What do you get when you match the vocal refinement of Judy Garland with the energetic exuberance of James Brown and the soulful conviction of Lauryn Hill? You get none other than a 26 year old petite love child named Janelle Monae. Since her commercial debut in 2008, Monae has been gaining steady stardom and has been the mentee of notable Hip-hop heavyweights such as OutKasts’ Big Boi and Sean “P.Diddy” Combs. Signed by Combs in 2009, Janelle has released two studio albums that have exhilarated, reinvigorated, and uplifted her fans. The first of her studio releases entitled “The Chase: Metropolis Suite I” was Grammy nominated and her cameos and contributions to product campaigns such as Coca Colas’ “Open Up” music video, have earned her adequate buzz in the worlds of music and pop culture.
Her most recent release, The “ArchAndroid: Metropolis Suites I and II” (released 2010), continue to prove that Janelle Monae is not your typical Die-cut Diva, rather she is a catalyst for unadulterated creativity not typically offered in todays’ musical landscape. At 70 minutes long, the ArchAndroid is both the second and third installment to the story listeners were introduced to in “The Chase Suite” in ’08. Featuring compositions indicative of old Hollywood films mixed with lyrics that speak directly to the spirit, and vocal performances that would put most autotune clad artists to shame, Monaes’ sophmore album is no slump. In fact, if nothing more, this work positions Monae as one of the most prolific writers of the crop of new artists introduced in the last decade. Who else effortlessly mix themes of love and concepts of Hindu theology over superb production in songs such as “Say you’ll go”? Her beautiful breathy melodies and graceful range are showcased in tracks like “Neon Valley Street”, and Monaes’ dynamic diversity are showcased in her singles “Tightrope” feat Big Boi, and Cold War.
This work is definitely a contender for best releases of 2010, and it’s themes and story will continue to find relevance into the future as hopefully, more artists choose to flee from their predetermined packaging and find their true unique niches of creativity outside of their commercial cocoons. Until then, Janelle Monae will remain the ArchAndroid.
Her most recent release, The “ArchAndroid: Metropolis Suites I and II” (released 2010), continue to prove that Janelle Monae is not your typical Die-cut Diva, rather she is a catalyst for unadulterated creativity not typically offered in todays’ musical landscape. At 70 minutes long, the ArchAndroid is both the second and third installment to the story listeners were introduced to in “The Chase Suite” in ’08. Featuring compositions indicative of old Hollywood films mixed with lyrics that speak directly to the spirit, and vocal performances that would put most autotune clad artists to shame, Monaes’ sophmore album is no slump. In fact, if nothing more, this work positions Monae as one of the most prolific writers of the crop of new artists introduced in the last decade. Who else effortlessly mix themes of love and concepts of Hindu theology over superb production in songs such as “Say you’ll go”? Her beautiful breathy melodies and graceful range are showcased in tracks like “Neon Valley Street”, and Monaes’ dynamic diversity are showcased in her singles “Tightrope” feat Big Boi, and Cold War.
This work is definitely a contender for best releases of 2010, and it’s themes and story will continue to find relevance into the future as hopefully, more artists choose to flee from their predetermined packaging and find their true unique niches of creativity outside of their commercial cocoons. Until then, Janelle Monae will remain the ArchAndroid.
