Kori Barnes 
“On my mama, I look good. I look fly …”
Victoria Monét is living what she’s manifested in her recent hit track “On My Mama.” Although some fans are new to the Monét fandom, other fans have expressed their admiration and excitement for how far she’s come within her career. Despite being in the music industry for over 10 years, she’s finally getting a taste of the stardom that she rightfully deserves.
This Grammy nominated songwriter has been penning hits for artists such as Ariana Grande, Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown, Brandy, Chloe Bailey, and more throughout the past decade while trying to find her footing in the industry as a breakout singer. According to Vulture, “Monét spent what time she could on her own work, releasing four moody, genre-hopping EPs between 2014-18. But they received little notice outside of her small but devoted fanbase. It wasn’t until her 2020 EP Jaguar when whispers about her talent began to amplify. The project landed on several year-end critics’ lists and introduced her work to a broader audience. Yet it still didn’t turn her into the true household name her or her fans had thought it would. The hope is Jaguar II finally will.” Although she’s been in the background patiently awaiting her turn within the music industry, she doesn’t have any regrets for her journey. She realizes that everything falls into place when it’s the right time and she believes it was necessary. This is another theme that she touches on throughout her recent album Jaguar II.
Monét is taking over the remainder of 2023 with her hit album that’s rising on the charts and her hit track “On My Mama.” Fans and audiences immediately rushed to social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and more to recreate the iconic video released for the hit track. This has furthermore pushed her into the spotlight for not only being recognized for her true talent, but effortless dance abilities as well. As the track and music video pays homage to the early 2000s, Monét expresses throughout the track the importance of knowing that you’re the sh*t. According to Rolling Stone, Monét said, “Not to say I’m psychic, but the way that I can write things down and it either becomes a guide for me or manifests what may happen in the future, it’s just really interesting to be able to look and read certain things.” Manifestation was a major theme on Jaguar. “Look what your mind’s imagination can do,” she sang on the project’s opening track “Moment.” This album is not only a love letter to her dreams, but to her fans’ dreams as well.
It’s extremely clear that Monét has paid her rightful dues to the music industry by patiently waiting her turn and grinding in the background, now she’s finally stepping into the spotlight. I think it’s safe to say that this breakout moment is just the beginning for her.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
Help us continue to lift youth voices in their schools and communities. Donate to True Star at: truestarmedia.org/donate.
