Victoria Monét‘s overnight success took well over a decade, and unfortunately within that time, the now-superstar contemplated quitting music more than once.
“At the time I questioned it so much: Like, what is it about me that’s so lackluster? Why aren’t people seeing me?” she expressed to Variety. “It was even to the point where I would sing demos and try to sound really great so rappers would keep me on the hook.”
For the seven-time GRAMMY nominee, she explained feeling like she had “something to prove.” However, she believes that those struggles helped fuel her determination and overall, her longevity. “So it’s all a part of why I think things are coming to fruition now: It’s just time. It’s almost like, ‘Alright girl — you didn’t give up. We’re going to give you something.’”
She teased, “I’m a pretty good writer, but I can’t write this, ‘cause God is showing out. It’s a real full-circle situation.”
Monét also revealed her hesitancy to come out as bisexual during her ascent, noting that she felt it carried a negative connotation. “I thought that conforming would make me go further,” she explained. “Being picturesque, straight… It almost felt like you didn’t want to add any more weights to your ankles trying to win a race. It’s like, you’re already a woman, you’re already Black — you’d better pick a struggle.”
She referenced a Whitney Houston documentary and the singer’s troubles regarding her own rumored bisexuality.
“I’m so sad she wasn’t able to do whatever that she wanted, and the world would [have] been fine,” said Monét. “Just do you and love who you love. And so if I have the ability to talk about it without so much backlash… I know there are special people who hate it. But I feel like since I have the privilege to do so, I should and just be honest. So music has been a playground for sexuality. And some things I don’t even express in words will just come out in music because it’s on my spirit and soul to do so.”
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