Episode Summary: "Having It All, On Her Own Terms with Victoria Monét"

Podcast: Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Host: Keke Palmer
Guest: Victoria Monét
Release Date: May 27, 2025

In this compelling episode of Baby, This is Keke Palmer, host Keke Palmer sits down with the multi-talented Victoria Monét to delve deep into Victoria's journey as a Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, businesswoman, and mother. The conversation gracefully navigates through Victoria’s early beginnings, her rise in the music industry, balancing personal and professional life, and embracing authenticity.

Early Career and Entry into Music

Victoria Monét's passion for the arts began with dance during her school years. She recounts how she initiated a dance team in eighth grade by creatively securing sponsorship from Coca-Cola, demonstrating her early entrepreneurial spirit.

Victoria Monét [02:09]: "I started with dance when I was in first... I wrote a letter to Coca Cola. I started a drill team."

Her dedication continued into high school, where she trained rigorously under the Jabberwockies dance crew, aspiring to become a triple threat—skilled in singing, dancing, and acting.

Balancing Practical Needs and Pursuing Dreams

Despite her artistic ambitions, Victoria made pragmatic choices to support her dreams. At 18, she worked as a bank teller at Golden 1 in Sacramento, saving diligently for her move to Los Angeles.

Victoria Monét [04:43]: "I was using my songwriting money to fund my touring as an artist... So we gotta always balance it out."

Keke Palmer emphasizes the importance of maintaining financial stability while chasing one’s passions, highlighting Victoria’s strategic approach to balancing work and artistry.

Songwriting and Artistic Integrity

Victoria discusses her transition from poetry to songwriting, which became the cornerstone of her career. She shares how her first advance from a publishing deal was pivotal in sustaining her initial days in LA.

Victoria Monét [05:45]: "My first check was actually in advance, about $2,000 for my publishing deal... It allowed the girl group and I to share this studio apartment."

Rather than succumbing to external pressures, Victoria prioritized reinvesting her earnings back into her art, preserving her creative vision.

Navigating the Music Industry and Record Labels

Victoria addresses the challenges of being pigeonholed by record labels, advocating for maintaining her identity and artistic direction.

Victoria Monét [07:52]: "I try not to blame people for that and know that, well, songwriting is really successful for me right now. But what I'm going to show them is that so is my music."

Her perseverance in redefining her role within the industry underscores her commitment to authentic expression.

Personal Life and Relationships

The conversation shifts to Victoria’s personal life, including her relationship with British artist Stormzy. They discuss the dynamics of dating within the public eye and maintaining privacy.

Victoria Monét [20:30]: "Anybody that I feel like we're standing next to, definitely dating."

Victoria emphasizes mutual respect and support as foundational to their co-parenting journey.

Embracing Motherhood and Its Impact

Motherhood plays a significant role in Victoria’s life and artistry. She shares how having her daughter Hazel enhanced her time management skills and influenced her creative process.

Victoria Monét [18:15]: "Motherhood definitely taught me time management... I have to do the same great work within two hours as I would have done in ten hours."

Victoria also discusses her book, Everywhere You Are, which addresses separation anxiety for working moms, aiming to provide comfort and understanding to children and parents alike.

Victoria Monét [26:32]: "The book... allows that message to be received."

Authenticity and Sexuality

Victoria opens up about her bisexuality, highlighting the importance of authenticity and the supportive community in Los Angeles that empowered her to embrace her true self.

Victoria Monét [25:16]: "Coming to LA, I feel like I found a great community of people who are supportive and have those same characteristics."

She underscores the significance of using correct pronouns in her music, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and truthfulness.

Writing "Everywhere You Are"

Victoria elaborates on her book, Everywhere You Are, which serves as a tool for children to understand separation anxiety. She describes the collaborative process with her daughter Hazel, who acted as her first reader and editor.

Victoria Monét [29:00]: "Hazel was able to experience all of them... she kind of like edit an editor."

The book utilizes celestial metaphors, portraying Victoria and Hazel as the moon and stars, symbolizing their enduring connection despite physical distance.

Victoria Monét [30:22]: "Stars and moon go together. There is no universe where there is no star and no moon."

Patience, Gratitude, and Perseverance

A recurring theme in Victoria’s journey is the practice of gratitude and patience. She shares her daily routine of maintaining a gratitude journal and reading inspirational literature to stay grounded.

Victoria Monét [38:13]: "I start my day with a gratitude journal... because the patience and being grateful for what you already have."

Keke Palmer echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than external comparisons.

Winning a Grammy

Victoria reflects on her Grammy win, describing the overwhelming emotions and the collective effort that led to her success.

Victoria Monét [34:58]: "I've never felt butterflies like that before... it was amazing. I wanted to bring my entire everyone who ever helped me on that stage."

She credits her team and steadfast commitment to her artistry as key factors in achieving this milestone.

Working with Mentors like Usher

Victoria shares her enriching experience working with Usher, praising his mentorship and the invaluable advice he offers without being intrusive.

Victoria Monét [39:50]: "Usher is such a great mentor. He always has tasteful advice, but it's not intrusive."

Her relationship with mentors underscores the importance of supportive relationships in navigating the complexities of the music industry.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Victoria Monét exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and dedication. Her journey from a passionate dancer and songwriter to a Grammy-winning artist and devoted mother serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring artists and professionals alike. Keke Palmer’s engaging interview sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of Victoria’s life, celebrating her achievements while highlighting the personal values that drive her success.

Notable Quotes:

• Victoria Monét [07:25]: "I always took the money from songwriting. I wasn't going out to get the new whip and then the car, the house yet. I was putting it right back into my Artistry."

• Victoria Monét [25:59]: "I couldn't hold it any longer. And I think that's just a part of being authentic and true to ourselves."

• Victoria Monét [37:30]: "Perseverance and patience... make sure that she's happy. Because there's too many scenarios where people are going to jobs that they don't like."

This episode not only highlights Victoria Monét’s artistic prowess but also her unwavering commitment to personal growth, family, and authenticity. It's a heartfelt exploration of what it means to "have it all" on one's own terms.