Jaguar II

Jaguar II arrived on August 25, 2023, as the debut studio album from Victoria Monét. Originally planned as a trilogy of EPs, the project condensed into two full-length records after production delays forced a shift in strategy. The result is a cohesive work that blends contemporary R&B with funk and pop elements, anchored by live instrumentation and a distinct 1970s psychedelic aesthetic.

Monét leads eleven tracks through a runtime of roughly 47 minutes, exploring themes of self-confidence, sensuality, and independence. Standout moments include "Smoke" featuring Lucky Daye and "Party Girls" featuring Buju Banton, alongside the lead single On My Mama. The album features rich arrangements and groovy basslines that mark a departure from her earlier, more restrained sound toward a fuller, expansive style.

Critical reception was strong, with Pitchfork awarding the record an 8.0 score for its contractor-grade textures. Commercial success followed quickly, propelling the album onto major charts and leading to The Jaguar Tour. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, the project secured wins for Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. [edit]