Victoria Monét McCants, professionally known as Victoria Monet, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter born on May 1, 1989, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised in Sacramento, California, Monét developed an early interest in the performing arts, participating in stage productions and church choirs. Her passion for music grew as she exchanged poetry with a cousin and eventually began writing her own songs. This burgeoning talent led her to a local recording studio, where she learned about music production and connected with renowned producer Rodney Jerkins via Myspace. Monét moved to Los Angeles to audition for a girl group Jerkins was forming, which eventually led to her joining the short-lived group Purple Reign under Motown Records.
After the disbandment of Purple Reign, Monét transitioned to songwriting to support herself financially while pursuing her musical aspirations. She penned her first significant work for Diddy Dirty Money’s 2010 album “Last Train to Paris.” Her ability to write compelling hooks and her vocal talents quickly made her a sought-after songwriter. This caught the attention of Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman, who signed her to a record deal.
Monét’s songwriting career flourished as she worked with high-profile artists such as Ariana Grande, Nas, Travis Scott, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony, T.I., and Chris Brown. Her collaborations with Grande were particularly notable, with Monét co-writing hits like “Thank U, Next,” “7 Rings,” and “Monopoly.” Her work on Grande’s album “Thank U, Next” earned her three Grammy nominations in 2019, including Album of the Year. This period also saw Monét releasing her own music, including her debut EPs “Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1” (2014) and “Act 2” (2015), which showcased her unique sound blending dark beats with soft melodies.
In 2016, Monét released “Better Days” with Grande in response to societal unrest, and she joined Fifth Harmony on their 7/27 Tour. She continued to gain exposure as she supported Grande on the Dangerous Woman Tour. Her subsequent EPs, “Life After Love, Pt. 1” and “Pt. 2,” released in 2018, delved into personal themes and were well-received by her growing fanbase.
Monét’s breakthrough came with the release of her critically acclaimed EP “Jaguar” in 2020, followed by her debut studio album “Jaguar II” in 2023. The latter album marked her commercial breakthrough, led by the hit single “On My Mama,” which reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. Monét’s artistry was recognized at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where she won Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Monét’s influence extends beyond her music; her dynamic performances and authentic storytelling have earned her accolades, including two Soul Train Music Awards and Billboard’s Women in Music Rising Star Award. Influenced by artists like Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Bob Marley, Monét’s style fuses R&B, pop, soul, and jazz. Her versatility and dedication to her craft have solidified her place as a formidable force in contemporary music.
