Victoria Monét has captivated the music world with her own artistry, particularly with the acclaimed single “On My Mama” and album Jaguar II. However, before stepping into the spotlight as a performer, Monét was a prolific force behind the scenes, crafting hits for some of the biggest names in music. Her journey began with a deep love for poetry, a passion she shared with family, ultimately leading her to producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. This connection propelled her into the music industry, initially as part of the girl group Purple Reign. Despite the group’s setback of being dropped by Motown before releasing music, Monét’s determination didn’t waver. She pivoted to songwriting, using her lyrical talent to create demos and hooks, aiming to catch the ear of industry executives. Her talent was undeniable, and Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman recognized her star power, offering her a record deal. Even as she embarked on her solo career, Monét continued to shape the soundscape of popular music as a songwriter, lending her pen to tracks for Fifth Harmony, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, and the iconic Ariana Grande. A Grammy Award winner, Monét’s songwriting discography is extensive and impressive. Here, we spotlight 13 songs you likely didn’t realize were penned by the incredibly talented Victoria Monét.
1. I Hate That You Love Me by Diddy – Dirty Money
https://tidal.com/browse/track/5216712
Victoria Monét’s professional songwriting career ignited with “I Hate That You Love Me,” a collaboration for Diddy – Dirty Money. This supergroup, featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kalenna Harper, and Dawn Richard, provided Monét with her first major songwriting credit. This track, featured on their album Last Train To Paris, marked the beginning of Monét’s influential journey behind the music.
2. 34+35 by Ariana Grande
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6_iQvaIjXw
Building on their successful partnership with 2019’s Thank U, Next, Ariana Grande and Victoria Monét, longtime collaborators and friends, reunited for Grande’s sixth studio album, Positions. Monét’s songwriting prowess is evident across six tracks on this album, including the playfully suggestive hit, “34+35.” This song showcases Monét’s ability to craft catchy and clever lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.
3. Reflection by Fifth Harmony
https://tidal.com/browse/track/40475834
Fifth Harmony, formed on “The X Factor (U.S.),” made a significant impact with their debut album Reflection in 2015. The album’s title track, “Reflection,” is a powerful anthem of self-love and empowerment, co-written by Victoria Monét. The song’s uplifting message and catchy melody contributed to its popularity and solidified Monét’s reputation as a songwriter capable of creating impactful songs for girl groups.
4. On The Way by TWENTY88
https://tidal.com/browse/track/77622161
TWENTY88, the duo of Big Sean and Jhené Aiko, released their self-titled collaborative album in 2016, blending jazz, 90s R&B, and 70s soul influences. “On The Way,” a standout track from this project, was brought to life with Victoria Monét’s songwriting talent. The song poignantly captures the feeling of longing and desire between partners separated by distance, showcasing Monét’s versatility in writing for different musical styles.
5. Do It by Chloe x Halle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9HIaGcBocc
Before Chlöe and Halle Bailey achieved individual stardom, they collaborated with Victoria Monét on “Do It” for their second album, Ungodly Hour. This song marked a significant milestone for Chloe x Halle, becoming their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Driven by its infectious energy, memorable lyrics, and viral TikTok dance trend, “Do It” exemplifies Monét’s knack for creating songs that are both commercially successful and culturally relevant.
6. 7 Rings by Ariana Grande
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYh6mYIJG2Y
“7 Rings,” another collaboration between Ariana Grande and Victoria Monét, became a chart-topping sensation, symbolizing female empowerment and luxury. Monét’s songwriting contribution played a crucial role in shaping the song’s distinctive vibe and widespread appeal. “7 Rings” dominated both the Billboard Hot 100 and global charts, further cementing Monét’s status as a sought-after songwriter and Grande’s position as a leading pop artist.
7. Drunk Texting by Chris Brown featuring Jhené Aiko
https://tidal.com/browse/track/33907973
Featured on Chris Brown’s 2014 album X, “Drunk Texting” is a compelling duet with Jhené Aiko, enhanced by Victoria Monét’s songwriting input. The song’s relatable lyrics, exploring the pitfalls of late-night, alcohol-induced communication, resonated with listeners. “Drunk Texting” adds a layer of modern romantic complexity to Chris Brown’s diverse musical catalog, showcasing Monét’s ability to tap into contemporary themes.
8. On The Way by Jhené Aiko featuring Mila J
https://tidal.com/browse/track/148885690
The deluxe edition of Jhené Aiko’s Chilombo included a special track: “On The Way,” a collaboration with her sister Mila J, co-written by Victoria Monét. This marked the first official commercial release featuring both sisters. The song offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the sisters’ personal lives, exploring private vulnerabilities within a bedroom setting, highlighting Monét’s skill in crafting deeply personal and relatable narratives.
9. Little More Time by Lucky Daye
https://tidal.com/browse/track/142814917
Lucky Daye’s “Little More Time” showcases his soulful vocal style and emotionally rich lyrics, further enhanced by Victoria Monét’s songwriting contributions. While not a chart-topping hit, the song garnered praise for its artistic depth and emotional resonance. The combination of Daye’s soulful delivery and Monét’s creative input resulted in a captivating listening experience, appealing to fans of introspective and soulful music.
10. thank u, next by Ariana Grande
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl1aHhXnN1k
The title track from Thank U, Next, co-written with Victoria Monét, became a defining moment in pop culture, propelling Ariana Grande to even greater heights and demonstrating Monét’s versatility as a songwriter. “thank u, next” topped the Billboard Hot 100, broke records, and became a widely embraced anthem about growth and lessons learned from past relationships. Its honest lyrics and infectious melody resonated with fans globally, marking a significant achievement for both artists.
11. Rather Be by Brandy
https://tidal.com/browse/track/334011619
“Rather Be,” a standout track from Brandy’s 2020 album B7, co-written by Monét, was celebrated for its emotive lyrics and Brandy’s signature soulful vocals. Adding depth to the album’s R&B landscape, “Rather Be” stands as another notable collaboration in Victoria Monét’s impressive songwriting portfolio, highlighting her ability to contribute to classic R&B sounds.
12. Déjà Vu by Coco Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t40HLe5uamM
Victoria Monét’s songwriting talent extends across genres, evidenced by “Déjà Vu,” which she wrote for Coco Jones in 2013. This song, a blend of pop and R&B, introduced a new thematic direction in Jones’ music, exploring romance and nostalgia with Monét’s distinctive artistic touch. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics demonstrate Monét’s flexibility and skill in crafting hits across different musical styles.
13. Memories Back Then by T.I. featuring Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B. and Kris Stephens
https://tidal.com/browse/track/22582074
In 2013, T.I. released “Memories Back Then,” a powerful track featuring Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B., and Kris Stephens, with a memorable hook crafted by Victoria Monét. Although originally intended for T.I.’s eighth studio album, the song faced delays due to sample clearance issues and ultimately wasn’t included on the final tracklist. Despite this, “Memories Back Then” remains a testament to Monét’s ability to create impactful hooks for diverse artists and genres.
Victoria Monét’s journey from aspiring poet to Grammy-winning artist and sought-after songwriter is a testament to her immense talent and perseverance. While she is now rightfully celebrated for her solo work, understanding the breadth of songs Victoria Monét wrote for other artists reveals the depth and range of her artistry and her significant contribution to contemporary music. Explore these songs and delve deeper into the impressive catalog of Victoria Monét, a true architect of modern sound.
