Victoria Monét And Quavo Join The “Hotel Lobby” Trend Without AI

BY Erika Marie Published on October 01, 2026

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May 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Recording artist Victoria Monet sings the national anthem before an interleague MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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Victoria Monét and Quavo skipped AI for their “Hotel Lobby” recreation as both artists get ready to release new albums tonight.

The “Hotel Lobby” trend finally got a version AI could not manufacture. Victoria Monét linked with Quavo on Thursday (Oct. 1) to physically recreate the viral clips inspired by his 2022 COLORS performance with Takeoff, putting herself in the late rapper’s spot while Quavo returned to his own. Same orange backdrop, same hanging microphone, and even some of the same movements. The difference was right there in Monét’s caption. “No AI.”

Monét mouthed Takeoff’s verse while Quavo recreated the gestures and ad-libs fans have spent weeks watching artificial versions imitate. Monét also added, “Both of us have real albums coming out tonight! Link in both of our bios to listen and support human legacy.” Monét’s Frequency of Love and Quavo’s QRÖMELIFE both arrive October 2, turning what could have been a release-night competition into a little cross-promotion instead.

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Quavo Already Reminded Fans Who Started The Trend

Further, the recreation comes after AI-generated versions of Quavo and Takeoff’s “Hotel Lobby” performance swallowed social media throughout September. Celebrities, fictional characters, athletes, and even cats were dropped into the orange COLORS set while AI copied the duo’s movements and lip-syncing. The trend also drew criticism for using Takeoff’s likeness nearly four years after his death.

Quavo never condemned the trend outright, but he did redirect attention to the source. On September 23, he reposted the untouched COLORS performance with a simple caption, “The Original!!! #HOTELLOBBY.”

Monét and Quavo’s version takes that idea one step further. Instead of uploading two photos and letting a generator recreate Takeoff’s performance, they actually stepped into the setup and did it themselves. Having Monét take his place also makes the clip feel more like a tribute than another face swap, especially with Quavo recreating the moves he originally shared with his nephew.

Check it out above.

Read More: Quavo Explains How Takeoff’s Death “Eased” Tension Between Him & Offset

About The Author

Erika Marie

Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming the Co-Head of Original Content. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, and Amy Luciani—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.