It’s been a decade since Janelle Monae independently released her debut music project, The Audition, on her own Wondaland Arts Society label. The Kansas City native left home to study drama and the arts in New York City and Philadelphia before landing in Atlanta, where she met Big Boi and distributed several hundred physical copies of the aforementioned album. The self-proclaimed “country girl” had set a goal: to inspire.
Often clad in black and white apparel, with red lipstick and a uniquely-fashionable hair style, Janelle Monae’s been performing on seemingly every awards show, while remaining the face of CoverGirl advertisements and commercials. Many of these strides she’s taken in the arts and entertainment business have come to fruition following her 2010 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B album, with The Arch Android.
The Electric Lady is Monae’s first release since, as the album represents the fourth and fifth installments of her projected seven-part series. Beginning with several collaborations, the set opens with Monae sharing a chorus with Psych-soul pioneer Prince, who also contributes some guitar riffs accompanied by a section of horns. Like Prince who was similarly experimental with his appearance and music, Monae embraces herself (and her musical alter-ego Cindi Mayweather) as a one-of-a-kind individual living amongst people who are attempting to imitate one another:
“I am sharper than a switchblade / First and last of what God made, and that’s the truth / But man, keep on tryin’ to hold me back / While another chicken head come home to roost…”
On the album’s first single, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” which features Erykah Badu, Monae poses an assortment of questions throughout her verses that recognize her independence and strength as a woman. She uses a bridge between a hook and Badu’s verse to say, “Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” Monae concludes the song, rapping a verse filled with conscious lyrics, referring to herself as a leader “like a young Harriet Tubman” and promoting positive action saying, “While you’re selling dope, we’re gonna keep selling hope.”
The album takes a turn with some effective romantic attempts. “Primetime” is a love ballad with Miguel set to a slower tempo with simple but clever song-writing, while “We Were Rock N’ Roll” is a funky Pop song employing picks at a guitar to lay a background to Monae’s vocals over more upbeat production.
Monae’s affinity for time travel, as previously reported by NPR, is evident on “Dance Apocalyptic” and “Look Into My Eyes.” The music video for the former shows a female-laden take on Andre 3000’s “Hey Ya,” as Monae’s energetic performance draws roars from the studio audience. On “Look Into My Eyes,” Monae’s soft vocals are backed by a string section that together impressively resemble Henry Mancini’s 1961 song “Moon River.”
The album’s interludes create seamless transitions, as the second half of The Electric Lady begins and represents Monae’s Suite V: The Overture. “It’s Code” is another romantic song, this time discussing communication and relationships. On the Electro-funk vibes of “Ghetto Woman,” Monae recognizes the perception of the ghetto and challenges the thought that a woman from such neighborhoods can’t be successful. She closes the song with a fast-paced rap dedicated to her mother, whom Monae explains “had dreams of being on TV.”
The Electric Lady is a continuing example of Monae’s range as a music artist—from slow R&B ballads, up-beat electro-funk anthems, to fast-paced Pop/Dance songs, while also showcasing her ability to write and perform a meaningful Rap verse or two. Monae transcends what we’ve come to see and hear from current Pop stars. There’s no glorifying of childish trends or negative influences, instead Monae favors creating music that could be embraced by varying demographics and is molded to withstand the test of time. This latest release represents the multiple personalities and ideas that comprise the entertaining artist we’ve come to know as Janelle Monae.
Monae’s the truth, and that’s no lie.
Amazin’.
Perfect album
She’s hella dope!
mmm! poundable and entertaining ,,,,love the energy
love it
i got no idea who this girl is but i seen her dancing in a cover girl commercial or something with her weird ass hair. she looked kinda cute
fantastoc
Amazing album
Not hip-hop but she is talented. Great for her genre.
Best original artists now. When she blows up – there’s gonna be problems because most pop artists really don’t know how to be original. Great for Black music.
i wanna have sex with her hair
Not very often I get to comfortably say this as a straight man, but her hair is fucking phenomenal, and the styling goes right along with her personality and musical stylings.
And, let’s be honest, she’s pretty goddamn gorgeous all-round.
Been rocking with Janelle, this album is just another example of her great artistry and depth. Fact that she can get prince on her album speaks volumes, other bigger artist probably couldn’t hence why we haven’t heard him on their songs.
Janelle Monae should be more known than she is. I don’t remember the last time I heard any of her music on the radio. I did not even know her album was coming out. Her marketing team or management needs to go.
I dunno, man. I think her marketing/publicity team are doing just fine. They’re working pretty closely with Monae, and obviously aren’t having much of a problem getting some buzz out without compromising what Monae stands for, musically and morally.
I am honestly hoping she is one of the artists who can blow up even further without resorting to “overplaying” her songs on the radio.
as Gary said I’m stunned that a student can profit $7476 in four weeks on the internet. pop over to these guys… http://www.Cafe44.com
You talk like Gucci is some cold blooded murderer but the truth is he only killed in self defense and ever since then he been fucked in the head. I mean really an Ice Cream Cone tattoo? How can you justify that shit?
a classic
that girl fine
This is a very very dope album.. Now if more people dropped shit like this.
Wasn’t feeling it, but maybe I’ll listen again.
Cause you actually listen to garbage music.
you’re as ignorant as the people who listen to waka and 2 chains. People can not like good music. All good music doesn’t connect with everyone. Just cause you like it and it is actually good doesn’t mean all 7 billion people on Earth should like it.
@Second Anon, suck my dick.
You guys really like this? I do not, at all.
Go back listenin’ Rihanna.
Wow I love this album !
She is a great artist.
Shes is an amazing artist…..this one didn’t seem as weird as the ARCH ANDROID but its still an A for me
She is a Goddess!
Miss me.
Go back listnin’ Weezy & Future retarded nigga.
LOL
Refreshing! I love it. On a few songs she sounds like little Michael. This is real music,creativity at it’s best.
She does not curse or shake her butt for popularity and still kills it!
Refreshing 5/5
Shame that good music like this won’t sell.
Agreed. I hope it does though. Instead we get albums like 2 chainz – really?
I don’t think this is bad, but what is this doing on Hiphopdx?
Stfu, This is a masterpiece.
i freakin love her style of music
I love her CD first time ever hearing her music, I love it
Amazing and WondarFul! Such a Beautiful and Creative force! I love that she dosent just stick to 1 type of music!
too dope to even contemplate.
AH! I LOVE THIS DROID!
5 star album
this lady is incredible
Best album that’s come out this year.
classic
not bad
then stfu
Janelle Mone is such a breath of fresh air! There is not one song from her that I dislike, and she’s such a beauty!
This is pop. Why is this site called HipHopDX when it also reviews pop music?
So what ? It’s bothering you ? You don’t like this shit ? Fuck outta here.
@Abhishek Jha:Are you gonna cry or something?
why is this garbage rated high. This hoe will never be on nicki minajs level all female rappers try to be like nicki but they wont even come close. YMCMB WE OUTCHEAAA
Hoe she doesnt want to be Nicki. 2nd she is not a rapper. She has more talent than anyone on Cash money. You stick to only listening to one type of music garbage nigga while they rest of us that know real music accept all
no way jose.
This is the best album ive ever heard, its positively flawless and so artistic and uplifting!!