You may ask, “Who Exactly is Janelle Monae?” Well, Five words immediately come to mind: Talented. Fearless. Daring. Innovative. Underrated. She is one of the best artists of this generation that many people have never even heard of- and one of the few that have dared to be original by combining Rock, Neo-Soul, Art, and Technology as the basis for her conceptual albums, The Metropolis Suite I (The Chase) and The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III). Though many critics have tried (and failed), they cannot put her sound in a specific, generic category of any one kind. The call it everything from “Futuristic Rock n’ Soul,” to “Experimental Alternative Rock,” to even “Dance Punk.” But perhaps that’s part of the charm- that her work is derived from so many different backgrounds that it cannot be contained in one distinct label- but undoubtedly her own original sound. And with all that going for her, I’ve still often wondered though, “How on Earth she got signed to Bad Boy Records- a label that is not really known for promoting originality (or anything else besides “fluff” for that matter). It just goes to show that true talent cannot be denied in any medium.
Apparently, label founder, Sean “Diddy” Combs was greatly impressed by her look and her vibe; which he found to be “new and fresh.” Contrary to most popular artists, he loved the fact that “you couldn’t see her body- She was fully clothed and yet still visually appealing” because of her style and her dancing. Anyone who can get Diddy to stray away from the norm, has my vote….But it’s true that she does indeed have a fashion sense all her own- decked out in her signature coiffed pompadour and tuxedo- she has undeniably built her own brand, and is communicating it to the masses. The message is simple: “You don’t have to look and sound like everyone else in order to be successful in the music industry- You CAN create your own path and be the Master of your own Destiny.” This is a message that everyone, especially little girls growing up need to hear.
"I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman. I don't believe in men's wear or women's wear, I just like what I like. And I think we should just be respected for being an individual…. I've been in Vogue, now, and different publications, which is cool, because I think that it just shows a different perspective of how women can dress."
—Monáe, on her image and artistic freedom
Her beautifully, expressive voice, and deep, thought-provoking lyrics include themes of individuality, socio-political injustice, and prejudice. Her alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather, heroine of both the Metropolis EP andThe Arch Android is discriminated against because she is in fact, an android. She says that this represents “an interpretation of androids as that of the segregated minority, or the “Other.” All of us have felt like the “Other” at some point.” Cindi is on the run because she has broken the lawn in her home town of Metropolis, after falling in love with a human. Only creativity of this caliber could create a futuristic society, combine it with music as the soundtrack, and make it so compelling that the listener actually feels as though they are citizen of the city of Metropolis.
I can’t wait to see what the future actually does hold for Ms Monae. She will be releasing her next album, “TheElectric Lady” later this year, and when she does, we’ll be listening…..
Until Next Time….