After over a decade of conquering the underground R&B scene, Victoria Monét has broken through to the mainstream. Thanks to Victoria’s breakout hit, “On My Mama” (co-produced by Deputy), critically acclaimed debut studio album Jaguar II, and her snagging multiple Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist), the public is eager to see what’s next.
Although Victoria’s time on the road via her international TheJaguar Tour has ended, supporters can catch her at the 2024 Roots Picnic. But what else is up her animal print sleeve? According to her latest interview, the answer is new music. So, when should we expect it?
When Does Victoria Monét’s Jaguar II Deluxe Album Come Out?
After expressing that she would be ending the Jaguar series, fans could get one last offering by way of a Jaguar II deluxe album. On February 23, during the “Hollywood” singer’s appearance on iHeart Radio’s The New Hit List, Victoria Monét teased the idea.
As she confirmed to host Angelina that Jaguar III is no longer happening, Victoria did spill details about a Jaguar II deluxe project. “I do want to put out a deluxe to ‘Jaguar II,’” she said. “So, we’re working on that…it will be [released] this year.”
The wait is sure to be worth it. Perhaps it will include the never-released tracks with her bestie Ariana Grande.
Victoria also spoke about her future songwriting plans. “I feel like there’s more of an open timeline on writing songs for other people,” she said. “So, I’m more focused on my artistry right now. My schedule doesn’t really allow for much else. But I do want to eventually get back into collaborating… writing with and for other people. Right now, it’s Victoria Monét world. I’ve done a lot of writing previously, so now I’m flipping into a new chapter.”
The landscape of R&B is changing, but producer Jamil Pierce, better known as Deputy, has his finger on the pulse. With credits on tracks by Mikhala Jené, Rihanna, and Ari Lennox, the prolific artist has helped craft a multitude of alternative R&B and melodic hip-hop hits.
This year, Deputy is nominated for two Grammys — Record Of The Year and Best R&B Song, for his work on Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama.” As his resume holds, Deputy has become a go-to collaborator for women in R&B.
Deputy’s love of music traces back to his childhood in Brooklyn, where his days were spent inside his grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s homes, soundtracked by soap operas, and “easy listening” radio stations. Some of his favorites included Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, The BeeGees, Phil Collins, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna.
“I didn’t know half of what they were talking about at the time,” says Deputy. “But the melodies were pretty cool. As a kid, it just developed this love for music.”
As a young talent with an old soul, Deputy always sought to create songs with which, he could form an emotional connection. Having worked on the business side and the creative side of the industry, Deputy has covered his bases, but still has visions for the future of music.
We catch up with Deputy shortly before the Grammys to discuss the current realm of music, and how one of the biggest hits of the past year came together.
One of your first experiences in the industry was working as an intern at JIVE Records. What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned while working on the business side?
Hits keep the lights on. I say that because I was able to see the artists, at that time, come to the office and see how the energy of everyone who worked there changed. Once those artists came into the office, I just noticed everyone’s energy was different. “Oh, Justin Timberlake is here” or “Oh, Britney Spears is here.” Just seeing that made me realize hits make the building move.
You signed to Roc Nation in 2009 as a producer. What made you want to realign your focus from the business side to the creative side?
I did my internship at Jive Records because it was my way to get into the industry. My goal was always to be a music producer. I didn’t know anyone in the industry to get my feet in the door. Once I quit my job at Morgan Stanley and I found that internship, it was just my point of entry into the industry. The purpose is always to be a music producer.
Having worked with Ari Lennox, Rihanna, and Victoria Monét, how do you feel about the current landscape of R&B?
A lot of my R&B songs are with women, but having a balance with a male presence would be fire to just, add something new. I think for me, I would like to inject something new. A new sound, something that’s disruptive and urgent. I love what we’ve done with the genre so far. And I think that we’re at a space right now, where we can add something else to elevate something different.
I get what you’re saying. You don’t necessarily imagine a male-dominated landscape, but you want to bring back that era of the male singers crying in the desert, like in the ‘90s
Yes. 100%. Like, there were a lot of men who showed vulnerability. They showed vulnerability within the music. People wanted things. No one wants anything anymore. Back then, people cried for things, like, “I cry for you. I’ll give you the stars, and moon, and whatever.”
How did you first connect with Victoria Monét?
I first met her a few years ago at a random studio session. I was like, ‘Hey, what’s up? I’m Dep” A few years after that, her manager reached out to me for a session. It was somewhat of a random reach out because I didn’t really know her manager like that. Our very first session was for [the title track to Monét’s 2020 EP] Jaguar, which sparked the whole Jaguar era. But yeah, it was just basically her manager reaching out, saying, “Hey, would you like to do a session with Victoria?” Knowing who she is, and how crazy her pen is, I definitely said “Yeah, let’s do it.” That one reach-out turned into this amazing moment four years later.
Part of the catchiness of “On My Mama” is that Chalie Boy sample. And me, being from Dallas, the original song, “I Look Good,” was always in rotation. So I’ve gotta ask, how did you end up using this sample?
Victoria was writing her verses, and as she’s writing, I’m in my head too. At this point, the beat is the beat is done and it’s just really left for her to do the writing. So, I’m just there chilling, while she writes and she starts singing the verse, so in my mind, I’m like, “Oh my god, this is crazy.” At the same time, I’m hearing “On my mama, on my hood.” Then I’m like, “Yo, Vic, it would be dope if we use [the sample]. I could see her looking at me, and I’m like “We need to do this.” Her genius after that was pretty much just taking the song and interpolating it into her own way. But it really just came off of me just vibing with the track while Victoria was writing.
What was your reaction when you learned the song was nominated for two Grammys?
The day the nominations came out, I was still sleeping. My phone was blowing up, and I didn’t understand why my phone was blowing up. And bro, I was really tired, and I was ignoring the calls. So when I finally realized why everyone kept calling me, it was definitely a surprising moment. I felt extremely grateful. I felt excited. I felt acknowledged. Not only for me, but for Victoria herself, just understanding her journey as a songwriter and as an artist. Seeing her get her flowers was an acknowledgment that she deserved. I didn’t even know the nominations were happening that morning, but it was a grateful feeling for sure.
What do you think is the biggest issue artists are facing today?
Social media, I think, on several levels. Some artists are extremely talented, but they’re not social media savvy. And we’re now in a climate where your personality and your activity on social media precedes everything that you do with your music. So now. you’re known for your antics, you’re known for your colorful personality outside of the music. And some artists that are really talented, they don’t have that other side of the brain working for them where they can do both. So I feel like some artists don’t get a chance to benefit from being amazing artists that the world knows because they don’t really have the personality or they haven’t yet figured out how to be social media savvy.
On the flip side of that, I feel like the artists that are social media savvy, I feel like some of them might lean too much on social media, in terms of the engagement that they get, and may not realize that sometimes that’s not enough. When it’s time to go on tour, your tickets might not be selling as much as you thought, because your social media tells you one thing, but when it’s time to sell tickets, it’s a whole different story. I think social media in some ways affects the artists and if an artist is able to do both, then great. But it can be misleading and it can be a tool. You just have to understand the different pitfalls that come with that.
“On My Mama” has proven to be a viral hit, in both its audio and its visual form. Which avenue do you think is the most valuable for artist? Spotify? YouTube? TikTok? Or something else?
A lot of songs are discovered through TikTok. And it’s crazy, because your song could come out today, and somehow, someway, somebody does something funny a year from now, or two years from now, with that same song, and a challenge or whatever the cool thing is at that point. TikTok can allow you to have a resurgence, even if the song came out two years ago. So I feel like TikTok is probably one of the platforms that allow a lot of discovery to happen for artists and their songs.
What are you most looking forward to with Grammy season?
As of right now, it’s a lot of anxiety — a lot of great anxiety. But I mean, I’m just looking forward to just being in a space with peers that I look up to, and peers that are my friends. And just enjoying the moment with them. And being acknowledged for all the hard work and all of the years that I’ve put into my craft and getting to this level. To be a part of such a prestigious award, like Record Of The Year, just getting that acknowledgment, I want to live in that moment, and I want to enjoy it, and I want to be present.
After a series of delays, Jaguar II, Victoria Monet’s follow-up to 2020’s Jaguar EP is here. The 11-track project is labeled as her “debut album,” enjoying greater publicity and marketing than its predecessor. Released in 2020, Jaguar brought Monét’s shimmery party staples to the bedroom in the midst of a worldwide lockdown. On Jaguar II, however, the songwriter encourages listeners to venture out into the world. Compromised of sharper hooks and sexier lyrics, Monet offers a more shapely, rounded sound.
With each project, Monét continues to garner greater support from dedicated listeners and newcomers, expanding her tight-knit fandom. Jaguar II is simultaneously her most hedonistic and authoritative release to date. Acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, and Kaytranada help push the envelope of her sultry, dance sound — introducing a more confident Monét to the world. Themes of success, sexuality, love, and motherhood are littered all around Jaguar II. In addition to these, a variety of genres proudly call Jaguar II home.
Monét’s debut album is an ode to golden-age disco, as well as R&B. In a remarkable feat, the album transports listeners through a number of decades musically. The maturity in her vocals is also a highlight. Victoria Monet needn’t sing circles around her contemporaries. Her voice’s fullness emits a self-discovery and assurance that compliments every facet of her music.
The Lucky Daye-assisted “Smoke” was the first track sent out into the airwaves. It offered just a glimpse of the golden shimmer that would remain constant all through the project. Monét and Daye comfortably croon about their affinity for the bliss of marijuana. Both singers produce the same laid-back charm that floated on 2018’s “Little More Time.” With five years gone since their initial collaboration, there’s a distinct maturity in both their tones, owing to their respective evolution as artists.
While Jaguar II borrows elements from a plethora of genres, every track circles back to R&B. On “Party Girls” ft. Jamaica’s Buju Banton, Monét drifts over a dancehall and reggaeton beat. The singer’s rapport with club-ready bangers is brilliantly showcased on this track. However, “Party Girls” glows brighter than most because of its timelessness. The song’s nostalgic sound is reminiscent of the rise of the dancehall scene of the 1970s. Furthermore, its modern, sleek production allows for a futuristic twist that keeps it fresh, despite its vintage components.
The third single off Jaguar II is “On My Mama,” the braggadocious Southern banger, is sure to light up any cookout. Monét interpolates Chalie Boy’s classic, “I Look Good,” laced with her signature brassy inclusions. The music video for “On My Mama” is a love letter to the South. It also has all the markings of a 2000s Video of the Year contender. Sean Bankhead’s choreography is a remarkable highlight, with Monét and her dancers in their most swagged out so far. Cameos from Monét’s mom, “Mama Monét,” her daughter Hazel, and Chalie Boy greatly elevate the visuals. Furthermore, the video pays homage to the likes of Ciara and Black culture as a whole.
Victoria Monét is the most determined she’s ever been on Jaguar II. She takes a handle on the narrative of her sexuality on the female empowerment track, “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem).” Songs like “How Does It Make You Feel” breeze through waltz-y ballroom instrumentals and coruscating melodies. The Kaytranada-backed “Alright” is sure to keep the club’s speakers thumping all night, with fierce epicureanism at its core. Even the young Hazel is heard cooing on “Hollywood.” Also featuring Earth, Wind & Fire, the soft, illustrious track is centered around fame. The album’s closer, “Good Bye” is a twinkling, jazzy number. Here, Monét is backed by lush, comforting instrumentals, for a heavenly bow-out. The soulful exit is another perfect example of her growth as a musician. Monét blends antique 80s soul music, with the swing blues and jazz of the 30s and 40s.
Monét amps up the sensuality on Jaguar II, but not at the expense of the songwriting. After all, her first foray into the industry was behind the scenes as a songwriter. Even though she may sometimes use either cutesy or raunchy one-liners to drive home her point, her pen game is never lazy. Jaguar II is a testament to the singer affirming her musical self-discovery. At 11 tracks long, the album is tight, precise, and bold. Romantic ballads sit side by side with dark, canal lyricism, stamping Monét’s security within R&B, pop, and disco music.
Victoria Monét’s highly-anticipated major label debut is nearly here. Jaguar II — its title a call-back to her breakout 2020 EP — promises to be a big release.
Last year after rumors that the Jaguar II would no longer see the light of day, Monét took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update with fans. “Just wanted to say thank you for your patience with JAGUAR II,” she wrote. “If you know me, you know it isn’t without special reason that it isn’t in your ears already & I’m working hard to get it to you the best way! I gotta say, though, I think it’s better than Part I. Respectfully.”
Hii! Just wanted to say thank you for your patience with JAGUAR II. If you know me you know it isn’t without special reason that it isn’t in your ears already & i’m working hard to get it to you the best way!!! I gotta say though, i think its better than part I respectfully
Based on the singles she dropped, fans believe the delay was worth it. Here’s everything we know so far about Victoria Monét’s Jaguar II album.
Release Date
Jaguar II is out 8/25 via RCA Records. Find more information here.
Tracklist
1. “Smoke” Feat. Lucky Daye
2. “Smoke” (Reprise)
3. “Party Girls” Feat. Buju Banton
4. “Alright”
5. “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem)”
6. “How Does It Make You Feel”
7. “On My Mama”
8. “I’m The One”
9. “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”
10. “Hollywood” Feat. Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét
11. “Good Bye”
Features
The confirmed musicians set to make a guest appearance on Jaguar II include Lucky Daye, Buju Banton, Earth, Wind & Fire, and her toddler daughter Hazel Monét. Monét revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the project would feature production from Kaytranada in addition to her frequent collaborator D Mile. The remaining production credits won’t be shared until the album is publicly available.
I present to you: The JAGUAR II TRACKLIST!!!!
I’m so happy to finally share this with you!! Look at these FEATURES screaming..what is life?! from the titles alone, which songs do you think will be your favorites? I’m so curious pic.twitter.com/u21Va3YQae
To kick off the album’s promotion, Monét shared several singles, including “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye, “Party Girls” featuring Buju Banton, and “On My Mama.” All of them had a memorizing official video.
Tour
Beginning next month, Monét will embark on The Jaguar Tour to support the album. View the full tour dates below. Find more information here.
09/06/2023 — Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
09/08/2023 — Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
09/11/2023 — Boston, MA @ Royale
09/13/2023 — New York, NY @ Webster Hall
09/15/2023 — Washington, DC @ The Howard Theatre
09/16/2023 — Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
09/18/2023 — Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
09/19/2023 — Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
09/21/2023 — New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater New Orleans
09/22/2023 — Houston, TX @ House of Blues
09/24/2023 — Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
09/26/2023 — Denver, CO @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
09/28/2023 — Las Vegas, NV @ 24 Oxford
09/29/2023 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
10/01/2023 — San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
10/03/2023 — San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/06/2023 — Portland, OR @ The Wonder Ballroom
10/07/2023 — Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
10/09/2023 — Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
10/11/2023 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
10/22/2023 — Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Victoria Monét’s long-awaited album Jaguar II is mere weeks from its scheduled release date. In just hours, the singer’s supporting The Jaguar Tour sold out across the country, and her stylish new video for the single “On My Mama” showed why fans were eager to grab their tickets. When the record was first shared in June, users online gushed over how she sampled Chalie Boy’s 2008 southern classic “I Look Good.”
So, in the video, Victoria was sure to feature a surprise cameo from the musician, her mother, and her sweet toddler daughter. But that is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what’s honored in the visual. There’s no part of the visual that doesn’t pay homage to Black Southern culture and entertainers. From the oversized white tees, Girbauds jeans, loose durags, letterman jackets, grills, and more, Victoria honors several fashion trends birthed in the South.
That intense attention to detail shows up in the downright excellent choreography cooked up by Sean Bankhead as the pair found a way to incorporate the nostalgic 2000s dance crazes the heel-toe, chicken head, walk it out, crank dat, swag surf, and more without being overly cheesy. Everyday Southern culture is also in the video, including tricked-out rides, Black D9 fraternities, and sororities syncretize strolls (line dances) originated at historically Black colleges and universities, and more.
During an interview with the BBC, the music discussed what motivated her to write the track, saying, “It was the first song I wrote after giving birth that I liked. And that I felt affirmed me and my identity as a beautiful woman. Still valuable. Still worthy.” But, honestly, speaking thanks to the video “On My Mama” has propelled far behind Victoria’s initial self-serving needs.
Watch the video for “On My Mama” above.
Jaguar II is out 8/25 via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Find more information here.
Victoria Monét opts for a bit of 2000s flavor in delivering her new single “On My Mama.” The new release is the latest tease of Monét’s forthcoming sophomore album, Jaguar II.
The single brings in Chalie Boy’s “I Look Good” for a blend of baddie energy delivered through energetic horns, energetic bass and a thumpin 808s.
“On My Mama is the soundtrack to positive affirmations!” says Monét. “Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency and elevate a positive mental state. The words speak not only to physical features but to a feeling too because I believe when you feel good, you look even better! Give yourself the words you need to hear because it’s true – you look good! There’s no one like you and that’s on ya mama. Enjoy being yourself witcha fine ass!”
Victoria Monét continues to tease her upcoming album, Jaguar II. Tonight (June 16), she has shared a special confidence anthem for the ladies.
On her new single, “On My Mama,” Monét recites positive affirmations to herself over a smooth, jazzy beat, while encouraging her lady friends to do the same.
“I put that on my mama, on my hood, I look fly, I look good,” she songs on the song’s chorus, recalling a Texas hip-hop classic.
The chorus interpolates Chalie Boy’s “I Look Good,” then, shortly after, features a sample of the original song.
Over the course of the song, Monét encourages the listener to be their best selves — both inside and out.
“’On My Mama’ is the soundtrack to positive affirmations!” said Monét. “Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency and elevate a positive mental state. The words speak not only to physical features but to a feeling too because I believe when you feel good, you look even better! Give yourself the words you need to hear because it’s true – you look good! There’s no one like you and that’s on ya mama. Enjoy being yourself witcha fine ass!”
I gotta say though, i think its better than part I 
respectfully
from the titles alone, which songs do you think will be your favorites? I’m so curious 
