Why Janelle Monáe
Why Janelle Monáe is one of the best
Janelle Monáe is a genre-defying singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress known for her fusion of R&B, funk, soul, hip-hop, and Afrofuturist themes. She launched her career in the mid-2000s, first gaining recognition with her independently released EP The Audition (2003). Her breakthrough came when OutKast’s Big Boi took notice of her talent, leading to a deal with Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Records and the release of her critically acclaimed 2007 EP, Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase).
In 2010, Monáe released her debut studio album, The ArchAndroid, which expanded on her sci-fi-inspired "Metropolis" saga and was praised for its artistic innovation. She followed this with The Electric Lady (2013), featuring collaborations with icons like Prince, Erykah Badu, and Miguel. Her 2018 album, Dirty Computer, marked a shift toward more personal and political themes, earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Its fusion of pop, funk, and R&B, along with a compelling visual component, cemented her status as a visionary artist.
Beyond music, Monáe has made a name for herself in film, starring in acclaimed movies such as Moonlight (2016) and Hidden Figures (2016). She is also a dedicated activist, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. With the release of The Age of Pleasure in 2023, Monáe embraced a more liberated and celebratory sound, further demonstrating her artistic versatility. Throughout her career, she has earned multiple Grammy nominations, received honors from GLAAD and the ASCAP Vanguard Award, and continues to be a powerful force in both music and culture.
Songs
My favourite songs by Janelle Monáe
Many Moons
Released in 2008, Many Moons is a song by American artist Janelle Monáe, featured on her album Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase). The track earned critical acclaim, securing the 47th spot on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008. It also received a nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards.
Released:
August 2008
Lyrics
"We're dancing free but we're stuck here underground
And everybody trying to figure they way out
Hey hey hey, all we ever wanted to say
Was chased, erased and then thrown away…"
See full Lyrics
Electric Lady
Electric Lady is a song by American psychedelic soul and R&B artist Janelle Monáe, featuring singer Solange. Released on July 30, 2014, as the fourth and final single from Monáe's second studio album, the track embraces the theme of female empowerment. It encourages women to embrace their individuality while maintaining agency over their bodies and sexuality, reclaiming power traditionally dictated by men.
Released:
July 30th, 2014
Lyrics
"Ooh, you shock it, shake it, baby (you shock it, shake it, baby)
Electric lady, you're a star (oh, you're my star)
You got a classic kind of crazy (classic kind of crazy)
But you know just who you are…"
See full Lyrics
Make Me Feel
Make Me Feel is a song by American singer Janelle Monáe, released on February 22, 2018, as the lead single from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. The track drew comparisons to Prince’s signature sound, with Monáe revealing that he contributed to the album’s sonic elements, including Make Me Feel. The song became her second single as a lead artist to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 99 on the week of March 10, 2018.
Released:
February 22nd 2018
Lyrics
"Baby, don't make me spell it out for you
All of the feelings that I've got for you
Can't be explained, but I can try for you
Yeah, baby, don't make me spell it out for you…"
See full Lyrics