Victoria Monét: influences, peers and legacy

Every connection with its receipt

Victoria Monét spent a decade as an in-demand songwriter — notably for Ariana Grande — before Jaguar and Jaguar II reframed her as a vintage-funk auteur with a producer's ear. This mix traces the 1970s soul-orchestra DNA, the Sacramento and Bay Area ground she came from, the blaxploitation-era glamour that shapes her visuals, and the writing-room partnerships that built the records.

The Kynda mix for Victoria Monét

• Key Influence · The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson (1997). Monét has repeatedly named Janet Jackson as her north star, and the debt is structural: breathy conversational vocals layered into thick stacks, interludes and spoken fragments stitching an album into a narrative, and choreography treated as part of the songwriting rather than promotion. The Velvet Rope's frankness about sex, desire and depression is the template Jaguar II works from, down to the way intimacy is whispered over heavy rhythm beds.}
• Influencia Obscura · I Look Good by Chalie Boy (2009). Monét's biggest hit, "On My Mama," is built directly on this Texas regional rap record, lifting its swaggering "I look good, I know I look good" hook and turning a Houston street anthem into a self-affirmation chorus. Chalie Boy was a mixtape-circuit MC from Hearne, Texas whose track was a Southern radio sleeper; the interpolation sent a long-overlooked song to a Grammy stage as Record of the Year nominee.
• Local Roots · My Ghetto Report Card by E-40 (2006). Monét grew up in Sacramento and the greater Bay Area, where E-40's hyphy movement was the dominant local sound of her adolescence — slap-heavy bass, regional slang, independent hustle as business model. That rhythmic bounce surfaces in the swing of "On My Mama" and in her comfort letting hip-hop cadence sit inside polished R&B arrangements rather than quarantining the two.
• Beyond the Medium · Foxy Brown by Jack Hill (1974). The Jaguar era's visual language — animal print, gold, afro silhouettes, a woman in total command of the frame — draws on 1970s blaxploitation heroines, with Pam Grier as the archetype. Those films also gave soul music its most lavish scoring tradition, and Monét's choice to pair live funk instrumentation with cinematic self-presentation treats the album rollout as a period picture with herself as leading lady.
• Peer · Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan (2021). Released months after Jaguar, Heaux Tales shares its project: a short, interlude-threaded R&B record about Black women's desire and agency, built on live instrumentation and vocal arrangement rather than trend-chasing production. Both records anchored the early-2020s critical argument that album-length, writer-led R&B could win Grammys again, and both artists came up as songwriters before fronting their own work.
• From the Canon · Jaguar by Victoria Monét (2020). Her fifth EP and the turning point: conceived as the first part of a larger work, it abandoned contemporary radio production for live 1970s funk and soul instrumentation with D'Mile. "Moment of Fortune" and "Ass Like That" established the formula — bass-forward grooves, layered harmony, frank sensuality — that the critical establishment finally heard, after years of her writing hits credited to other people.
• Key Collaborator · Table for Two by Lucky Daye (2021). D'Mile (Dernst Emile II) is Monét's primary production partner, the architect of Jaguar and Jaguar II's live-band sound. This duets EP, which he produced for Lucky Daye, won a Grammy and showcases the same instincts: real rhythm sections, lush chord movement, vocals arranged like a horn section. Hearing his work with another singer clarifies how much of the Jaguar palette is a shared authorship.
• Legacy · What I Didn't Tell You by Coco Jones (2022). Coco Jones arrived in the lane Monét helped reopen: traditional, vocally virtuosic R&B with live-leaning production and no interest in pop crossover compromise. She has spoken warmly about Monét as part of the cohort proving that classic-sounding R&B could win awards again, and the two emerged as the faces of the genre's early-2020s Grammy resurgence alongside each other.

What influenced Victoria Monét

• Bruno Mars (2004). The article states that Mars's music and showmanship inspired Victoria Monét. (also via Jaguar II, Victoria Monét) “His music and showmanship have inspired AJ Mitchell , [ 328 ] Benny Dayal , [ 329 ] Dua Lipa , [ 330 ] KiDi , [ 331 ] Lee Brice , [ 332 ] Lucky Daye , [ 333 ] Meghan Trainor , [ 334 ] Rauw Alejandro , [ 335 ] Selena Gomez , [ 336 ] Shawn…” (Wikipedia)
• Brandy. The article identifies Brandy as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. (also via Never Say Never, Rather Be) “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Beyoncé. The article identifies Beyoncé as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. (also via Lemonade) “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Earth, Wind & Fire. The article names Earth, Wind & Fire among Monét's cited influences. (also via That's the Way of the World) “She also cited pop influence from Michael Jackson and Coldplay , while soul and jazz from Earth, Wind & Fire and Sade .” (Wikipedia)
• Janet Jackson (1966). The article identifies Janet Jackson as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. (also via The Velvet Rope) “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Sade. The article names Sade among Monét's cited influences. “She also cited pop influence from Michael Jackson and Coldplay , while soul and jazz from Earth, Wind & Fire and Sade .” (Wikipedia)
• Ne-Yo (1998). Monét named Ne-Yo as a model for combining songwriting and performing careers. “Monét mentioned The-Dream , Ne-Yo and Smokey Robinson as an inspiration for "having both a successful songwriting career and a successful artist career".” (Wikipedia)
• Lemonade by Beyoncé. Monét identified Beyoncé's Lemonade as an inspiration for her visual-album work. “She referred to Beyoncé 's Lemonade and Kanye West 's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as inspirations for her works for visual album .” (Wikipedia)
• Destiny's Child (1990). The article identifies Destiny's Child as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson (1997). The Velvet Rope (Janet Jackson) — titan for Victoria Monét “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Brandy, and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• That's the Way of the World by Earth, Wind & Fire (1975). That's the Way of the World (Earth, Wind & Fire) — titan for Victoria Monét “She also cited pop influence from Michael Jackson and Coldplay, while soul and jazz from Earth, Wind & Fire and Sade.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• The-Dream (1995). Monét named The-Dream as a model for combining songwriting and performing careers. “Monét mentioned The-Dream , Ne-Yo and Smokey Robinson as an inspiration for "having both a successful songwriting career and a successful artist career".” (Wikipedia)
• Alicia Keys. The article identifies Alicia Keys as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Never Say Never by Brandy (1998). Never Say Never (Brandy) — titan for Victoria Monét “Throughout her career, Monét has worked on songs and albums for other high-profile acts including Nas, Travis Scott, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Chrisette Michele, Brandy, Coco Jones, Chloe x Halle and Chris Brown.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Mariah Carey. The article identifies Mariah Carey as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Smokey Robinson. Monét named Smokey Robinson as a model for combining songwriting and performing careers. “Monét mentioned The-Dream , Ne-Yo and Smokey Robinson as an inspiration for "having both a successful songwriting career and a successful artist career".” (Wikipedia)
• Coldplay (1999). Monét cited Coldplay as a pop influence. “She also cited pop influence from Michael Jackson and Coldplay , while soul and jazz from Earth, Wind & Fire and Sade .” (Wikipedia)
• Bob Marley. The article says Monét drew childhood influence from listening to Bob Marley. “From her childhood she took influences from reggae listening to Bob Marley and Buju Banton .” (Wikipedia)
• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West (2010). Monét identified Kanye West's album as an inspiration for her visual-album work. “She referred to Beyoncé 's Lemonade and Kanye West 's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as inspirations for her works for visual album .” (Wikipedia)
• Aaliyah (1989). The article identifies Aaliyah as a musical and vocal influence Monét has cited. “Monét has frequently cited R&B/pop female artists such as Aaliyah , Janet Jackson , Destiny's Child , Beyoncé , Mariah Carey , Brandy , and Alicia Keys as major musical and vocal influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Buju Banton. The article says Monét drew childhood influence from listening to Buju Banton. “From her childhood she took influences from reggae listening to Bob Marley and Buju Banton .” (Wikipedia)
• Michael Jackson. Monét cited Michael Jackson as a pop influence. “She also cited pop influence from Michael Jackson and Coldplay , while soul and jazz from Earth, Wind & Fire and Sade .” (Wikipedia)
• I Look Good by Chalie Boy (2009). I Look Good (Chalie Boy) — ghost for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• Mahogany by Berry Gordy (1975). Mahogany (Berry Gordy) — culture for Victoria Monét (themoviedb.org)
• Foxy Brown. Foxy Brown (Jack Hill) — culture for Victoria Monét (themoviedb.org)
• Soul Train by Don Cornelius (1971). Soul Train (Don Cornelius) — culture for Victoria Monét (themoviedb.org)
• Irons in the Fire by Teena Marie (1980). Irons in the Fire (Teena Marie) — ghost for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)

Peers and kindred spirits

• Ariana Grande. Monét frequently collaborated with Grande as a songwriter. (also via 7 Rings, Let Me Love You, Be Alright) “Monét became a frequent collaborator of singer Ariana Grande , having co-written songs for each of her studio albums from her debut Yours Truly (2013) up to her sixth, Positions (2020).” (Wikipedia)
• Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande (2019). Thank U, Next (Ariana Grande) — collaborator for Victoria Monét “The chart-topping singles she made with Grande and a core girl squad that includes Tayla Parx and Njomza — "Thank U, Next," the no-holds-barred inventory of Grande's recent exes, and "7 Rings," a no-shame ode to buying yourself all the s…” (Billboard)
• Memories Back Then by T.I., B.o.B and Kendrick Lamar. The song appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “In 2013, T.I. released "Memories Back Then" — a powerful track featuring Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B. and Kris Stephens' soulful vocals. Monét added her magic to the mix, creating an unforgettable hook.” (REVOLT)
• Reflection by Fifth Harmony. Reflection appears in the article's list of Fifth Harmony songs Monét co-wrote. “Among the project’s standout songs was the title track penned by Monét . The anthem celebrated self-love and empowerment, as the singers uplifted themselves with affirmations and praise.” (REVOLT)
• Purple Reign by Purple Reign. The article identifies Purple Reign as the group for which Monét auditioned; elsewhere it states she performed in Jerkins's group. “Shortly afterwards, he invited her to come to Los Angeles and audition for a new girl group he was forming, Purple Reign .” (Wikipedia)
• You Wouldn't Understand by Nas. The Nas song appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “You Wouldn't Understand - song and lyrics by Nas, Victoria Monét | Spotify You Wouldn't Understand Nas Life Is Good (Muve Sessions) 2012” (Spotify)
• I Hate That You Love Me by Diddy Dirty Money. Monét helped write Diddy Dirty Money's song. “Her first songwriting placement came on Diddy Dirty Money’s “I Hate That You Love Me,” which opened the doors for her to write for other artists.” (HuffPost)
• Visual Love by Chrisette Michele. The Chrisette Michele song appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “"Visual Love" was written by Chrisette Michele, Victoria Monét and produced by Rex Rideout, TBHits, Travis Sayles.” (SongLyrics)
• Do It by Chloe x Halle. Monét co-wrote Chloe x Halle's Do It. “Together, the three artists penned “Do It” for Chloe x Halle's second studio album, Ungodly Hour .” (REVOLT)
• Ice Cream by Blackpink and Selena Gomez. Ice Cream appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “Victoria brought up the subject ‘ice cream’ and started humming melodies that we then started writing lyrics to together in the room. From that point on we had a great back and forth of ideas for the first half of the song that was done …” (Genius)
• Rather Be by Brandy. Brandy's Rather Be appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “A standout from Brandy’s 2020 album, B7 , the Monét-co-written "Rather Be" was praised for its emotive lyrics and the Vocal Bible’s soulful voice.” (REVOLT)
• Drunk Texting by Chris Brown. The song appears in the article's list of works Monét co-wrote. “Appearing on Chris Brown's 2014 album X , "Drunk Texting" is a captivating collaboration between Brown and Aiko. The track is loved for its candid lyrics, which resonate with fans of Brown's smooth vocals and Monét's seductive charm.” (REVOLT)
• Lucky Daye (1985). Daye explicitly says he collaborated with Victoria Monét. (via Victoria Monét, Table for Two) “I know I’ve [collaborated with] Victoria Monét first,” (Genius)
• D'Mile. Monét began songwriting in tandem with D'Mile. “After performing as part of a short-lived girl group formed by record producer Rodney Jerkins , she took to songwriting and began doing so in tandem with Jerkins and his associate, D'Mile .” (Wikipedia)
• 7 Rings by Ariana Grande. Davis names “7 Rings” among the singles Monét made with Grande and their collaborators. “The chart-topping singles she made with Grande and a core girl squad that includes Tayla Parx and Njomza — "Thank U, Next," the no-holds-barred inventory of Grande's recent exes, and "7 Rings," a no-shame ode to buying yourself all the s…” (Billboard)
• Let Me Love You by Ariana Grande. Monét co-wrote Grande's song Let Me Love You. “she helped pen "I Hate That You Love Me" by Diddy Dirty Money [ 37 ] and went on to co-write songs such as " Be Alright ", " Let Me Love You ", " Thank U, Next ", and "Monopoly" (featuring Monét) by Ariana Grande” (Wikipedia)
• Be Alright by Ariana Grande. Monét co-wrote Grande's song Be Alright. “she helped pen "I Hate That You Love Me" by Diddy Dirty Money [ 37 ] and went on to co-write songs such as " Be Alright ", " Let Me Love You ", " Thank U, Next ", and "Monopoly" (featuring Monét) by Ariana Grande” (Wikipedia)
• Rodney Jerkins (1993). Monét began songwriting in tandem with Jerkins. “After performing as part of a short-lived girl group formed by record producer Rodney Jerkins , she took to songwriting and began doing so in tandem with Jerkins and his associate, D'Mile .” (Wikipedia)
• Table for Two by Lucky Daye. Table for Two (Lucky Daye) — collaborator for Victoria Monét “On March 24, 2023, Monét released the track "Smoke" featuring Lucky Daye, as her first new single since 2021.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• CTRL by SZA (2017). Ctrl (SZA) — peer for Victoria Monét “In the meantime, SZA appeared on the songs "IRL" by Lizzo, "Take Me Dancing" by Doja Cat, "PT Cruiser" by Moruf, "Girl, Get Up" by Doechii, "Boy in Red" by Isaiah Rashad, "Is It Cool?" by Steve Lacy, and "See You in My Dreams" by Victori…” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Shea Butter Baby by Ari Lennox (2019). Shea Butter Baby (Ari Lennox) — peer for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• The Way It Is by Keyshia Cole (2005). The Way It Is (Keyshia Cole) — geography for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• Thizzelle Washington by Mac Dre (2002). Thizzelle Washington (Mac Dre) — geography for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• Harlan & Alondra by Buddy (2018). Harlan & Alondra (Buddy) — collaborator for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan (2021). Heaux Tales (Jazmine Sullivan) — peer for Victoria Monét (musicbrainz.org)
• My Ghetto Report Card by E-40 (2006). My Ghetto Report Card (E-40) — geography for Victoria Monét

Who Victoria Monét influenced

• What I Didn't Tell You by Coco Jones (2022). What I Didn't Tell You (Coco Jones) — legacy for Victoria Monét “Throughout her career, Monét has worked on songs and albums for other high-profile acts including Nas, Travis Scott, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Chrisette Michele, Brandy, Coco Jones, Chloe x Halle and Chris Brown.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Public Displays of Affection: The Album by Muni Long (2022). Public Displays of Affection: The Album (Muni Long) — legacy for Victoria Monét