DXnext alum Janelle Monae is back again with her sophomore album, The ArchAndroid, due on May 18, 2010. The release, a follow-up to her 2008 release Metropolis: The Chase Suite. A protege of both Big Boi and Diddy, Monae premiered two songs from her forthcoming Atlantic Records effort, “Tightrope” and “Cold War.” The former features OutKast’s Big Boi.

Visit JanelleMonae.com to preview the songs.

The singer and actress also announced the following spring tour dates:

MARCH

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15        Washington, DC        Black Cat                   

17        Philadelphia, PA        Johnny Brenda’s       

18        Philadelphia, PA        Johnny Brenda’s       

21        San Francisco, CA     Café Du Nord           

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22        San Francisco, CA     Café Du Nord           

23        Los Angeles, CA        The Viper Room        

24        Los Angeles, CA        The Viper Room        

29        Chicago, IL                Schubas Tavern        

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30        Chicago, IL                Schubas Tavern        

31Minneapolis, MN      Varsity Theater         

APRIL

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2          St. Andrews                Detroit, MI                    

5          Smith’s Olde Bar       Atlanta, GA                  

6          Smith’s Olde Bar       Atlanta, GA                  

9          Joe’s Pub                     New York, NY               

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10        Joe’s Pub                     New York, NY