BET Awards 2025: How She Took Over R&B – Victoria Monét Edition
Victoria Monét didn’t pop up overnight. She’s been putting in quiet, soulful work for years—penning hits for Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, and countless others while cultivating her own shimmering brand of sensual R&B. But Jaguar II? That was her breakout moment. With her BET Awards 2025 Best Female R&B/Pop Artist nomination and wins already on the books, Victoria didn’t just arrive—she ascended.
Here’s how she climbed from industry secret to full-on R&B royalty.
The Jaguar Era Was a Slow Burn That Lit a Fire
Back in 2020, when Monét dropped Jaguar, it was clear she had something special. The project was retro-futuristic, sexy without trying too hard, and vocally impeccable. It didn’t chart big. It didn’t go viral. But it turned ears. She wasn’t making background music—she was crafting cinematic R&B with rich instrumentation, live horns, and silky vocals that recalled the best of Janet, Aaliyah, and Minnie Riperton.
She understood the aesthetic of R&B. The tone. The layers. And when Jaguar II dropped in 2023, she doubled down on everything that made her first project a fan favorite—only this time, the world was finally watching.
Jaguar II Wasn’t Just a Sophomore Album—It Was a Statement
Jaguar II was a masterclass in musicality. From the moment “Smoke” (featuring Lucky Daye) dropped, the tone was set: this was a grown woman’s R&B, full of confidence, groove, and unapologetic pleasure. “On My Mama” became a breakout hit, blending Houston swag with motherly affirmations and viral choreography that swept TikTok.
The horns, the basslines, the songwriting—this wasn’t formulaic R&B. It was crafted. Every track felt like it belonged on vinyl, but somehow still sounded fresh on Bluetooth speakers.
“Party Girls” with Buju Banton? A dancehall-infused bop. “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”? A bold, funky boundary-setter. “How Does It Make You Feel”? A stunning ballad that proved she’s not just here for vibes—she’s got vocals.
A Visionary With the Pen and the Mic
Before the solo glow-up, Victoria Monét was already one of the industry’s most in-demand writers. She co-wrote “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings.” She helped shape Ariana Grande’s sound. But what makes her solo career special is how different her own voice is from what she crafted for others.
Victoria Monét is at the Top of her Game
Her lyrics are vulnerable but grown. Sexy, but rarely vulgar. There’s a softness in her music, but also a steeliness—like she’s sweet until you cross a line. It’s a rare emotional balance that only a handful of R&B singers have mastered.
She Brought the Performance Back to R&B
Victoria’s stage presence is next-level. Her background in dance shows in every performance—smooth choreography, precise transitions, and an old-school love for showmanship. Her BET Awards 2024 performance of “On My Mama” was instantly legendary: southern nostalgia, Black mamas in glam, and a full marching band moment.
She doesn’t just sing her songs—she embodies them. You’re not just watching a singer, you’re watching an artist who understands the power of stagecraft.
She Made Motherhood Part of the Come-Up
One of the most powerful parts of Victoria Monét’s story? She didn’t hide her motherhood. In fact, she made it part of her brand. Her daughter Hazel appeared in music videos, press interviews, and even stage cameos. She didn’t slow down after giving birth—she leveled up.
In an industry that often sidelines women when they become mothers, Victoria showed you can nurture a child and a career. And not just any career—a flourishing, awards-stacked, genre-defining one.
Victoria Monét took over R&B not with gimmicks—but with grace. With groove. With grit. And her Best Female R&B/Pop Artist nomination at the BET Awards 2025 is proof that talent—real, intentional, time-tested talent—always rises.
Don’t miss Victoria Monét and the women reshaping R&B at the BET Awards 2025, airing live Monday, June 9 at 8PM ET/PT on BET.
