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The Queens of Funk & Modern Soul: Chaka Khan & Victoria Monét Rule Fall R&B

By Dakarion Ellerson2 min read
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Chaka Khan performing at 2026 Sea.Hear.Now festival; Victoria Monét performing at 2026 NY Fashion Week Festival
Photo: Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images; Joy Malone/Getty Images

From a legendary voice returning to her roots to a modern R&B powerhouse entering a new era, Chaka Khan and Victoria Monét are bringing two generations of soul together this Fall.

​While Khan is celebrating the release of her latest album, Chakzilla, Monét is preparing to usher in her next chapter with Frequency Of Love. Together, their new music shows how R&B continues to evolve while staying connected to the emotion, creativity, and individuality that define the genre.

​Despite a 7-year studio hiatus, funk and soul titan Chaka Khan is proving that her musical presence remains as powerful as ever. Returning to music purely for the love of the craft, Khan dropped her 13th studio album, Chakzilla, on September 18. Anchored in heavy funk grooves and authentic soul, the project reflects her intention to bring joy and empowerment to listeners at every stage of life. The album’s title track sets the tone with the larger-than-life funk energy Khan is known for, bringing her signature presence straight to the forefront. The single gives listeners a taste of the powerhouse sound behind her latest era while showing that Khan still knows exactly how to command a record.

Throughout her time away, Khan maintained a spiritual connection with her audience, offering guidance and positivity on social media while focusing on her health and personal peace. To bring Chakzilla to life, she teamed up with producer Greg Kurstin alongside Sia — whom Khan affectionately refers to as her goddaughter — to create a collaboration grounded in mutual trust and creative synergy.

Instagram post · View on Instagram
Instagram post from Chaka Khan 💋 (@chakakhan) · View on Instagram

Meanwhile, ​Victoria Monét is gearing up for her next chapter with Frequency Of Love, dropping October 2 via Lovett Music/RCA. Coming 3 years after her critically acclaimed debut JAGUAR II, Monét navigated the heavy industry expectations that followed her Best New Artist Grammy win in 2024, including the pressure of the dreaded "sophomore slump".

Recognizing the need to protect her creative space, Monét intentionally stepped back to focus on herself, even attending culinary school during her hiatus to reconnect with her passions outside the studio. Now, she returns with a 22-track album built on healing, self-care, and creative control. Her single "Reach Out" gives listeners an early glimpse into the sound of this new era, blending Monét’s smooth R&B style with the intimate and reflective themes surrounding Frequency Of Love. The track feels like a natural introduction to an album centered on connection, healing, and finding your way back to yourself.

Instagram post · View on Instagram
Instagram post from Victoria Monét (@victoriamonet) · View on Instagram

​Together, Khan’s September release and Monét’s upcoming album represent two generations of powerhouse women celebrating personal growth, artistic freedom, and the enduring legacy of authentic soul and funk.

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