Victoria Monét has solidified her place as one of modern R&B’s most dynamic voices, and her latest collaboration with Usher, “SOS (Sex on Sight),” only reinforces that narrative. The track, lifted from the deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album Jaguar II, is an intoxicating blend of sensuality and soulful energy that has found its way into the hearts of listeners and the upper echelons of the Billboard charts.
Monét’s second top 10 entry on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart is a milestone worth celebrating. Paired with Usher—a seasoned icon with 16 top 10 hits on the same chart—the duo creates an electric chemistry that makes “SOS” a standout moment in both artists’ discographies. The song, produced by Camper, moves effortlessly between Monét’s honeyed vocals and Usher’s polished delivery, evoking an urgency that mirrors its central theme of unrestrained desire.
The track’s ascent on multiple Billboard charts, including a rise to No. 37 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, speaks to its broad appeal. For Monét, it marks a continuation of the momentum sparked by her breakout single “On My Mama,” which dominated the Adult R&B Airplay chart earlier this year. For Usher, “SOS” is another feather in the cap of a career that’s been defined by consistent chart-topping excellence.
While the lyrics exude passion and intimacy, they are delivered with a playfulness that keeps the track from feeling overly heavy. Monét’s knack for storytelling shines here, framing the song’s longing with vivid imagery that invites listeners into a world of fantasy and fulfillment. Usher’s presence adds a layer of sophistication, his signature falsetto serving as the perfect counterpoint to Monét’s lush vocal runs.
Beyond its musical merits, “SOS” also underscores Monét’s ability to innovate within the R&B genre. The decision to include it on the deluxe edition of Jaguar II feels like a deliberate statement: Monét is here to evolve, not just as a performer but as a curator of deeply resonant experiences. This deluxe release, which features collaborations with artists like Thundercat and Bryson Tiller, positions Monét as an artist unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to the roots of her craft.
Usher, meanwhile, continues to remind us why he’s a cornerstone of contemporary R&B. His contributions to “SOS” are a masterclass in restraint and precision, proving that even after decades in the industry, he remains as relevant and impactful as ever. Together, Monét and Usher craft a track that feels timeless yet refreshingly modern.
As R&B continues to evolve, tracks like “SOS” serve as a beacon for what the genre can achieve. It’s sensual without being gratuitous, soulful without being overly nostalgic, and above all, it’s authentic. If Monét’s trajectory this year is any indication, the future of R&B is in incredibly capable hands.