Victoria Monet

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Victoria Monét was born on May 1, 1989, in Georgia, to her mother, L’Tanya Chestang-Cubit, and an unnamed father. Her parents divorced when she was young, leading her to be raised primarily by her mother and grandmother, Cassaundria Lovett, in Sacramento, California. L’Tanya worked three jobs to support her family, showcasing immense dedication and resilience to provide for Monét and her siblings​

From a young age, Monét displayed a keen interest in performing arts, singing in the church choir and participating in dance teams. Her early exposure to music and performance laid a strong foundation for her future career.

Monét's professional journey began in earnest when she moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Initially, she worked behind the scenes as a songwriter, collaborating with established producers like Rodney Jerkins. Her songwriting talents quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with high-profile artists such as Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, Chloe x Halle, BLACKPINK, Brandy, and Selena Gomez.

Breakthrough and Solo Career

Victoria Monét has been stealthily and steadily trailblazing her own gilded path in music for over a decade. She began her career as a performing artist who expanded her repertoire into producing and songwriting.

Monét's transition from a songwriter to a solo artist was marked by the release of her EP series "Life After Love" in 2018. These projects showcased her ability to blend personal storytelling with rich, melodic R&B sounds. However, her major breakthrough came with the release of her critically acclaimed solo project "Jaguar" in 2020. This project received widespread acclaim and topped iTunes R&B album charts in 66 countries on its release day. It also landed at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and garnered praise from NPR, Pitchfork, Billboard, MTV, The Fader, and more.

"Jaguar" featured hit singles like "Ass Like That," "Moment," and "Experience" featuring Khalid and SG Lewis. The project's success was further bolstered by Monét's engaging visuals and dynamic performances, establishing her as a formidable presence in contemporary R&B.

Recent Achievements and "Jaguar II"

Building on the success of her debut, Victoria Monét released her sophomore album "Jaguar II" in August 2023. The album included collaborations with artists such as Lucky Daye and Buju Banton. Singles like "Smoke" and "On My Mama" gained significant traction, with "On My Mama" amassing 6.1 million streams within the first three weeks of its release. Monét's ability to craft compelling music that resonates with a wide audience continued to be evident with this project.

Monét's live performances also reached new heights, with her first headlining show in Los Angeles selling out in just one minute. She continued to captivate audiences with her appearances at major festivals, including Day N Vegas, Sol Blume, and Made In America. Her performance at Made In America earned her a review that called her a "legend in the making."

In 2023, Monét collaborated with Bryson Tiller, Lucky Daye, and Buju Banton, setting the stage for her highly anticipated debut album, "Jaguar II." Executive produced by herself and longtime collaborator D'Mile, the album has been eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike. Her first solo headlining tour sold out in minutes ahead of the album's release, underscoring the high demand for her music.

2024: A Banner Year

In 2024, Victoria Monét's career reached new pinnacles of success. She won Grammy for Best New Artist, Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, as well as Best R&B Album of the year at the 2024 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most celebrated artists of the year. Her acceptance speech highlighted her perseverance and the long road she traveled to achieve her dreams.

Monét was also honored as the Rising Star at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music awards. This event featured a touching moment where her mother surprised her on stage, adding an emotional layer to her professional achievements.

One of the most exciting projects Monét took on in 2024 was her contribution to the Star Wars universe. She performed the original end-credit song, "Power of Two," for the Star Wars series "The Acolyte." The song was co-written by Monét, Grammy Award-winning producer D’Mile, and composer Michael Abels. Monét expressed her excitement about being part of the iconic franchise, highlighting how honored she felt to contribute to the series

On June 11, 2024, she released the music video for her single "Alright," directed by Dave Meyers and choreographed by Sean Bankhead. The video, full of vibrant visuals and dynamic dance routines.

Personal Life

Victoria Monét's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She shares a deep bond with her boyfriend, fitness trainer John Gaines, and their daughter, Hazel. The family made a notable appearance at the Grammy Awards, with Hazel being the youngest nominee ever for best traditional R&B performance.

Social and Charitable Engagements

Beyond her music, Monét has been actively involved in social causes. She supports initiatives aimed at empowering LGBTQ+ youth and other marginalized communities. Her commitment to using her platform for positive change is evident in her various charitable endeavors.