How Victoria Monét found the creative balance to make her best music yet

Victoria Monét is preparing for a career milestone as she joins Bruno Mars for the European leg of his “The Romantic” stadium tour, beginning June 18. For the R&B star, the tour represents a full-circle moment, tracing back to 2013 when she signed her first solo deal at Atlantic Records alongside Mars, whom she viewed as a “guiding light” during her early industry navigation.

Monét’s path to this stage was built on years of persistence, transitioning from a member of the disbanded group Purple Reign to a sought-after “hook girl” for rappers like Nas and Meek Mill. Her songwriting partnership with Ariana Grande—resulting in hits like “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings”—further solidified her industry standing before her own solo career reached new heights with the 2020 breakthrough EP Jaguar and her 2023 debut album, Jaguar II.

Did You Know? Before gaining recognition as a solo artist, Victoria Monét honed her craft by writing for multiple albums by Ariana Grande and contributing hooks to tracks for artists such as B.o.B, Nas, and Meek Mill.

A Shift in Perspective and Creative Growth

The transition to global recognition brought its own set of challenges, including what Monét describes as a “paradigm shift” following her three Grammy wins. Despite the accolades, she faced criticism regarding her age and status as a “new artist,” a narrative she pushed back against by drawing on her 15 years of industry experience. Rather than rushing to capitalize on her Grammy success with immediate new releases, Monét has intentionally slowed her output to ensure her next chapter feels authentic.

Her commitment to personal development extends beyond music. Monét recently graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, a “side hustle” she pursued while simultaneously working on her upcoming album and balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. She views this culinary training as a way to find value in herself outside of traditional industry metrics, helping her maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium.

Expert Insight: Monét’s decision to pursue professional culinary training while managing a high-profile music career reflects a strategic move to decouple her personal identity from public expectations. By creating an “ecosystem” where her creative and personal interests support one another, she is effectively insulating her artistic process from the pressures of industry “tall poppy syndrome.”

Looking Ahead

As Monét hits the road with Mars, fans can expect a deliberate rollout for her second album. Having “soft-launched” the era with the slow jam “Let Me,” she is moving away from short-form content trends in favor of longer, more traditional R&B compositions. Industry observers suggest that her current tour slot could serve as a major platform to introduce this new material to a global stadium audience.

Victoria Monét Talks Features On Upcoming Album, Tour w/ Bruno Mars, Dancers Getting Fair Wages

the upcoming album will offer a deeper, more personal narrative, as Monét has hinted at an “anthemic” track regarding her relationship status and personal freedom. While the specific release date for the full project remains unannounced, her focus remains on delivering her “best work so far” without succumbing to the pressure of rapid-fire releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the connection between Victoria Monét and Bruno Mars?
Monét and Mars were labelmates at Atlantic Records in 2013. Monét has long cited Mars as a “guiding light” and previously sought a support slot for his Silk Sonic project, noting that their musical styles are adjacent.

How did Monét respond to criticism following her Grammy wins?
Monét viewed the criticism as a result of “tall poppy syndrome.” She chose to focus on her long-term ambition, deciding to “go against the grain” by not rushing her next album release to satisfy external expectations.

What is Monét’s current focus outside of music?
Monét recently graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education. She integrated this with her daily routine, which includes early morning workouts like tai chi, weight training, Qigong, and boxing, to maintain a healthy mental and physical balance.

How do you think an artist’s personal interests, such as culinary training, influence the creative direction of their music?