In an incredibly stacked week for music, maybe it seemed hard to wade through releases to find the best new R&B. However, big drops from a lot of rising and established stars made that hardly the case, but we rounded them all up for this week’s R&B Season playlist in the event that you missed anything. Moreover, we had a lot of albums and EPs in particular to talk about and highlight, plus a few singles that have us excited for these artists’ next full-length moves. First up is Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama,” a confident and soulful cut to add to her great repertoire. The gorgeous horns, wavy guitar, funky bass, and the singer’s own melodic and harmonic excellence make this a great journey of a track to sink into that undergoes a lot of progression.
In addition, we also had another single this week, but one that leans more into classic R&B sounds and melodies. ASTN and Alex Vaughn came through for a sultry duet titled “How Soon,” accentuated with soft guitar plucks and a slow snap beat that eventually works in some trap-like hi-hats. Furthermore, the two artists show a lot of chemistry towards the latter half of the song. They ask us how soon is too soon to move on from a past love, and it’s a more comforting track than that subject matter suggests.
Next up are a few great projects that dropped over the week. For example, there’s Ambré’s who’sloving you? EP, a collection of five pretty varied tracks that go beyond what’s considered traditional R&B. Specifically, we had to highlight the track “MUSE FREESTYLE” for its atmosphere, excellent vocal performance, and creatively put-together beat. In fact, Ambré also appeared on PHABO’s latest album Don’t Get Too Cozy, which came out this week as well. We recommend the cut “Luv Songs (Unruly)” for its sensual production and versatile leading vocals from the San Diego-born artist.
Finally, there’s Kiana Ledé’s album Grudges, which is chock-full of standouts and inviting tunes. While there are many to pick from, we think “Gone” with Bryson Tiller is a funky and immediate addition to any summer vibes playlist. Also, if you want to hear the Arizona native tackle a more traditional instrumental, “LMK” is right there waiting for you. Let us know what was you favorite R&B release of the week in the comments below. As always, come back to HNHH for more updates on the latest great music each week.
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!”
Songibrd Victoria Monét is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Her musical talents are one thing, but she commands attention when she hits the stage. The Georgia-born, California-raised singer-songwriter has been working on her craft since childhood. Around 2010, the dancer began exploring other avenues, and after taking a shot at writing poetry, a new skill developed.
Since that time, Monét has catapulted into the industry. Her songwriting and production credits include the likes of Ariana Grande, Chrisette Michele, Fifth Harmony, Brandy, and Chloe x Halle—just to name a few. This week, Victoria shared her latest single, “Party Girls,” featuring music icon Buju Banton. With her forthcoming album Jaguar Pt. II on the horizon, Monét sits down with Zane Lowe for Apple Music 1 and details what’s coming in her next season. Read through a few takeaways below.
Victoria Monét Talks “Party Girls”
“So it actually started with just a bassline that was playing in the studio. It was one of those nights where we were doing a couple ideas, and for some reason, I heard it…He heard it really musically and soulful, and I heard it in a Caribbean influence. And we didn’t see eye to eye on it at first. But he was like, I understand afterward, when it all came together.”
“So then it became this multi-version song, where there’s transitions in different … The hook only plays the way you hear it the first time, once, and there are transitions. And then Buju’s part sounds so big and epic…we actually went to Jamaica to shoot the video, and when we were there…my mom is the one who actually introduced me to Buju, and I just remember his voice… I couldn’t forget it. I was like, ‘Who is that? Who is my mom listening to?’”
All About Jaguar Pt. II
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Victoria Monét attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
“You know what? I feel really lucky that, even from Jaguar Part One, I had planned for it to be a three-part project. So this album … This album is called Jaguar Part Two … so it really kind of breathes new life into Part One. If you’re just now catching onto me as an artist, it’s because it’s Part Two, that there was a Part One, so you may revisit it.
“When I do tour this album, I will be doing songs from Part One, as well. So, I feel like… because I’m still in this era, I get to still show love. It really became a result of observation of people’s attention span. And I know that, if people are just getting an introduced to an artist, if they see a long list, a long album, they may get kind of overwhelmed. So, I kind of always intended to microdose my style and my music to people in segments. But as I went on, I just kind of kept adding songs to those little segments. I know that there won’t be a Part Three anymore, because obviously, didn’t expect to take three years in between Part One and Part Two, or have a child in between.”
How Victoria Monét Navigates The Industry
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 06: Victoria Monét performs onstage during ‘Take Pride’ Live! presented by Indeed at The Rainbow Room on June 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Indeed)
“It feels like a movie to me. It feels like the plot is thick. And if I were to look backwards, I know why certain things happened, positive or negative, but I wouldn’t know that until I get to the end. So within … navigating the music industry, there was times where I was miserable and burnt out. And there was also times where I felt so elated and naturally high just because of whatever was going on, or the song that I made, or the success that it had, or the way it made people feel.”
“It’s just kind of like a rollercoaster and a movie, and so, when I look back on it at the end of my life, I just want it to be filled with mostly happiness… I bleed music. It’s just what I really love to do. So it’s almost just like my skin, I’m not really going to change it, it’s just what I am and what I love.”
Selling Out Her First Headlining Tour In One Minute
“I feel really, really excited. Just doing my first headlining tour, it sold out in one minute. Insane. My mom called me, she was like, ‘Victoria, I can’t get tickets.’ I was like, mom, come on, I got yours. I got yours, I promise you can come. But it was just very crazy. I’m so, so excited to put out this next project, I’m already wanting to work on the next one, because I know that… once tours happens, I’m going to want to start doing the next phase. So, I just want to get into the creative process already, now. And I kind of have the concept for the next era, as well, so I’m really excited to just keep rolling.”
World Building With Her Albums
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Victoria Monét performs onstage during 2022 Made In America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 04, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
“I have a team of women, mostly, and we are on a group chat just checking every box, making sure everything makes sense. And the biggest thing that I wanted to do with Jaguar is to make sure that if we were to take the concept and say, build a house, or even a theme park, you would be able to see things from the videos. You’d be able to… Things you can touch and see and feel and smell. And it’s just such a strong environment that you know it’s a Jaguar era. And then, when I switch, that we’ve got a whole new park. It’s like a whole new world.”
“I feel like it allows me to not feel so obligated to stay within one lane of myself. I really want to be able to give layers and turn pages, and really create a difference between each project so people can feel, and they understand, oh, when she was feeling like this, this is the color palette, this is the mood, this is what the environment looked like. And then, maybe this age … I mean, I feel like when Adele names her projects after her age, it’s very clear, to me, it’s like, oh, this is how you feel at this age, and the concepts within it.”
“As far as family is concerned, I could not do what I do without my family. I have realized, more than ever, that it really takes a tribe. And I only have one child, and I can imagine, for families of three and four, and … so my mom’s taking shifts, my boyfriend’s taking shifts while I’m in the studio, and just being able to focus. I have the luxury of being able to have a nanny, which has become family. My friends, it’s like a community is really raising this one child. And I can look up to so many people that helped raise me. So, it’s the most important thing, because we’re not in this world to be alone. We’re not I Am Legend, you know what I mean?”
Victoria Monét is finally kicking off her Jaguar II era. Tonight, she has shared her new single, “Smoke,” a scorching collaboration with Lucky Daye.
The song itself is an ode to weed, rife with clever metaphors and allusions, demonstrating that both Monét and Lucky’s pen game remains untouchable. Accompanied by a beat produced by D’Mile, the song has all the makings of a sexy, funky, carefree anthem.
“Little fireworks that light up for me / In my fingertips I burn my worries / Do it somethin’ like that eight-track shorty / Keep it in rotation, it’s a celebration every time we smoke,” the two sing on the song’s chorus.
In the video, the two are seen in the desert, with Monét laying in a lawn chair, and Lucky cooking at the grill. The two later make an escape on motorcycle, and arrive to a motel. Toward the end of the video, Monét is seen pole dancing, as the camera zooms out, and reveals she is inside a glass bong, over which Lucky is seated.
According to Monét, fans can expect her upcoming album Jaguar II, to arrive soon. Jaguar II will mark her first release since signing to RCA Records.
“’Smoke’ is the beginning of a new era for me! Exhaling the old and inhaling the new.” said Monét in a statement. “I am also really happy that this release is with collaborators I consider family! I can’t wait to elevate. I want all the smoke!”
Victoria Monét is a multi-talented American singer-songwriter. Getting her start by joining a performing arts program, she would soon begin writing poetry and singing in her room. In addition, Monét is well-known for her talent as a dancer. While Monét’s solo career has blossomed over the past 5 years, she’s also become a household name as a songwriter. Supporting artists such as Ariana Grande,Lupe Fiasco, and Chris Brown, she wrote songs such as “7 Rings” and “Drunk Texting.”
The 33 year old has recently been making waves as a solo artist in the R&B scene. Her most recent album ‘JAGUAR’ has garnered over 200 million streams on Spotify alone. A 25 minute collection of funk-tinged R&B, the record received critical acclaim from the Billboard charts and publications such as Pitchfork. Finally embracing the spotlight rather than working in the shadows, it remains one of the better R&B records to come out in the 2020s.
The mother of a 2 year old daughter, Monét has spent the past two years balancing her family life with the creation of her next full-length project. In a recent interview with Billboard, Monét teased the beginning of her rollout for her next project, stating “Jaguar part two is coming.” In addition, it sounds like she’ll be releasing her headlining single for the project sometime in March. Blending groovy instrumentation with scintillating vocals, the Sacramento-based artist really earned her flowers over the past few years.
Before her follow-up album to ‘Jaguar’ releases, we’ll be taking a look at some of her best songs to date. Let us know what your thoughts are on the list in the comments!
Coastin’
Victoria Monét’s most recent single, “Coastin’” is a feel-good groove all the way through. Sampling the drum pattern and bassline from Tamia’s “So Into You,” Monét’s smooth vocals seamlessly cut through the production. Her 80s soul influences are apparent as ever. The music video perfectly reflects this mood, as she drives around on a warm California day.
Monét has a unique ability to walk a fine-line between disco and R&B, blending the two genres into a pacing that fits her. “Coastin’” is a hallmark example of this. An ode to a man she’s in love with, the track is an uncompromising love letter to the sunshine of California. Monét stated, “we wanted this song to represent the freedom to finally go outside (post-pandemic). It feels so good to be able to finally Coast freely.”
Moment
The track to land Monét her first late-night performance, “Moment” is the track that really put her on the map as a solo-artist. The lead track off of ‘JAGUAR,” Monét repeats “Aye, this your motherf**kin moment” to her lover. This can also be interpreted as a phrase she’s repeating to herself, as she attempts to embrace the spotlight.
A slow-moving R&B cut, sensual drums and flow switchups cover the track from start to finish. Monét displays a quirky ability to seamlessly rotate from allegro to lento tempos. High-rising violins gradually become more and more prevalent on the track, as Monét pleads for her lover to embrace the moment. It’s a fitting intro to the record.
Experience
Featuring production chops from dance/electronic artist SG Lewis, the UK-based producer curates yet another groovy collaboration on “Experience.” Also working with the likes of Clairo and Remi Wolf, he has a uncanny ability to encouraged artists to adapt to his sound. Victoria Monét does so beautifully, whose voice swirls around snappy drums and delicate synths.
The most streamed track off of ‘JAGUAR,’ it recently surpassed the 50-million mark on Spotify. This is in large-part due to Khalid’s appearance on the track, who’s actually outshined by Monét. However, his sensual vocals fit the mood of the song. A celebratory track, Monét waives goodbye to a past tumultuous relationship. The title of the track itself is self-explanatory; Monét takes the licks of the relationship on the chin, and moves on towards something more positive.
All You Need
Victoria Monét’s “Life After Love, Pt. 2” EP gives the impression of an artist who’s still trying to find her sound. Tracks dart from Japanese pop influences to Caribbean-influenced sonic tropes. The standout track is undeniably “All You Need,” featuring booming drums and colorful background vocals.
Monét repeats “All You Need” on the chorus, demonstrating her infatuation with her lover. While more grounded in soul, it’s still very much distinctive from her later work. Stating “Maybe I’ll be the one that you meet heaven with,” it’s a relatively straightforward love song shows off her vocal prowess. In addition, it’s interesting to listen to her older sound given the context of her most recent releases.
We Might Even Be Falling In Love
There’s a reason why four of the five tracks off of this list appear on her most recent album, ‘JAGUAR.’ Signifying a more focused sound that best complimented her vocal personality, “We Might Even Be Falling In Love” is another love ballad in a record full of them. Running at a fleeting 51 seconds, it’s a frustratingly short song. However, it’s a tight-knit interlude that’s straight to the point.
After the first quarter of the record sees both Victoria Monét and her lover express resonations about fully committing to each other, “We Might Even Be Falling In Love” sees her open up fully. Amidst subtle horns and a groovy bassline, she states “U-Haul, ’cause I might let you move in it.” She recently released an extended version of the track with R&B icon Bryson Tiller.
Singer, songwriter and producer Victoria Monèt recently made major career moves. From sell-out shows to making her acting debut on Grown-ish, it is great to see this talented artist succeed. Victoria Monèt has been making huge moves in her career lately. Recently, Ms. Monèt did a live performance and shared a slower breakdown of her […]
