Victoria Monét’s Best Music Videos And Choreography, Ranked
Victoria Monét may have just won Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammys among other wins, but please don’t forget that she’s actually a veteran in this game.
She’s been a songwriter with an indelible pen, having written hits like Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” “pete davidson,” “7 rings,” “Honeymoon Avenue,” Brandy’s “Rather Be,” Chris Brown’s “Drunk Texting,” T.I., Kendrick Lamar and B.o.B.’s “Memories Back Then,” and Normani’s “Insomnia,” but broke out on her own in late 2014 with her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1. Its sequel came in June 2015. Three years later, she returned with Life After Love, Pt. 1. That second installment debuted a few months later.
All of which preceded her critically-acclaimed EP, JAGUAR, until she hit her stride with her debut album, JAGUAR II. Since its release, the album has won three Grammys including Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Monét made history as the first Black woman to take home the latter.
Not only has her pen game dominated music, but her visual catalog has shaped up to be part of its own conversations. With great music, fans often expect a great visual because it adds to the listening experience, but we all know there are some songs we wouldn’t love or know as much without the music video that came with it. Inspired by video vanguards of the past like Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott, Victoria has been working with heavyweights to make her visual just as much of an experience as the music itself. So, VIBE coasted through every one and ranked the top 10.
Before we crown a winner, let’s spotlight the honorable mentions: “Backyard,” “Ready,” “90’s Babies,” “A** Like That,” and “Nothing Feels Better.” The first three nods are from Victoria’s early days while “A** Like That” was more of a visualizer for the infectious record, and the latter is a special tribute to motherhood.
Now, which Victoria Monét visual is her overall best to-date? Will a blast from the past come out victorious or is her latest cinematic escape the masterpiece to take the throne?
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“F.U.C.K.”
While the Western theme of the “F.U.C.K.” visual was appealing, this was an instance where we felt the video didn’t match the song and it threw off the cinematic experience. Monét taps Tanerélle as part of her Jaguar cohort. They become part of the local town’s most wanted, but we love the feminist twist on the typical western narrative.
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“Party Girls”
This visual was scintillating in nature as Victoria put her own spin on a bashment. It was the second video to stem from her JAGUAR II rollout and she entered the scene like a siren commanding everyone’s attention. The Meji Alabi-directed music video perfectly aligned with the energy the record exudes. It’s fiery, passionate, sexy, sweaty, and vibrant. Between the costume changes, Sean Bankhead’s choreography, and it embodying all the elements of a summertime night when you’re only in love for the duration of the song, “Party Girls” has very strong replay value.
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“New Love”
This, arguably, may have been one of the first instances of Victoria cosplaying as Janet Jackson in a music video, but circa “That’s The Way Love Goes”/”If.” Getting into a dance battle at a party with your love interest is so early 2000s-coded, but the visual story being told takes the fun song to a new level—merging the worlds of playfulness and the innocence of romantic possibilities.
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“Coastin'”
While we were awaiting JAGUAR II, Victoria blessed us with “Coastin’.” The music video felt like a Soul Train reboot without feeling corny. The makeshift, retro diner had customers demanding select specials and the Rickey Thompson-led skit added just the right amount of comedy. Yet, it was the soul train line and drop-top cruisin’ that had us wanting to be besties with Victoria, so we can get down and boogie, too.
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“Smoke”
In terms of this ranking, “Smoke” edged out “Coastin’” by just a little because of how grown and sexy it made smoking seem. It aptly displayed her progression since the first installment of that moody, warm, sensual stage and marked the official start to Victoria’s JAGUAR II era. Visually, she and Lucky Daye fit within their respective aesthetics, but the icing on the cake was the nod to “Smoke (Reprise)” as she transformed into this goddess from a cloud of smoke, sending viewers everywhere into a trance while she twirled around a stripper pole.
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“Life After Love”
This video felt like we were watching a somber albeit relatable short film. As she spiraled beyond her control while battling the wave of emotions she faced, it was one of those visuals you couldn’t peel yourself away from. It was very reminiscent of Jhené Aiko-circa Sail Out.
Victoria in “Life After Love” was enraged, devastated, irrational, and as she narrated, “painful and beautiful at the same time.” The hues of purples and blues dancing onscreen could represent a spiritual turmoil in search of stability and healing. Arguably, this would make a great audition tape if she were to ever pivot into acting, but this video is truly one of her best as far as storytelling is concerned.
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“Freak”
This was an early display of Victoria’s range and her choosing to pay homage to Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott. The main focus was this fast-paced, hyper-confident vibe that made it clear that she’s the main character. The record itself is about owning this overtly sexy, extremely secure mentality, almost like this was her version of being “Sasha Fierce.”
However, there were layers to this music video. One instance involves scenes where she’s replicating looks from Janet’s Velvet Rope era while exuding the seduction from “What’s It Gonna Be?.” Then, Victoria dons this leather number in a factory-like setting, serving top-notch dominatrix. During this moment in R&B, consumers were so fixated on the likes of Ella Mai, Janelle Monáe, and a budding Lucky Daye. So, many were less focused on Victoria’s attempt to carve out some shine for herself, thus making the Life After Love beyond slept-on. Yet, she stood out anyway and when we were ready to spin the block on her, the video stood the test of time.
We will give an honorable mention to the video for “Freak (Remix)” featuring BIA. While it was enjoyable in nature, it isn’t one of Victoria’s most memorable.
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“On My Mama”
“On My Mama” was Victoria’s breakout moment. It was nostalgic in celebrating southern culture, Black pop culture, and the early 2000s—as known as the origins of her swag.
With the record being such a success, the visual needed to be top-tier and all those involved understood the assignment. Sean Bankhead’s catchy choreography took over TikTok and social media, sparking dance challenges and battles. It had subtle references that you’d miss if you weren’t connected to the digital streets, but if you know Victoria, then you know she stays tapped in.
With cameos from her actual mother, daughter, and featured artist Chalie Boy as well as comparisons to Ciara’s “Oh” and Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier,” it is one of Victoria and Sean’s best work. The best part of this was the smoothly-executed jacket move that was apparently a one-take shot. Its director, child., likens their work to paintings and we’d argue that this one is his “Sugar Shack.”
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“Moment”
From fantasy to reality, this visual plays off of those opposing worlds so fluidly. Directed by Valentin Petit, the cinematic moment romanticizes sex. It makes it desirable, intimate, and dreamy—welcoming the mystique of it all—as opposed to being raunchy and direct.
Petit made every single shot of “Moment” feel intentional as though the entire visual would be thrown off balance if missing such a key element. It felt like watching a waltz—from the close-ups of each touch to the usage of the natural elements—wind, water, fire, and earth—you couldn’t miss a second of what was happening. Similar to being present during such moments, viewers were fascinated by Victoria and her love interest. Meanwhile, the underlaying plot twist that he only becomes her next victim in her sea of lost lovers is what adds to the magic of “Moment” and makes it the best music video from JAGUAR.
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“Alright”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Victoria’s latest release, “Alright,” has landed at the No. 1 spot.
Have you seen it?
With Dave Meyers as director and Sean Bankhead on choreography, it’s a winner from the beginning. Meyers is the visionary behind Usher’s “Ruin,” Aaliyah’s “More Than A Woman,” Eve’s “Love Is Blind,” Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” and countless other iconic visuals whereas Sean is the genius behind Normani’s “Wild Side,” Cardi B’s “Bongos,” and the choreography on Fox’s Star.
With the record being about freedom and the balance of masculine and feminine energy, it was a dynamic way to honor summer, Pride, and Black Music Month all at once. The visual seemed like no expense was off-limits between the lighting, tech effects, and outfit changes. Sean wasn’t afraid to collaborate with Madina Beisekeyeva who gave the hand movements the soft, fluid touch they needed.
Each verse and chorus brought something different into focus. Whether she was giving a nod to ballroom culture, channeling her best smooth criminal, looking like Mona Lisa in the eye of the jaguar, referencing pop culture or reminding everyone that the best R&B moments happen in the rain, viewers were hooked instantaneously. Coming after the three-peat win at the 2024 Grammys, “Alright” was the perfect followup and served as notice that there’s no need to rush into her next era. Alright?