Behind the Hits: Songwriters Turned Solo Artists
Written By: Elainey Bass
Music is always evolving. As time goes on, the music industry has become more vocal about who has been writing the songs we seem to love so much. Back in the day, we used to see artists keep their songwriters in the shadows, and nobody would know until the writer is thanked at an awards ceremony. But now more than ever, we are seeing songwriters display their talents more openly, and some have even decided to take on a solo career of their own. While there are many songwriters all over the world that have decided to choose this path, there are a few that currently have audiences wanting to hear more of their talent.
Leon Thomas III has been heavily involved in the music industry for quite some time as a songwriter and producer. Some of the newer generation may recognize him from the hit show Victorious that previously aired on Nickelodeon. However, what many don’t know is that Thomas co-wrote various songs for the show. Over the years, Thomas explored the idea of becoming a solo artist by releasing mixtapes in 2013 and 2016. Throughout this time, he was still in his writing bag with artists like Kehlani, Toni Braxton & Babyface, and Ariana Grande. But, it wasn't until 2021 when listeners started to pay more attention and tap into his work. Leon Thomas III gained social media notoriety for his writing credits for three songs on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album (“Pipe Down”, “Love All”, & “In the Bible”). He also has a production credit for SZA’s hit song “Snooze.” Since then, he released his Electric Dusk album last year and headlined his first tour that kicked off this past November.
Muni Long had the R&B world in a chokehold with her love song “Hrs & Hrs.” But what many don’t know is that she started out as a songwriter and even provided background vocals for many artists that we know and love. With her experience being in a girl group back in 2008, it made sense for Muni to continue to utilize her talents. She hit the ground running in 2010 by co-writing Rihanna’s “California King Bed” on her album, Loud, and Chris Brown’s “Beg For It” from his album, F.A.M.E.. As years followed, Muni Long lent her pen to artists like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande. However, you simply can’t put Muni in just one genre. She has also worked with the pop girl group Fifth Harmony, country group Florida Georgia Line, and Latin superstar Pitbull. In 2017, the superstar won her first Grammy (Best Solo Pop Performance) for lending her songwriting skills and vocals to Kelly Clarkson’s “Love So Soft.” Simply put, there is nothing that Muni Long can’t do!
A few months ago, Victoria Monét had everyone throwing on early 2000s gear and dancing to her song “On My Mama.” She has also closed out 2023 by receiving seven Grammy nominations this year for her recent album Jaguar II. But the thing is, Miss Monét is no stranger to this industry at all. She started out writing for acclaimed artists as early as 2010. “I Hate That You Love Me” by Diddy Dirty Money has her pen written all over it. Artists like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, and Fifth Harmony all credit her for her songwriting skills. But her most frequent collaboration is with Ariana Grande. Victoria Monét has writing credits on every single album of Grande’s. So, it was only fitting that her first two Grammy nominations as a songwriter would be for Album of the Year (thank u, next) and Record of the Year (“7 rings”) back in 2020. She continues to stay consistent throughout her musical journey and is definitely considered a force to be reckoned with.
These are only three out of millions of songwriters around the world that have decided to take this journey. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, the work these people create has been a key component to the success of many artists that we know and love. Take the time to appreciate everyone involved in the process, not just the ones who sing the words and accept the award on the big stage.