Victoria Monét's 'Frequency of Love': How Nas and Self-Love Shaped Her New Era

By Andre Coleman, PowerVault Staff

Victoria Monét, the powerhouse songwriter turned solo star, standing under the spotlight, not just performing tracks but laying out her diary on stage. She’s flipping the script on what it means to love and be loved, turning pages on her own terms. In an industry that's notorious for demanding artists to earn their dues before they earn their hearts, Monét's bold move is a challenge to the status quo. Her latest work isn't just about music; it's a powerful act of self-definition, a reclamation of her narrative of love and identity. She’s not just breaking through; she’s tearing down the old ways and building something new, something that reflects her truth.

In a recent chat with People magazine, Victoria Monét shared how creating her new album, 'Frequency of Love,' was a transformative journey that reshaped her understanding of love. No longer feeling the need to 'earn' love, this sentiment permeates her 22-track album, released through Lovett Music/RCA on October 2. Collaborating with heavyweights like SZA, Bruno Mars, and Bryson Tiller, Monét has crafted a record that intricately weaves together the rhythms of dating, motherhood, and self-growth. It's a mosaic of experiences that finds harmony in vulnerability and strength. Each collaboration is proof of her evolution, marking a new chapter in her career and personal growth.

Monét described 'Frequency of Love' as a 'diary entry' she can revisit, where vulnerability is not just welcomed but celebrated. Her daughter makes a touching appearance on 'You Mean the World to Me,' featuring Leon Thomas, adding a personal layer to the narrative. The album's empowering story continues with contributions from SZA on 'See You in My Dreams' and Bruno Mars on 'That’s Why I Love You.' This project is more than just a collection of songs; it's proof of Monét's journey, one marked by resilience and determination. Her path to this turning point has been anything but easy, reflecting a hard-fought battle for artistic freedom and self-realization.

But it wasn't always this way for Monét. Before her name lit up marquees, she was the industry's go-to hook writer, crafting the choruses that became the backbone of hit tracks. Nas was the first to give Monét a true stage presence, beyond just a studio role. Her vocals on 'Life Is Good' were a turning point, marking her transition from the shadows to the spotlight. On 'The Jennifer Hudson Show,' she reflected on how writing those hooks in studios earned her the call when big names needed a memorable chorus. Nas's support was crucial, a game-changer that enabled her to step out of the background and into her own.

This backing by a legend like Nas isn't merely a footnote in Monét’s rise; it's proof of the often-unseen mentorship that can pivot careers, especially for Black women handling an industry still steeped in gatekeeping. This partnership with Nas lent hip-hop credibility to her R&B core, a fusion that pulses throughout 'Frequency of Love.' As she prepares to hit the road for her tour later this month, beginning in Raleigh, her intent to merge music with community initiatives like youth gardens is a refreshing move. It's a step towards breaking down barriers and creating spaces where her music can inspire and empower beyond the stage.

Victoria Monét’s journey isn't isolated; it’s part of a broader narrative of artists asserting their voices in an industry notorious for exploitation. Look at Rihanna, who shattered ceilings with Fenty, or Cardi B, who redefined female empowerment in hip-hop. Monét's path follows a lineage of artists who reclaimed their stories and reshaped their industries. Her evolution is rooted in the same soil that nurtured artists like Mary J. Blige, who transformed personal struggles into anthems of resilience. Monét is now part of this legacy, using her platform to challenge the norms and inspire others to find their voice amidst the noise.

Victoria Monét's story isn't just a personal triumph. It's a reflection of an industry that must reckon with its own history of profiting from artists' pain. This is about more than just one album; it's about acknowledging the systemic issues that artists like Monét have to handle. Her journey and the success of 'Frequency of Love' may point to a slow but significant shift towards recognizing and rewarding authenticity over manufactured personas.

Monét's evolution shines a spotlight on an industry that often profits from personal strife, yet rarely celebrates emotional victories.

Monét's evolution shines a spotlight on an industry that often profits from personal strife, yet rarely celebrates emotional victories. Her decision to no longer 'earn' love challenges the very foundation of how business and art have been intertwined, often at the expense of the artist’s own wellbeing. The music business has long thrived on the notion that artists must suffer for their art, but Monét's stance questions that paradigm. The pressing issue remains: How can the industry create an environment that supports artists in ways that foster genuine growth, prioritizing authentic expression over superficial success? This is the conversation Monét is igniting.

For the fans and the community, Monét’s latest is an invitation to reconsider our own definitions of love and self-worth. As an artist, she mirrors the complexities of handling relationships, identity, and the pressure to conform. She offers a narrative in which vulnerability isn't a weakness, but a strength, flipping the script on traditional notions of power. It’s a message that resonates deeply with a generation increasingly attuned to mental health and self-care, echoing the sentiments that figures like Angel Reese have brought to their platforms. Monét is tapping into this cultural shift, making her music not just relevant but revolutionary.

But let's not sugarcoat it. The road for artists like Monét is still fraught with industry politics and racial undertones that can stifle creativity. Black women in music often face an uphill battle to have their art taken seriously, let alone celebrated. Monét’s insistence on authenticity forces a reflection within the music industry: how many other artists are still waiting for the chance to break free from the roles they’ve been boxed into? Her journey is a call to action, urging the industry to recognize and elevate diverse voices, allowing them the freedom to express their truth without compromise.

As Monét's tour kicks off, fans can look forward to more than just music. Her initiative to support youth gardens aligns with a broader movement towards community engagement seen across several industries. It’s a forward-looking step that other artists might well take note of, setting a precedent for how music and activism can intersect. Monét isn't just singing about love; she's offering a blueprint for change, encouraging us to consider how we cultivate love within ourselves and our communities. Her actions speak volumes about the potential for art to inspire real-world impact, challenging us to rethink our roles in fostering positive change.

So what’s next for Victoria Monét? The world is watching as she embarks on a tour that promises more than just entertainment; it’s an experience that merges music with meaningful engagement. Fans will witness not only her latest work live but also the impact she plans to make through community initiatives. Monét closes one chapter and opens another, challenging us all to rethink how we define success, not just in the music industry, but in life itself. It's a new era, and Monét is setting the tone, inviting us all to join her in redefining what it means to truly thrive.