.
Solo Career & Artistic Evolution
EPs and Early Releases
Monét released her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1, in October 2014, followed by Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 2 in June 2015. Later, she issued the Life After Love series: Pt. 1 (February 2018) and Pt. 2 (September 2018).
Collaborations and singles from that period helped build her presence as a solo act (for example, Monopoly with Ariana Grande in 2019).
Breakthrough: Jaguar / Jaguar II
In 2020, Monét released the EP Jaguar, which marked a turning point in her solo career and drew critical praise.
Her debut studio album, Jaguar II (2023), became her commercial breakout. Its lead single “On My Mama” achieved a spot within the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards (2024), Monét won Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Thus, the transition from elite collaborator to award-winning solo artist was complete.
Musical Style, Influences & Craft
Monét’s music is rooted in R&B, soul, and pop, interwoven with nuanced production and contemporary flair.
She cites influences like Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Brandy, as well as broader inspirations from jazz, reggae, and pop.
Her songwriting often blends romantic themes, personal reflections, and emotional complexity. She also pays attention to sonic cohesion, vocal layering, and rhythmic dynamics.
Monét is known to balance her role as artist and producer, shaping her sound from conceptual stage through final mix.
Personal Life & Advocacy
Monét publicly came out as bisexual in 2018.
In December 2020, she announced she was expecting her first child with her partner John Gaines. Their daughter, Hazel, was born on February 21, 2021.
Tragically, Hazel made Grammy history: at age two, her laughter was sampled in Monét’s song “Hollywood”, earning Hazel a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance — making her the youngest nominee ever.
In 2024, Monét disclosed that she had connected with her father for the first time in her 20s and spent her first Father’s Day with him.
By September 2024, she confirmed that she and John Gaines had ended their romantic relationship (while continuing co-parenting).
Monét has also been vocal about being a woman in the music industry, the challenges of balancing motherhood and artistry, and the importance of authenticity.
Awards & Recognition
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Multiple Grammy Awards (notably three in 2024)
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Recognition as a songwriter and hitmaker behind major pop and R&B tracks
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Critical praise for her solo work, especially Jaguar and Jaguar II
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Increasing prominence as a headlining performer and creative force
Selected Quotes & Lyrics
While Monét is more often quoted via her lyrics, a few lines and statements stand out:
“What about them fancy cars? What about them diamond rings? F what you saying! We just trying to get the finer things. Hoping for the better, running ’till there’s nothing left.”
— Backyard
“Keep on running for the thrill if it gets you high.”
— For The Thrill (feat. B.o.B)
“People go hard with the scams. Make sure you know who you're working with and what the contract says.”
— Victoria Monét (quoted)
“One time I was performing so hard that I chipped my tooth on the microphone. For the rest of the show I was afraid to smile because I wasn't sure how much of my tooth was gone.”
— Victoria Monét (quoted)
These words show her candor, vulnerability, and attention to both artistry and business.
Lessons from Victoria Monét
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Start behind the scenes, but don’t stay hidden.
Monét’s path through songwriting gave her credibility and contacts, allowing her to build toward her own artistic identity. -
Persistence pays off.
Years of writing, demoing, releasing EPs, and refining her sound led to breakthrough success. -
Control your narrative.
As both artist and producer, Monét shapes her image, sound, and choices—rather than letting others dictate them. -
Balance creativity and pragmatism.
Her business-minded statements about contracts show that artistic passion must be paired with awareness. -
Vulnerability can be strength.
She shares personal struggles, motherhood, insecurities—making her music more relatable and meaningful. -
Evolve authentically.
Her growth from songwriter to solo artist wasn’t overnight or forced—it unfolded naturally as her voice demanded more space.
Conclusion
Victoria Monét’s story is one of transformation: from gifted writer behind the hits of others to celebrated solo artist commanding her own spotlight. Her dedication, musical intelligence, and emotional authenticity set her apart. As she continues to evolve, release music, and influence a new generation, her career offers a model of how talent, strategy, and integrity can combine.