MUSIC WORLD: My Quick Review of Janelle Monae’s “The Electric Lady”

Janelle Monae received early cosigns from Big Boi and is signed to Diddy, but she still hasn’t really translated to “mainstream” Black America. Her songs don’t usually get much urban radio play and there’s an entire subset of America that has no idea who she is, despite her Covergirl commercials. And maybe she likes it that way. Her new album is sure to change that, though. Check out my review of Janelle Monae‘s sophomore album, The Electric Lady.

Led by the infectious single “Q.U.E.E.N.” featuring an almost audibly indivisible Erykah Badu and a rapping Janelle Monae, The Electric Lady is here for a good time and a message. Prince, Solange, Miguel, Esperanza Spalding, and the aforementioned Badu all make appearances. Considering the music styling of Janelle, this seems more than appropriate. Check the video to “Q.U.E.E.N.” below.

The Electric Lady is equally R&B and Rock. And by Rock, I mean the rock we’re used to getting from Prince. That digestible and feel-good rock backed by a live band, not fabricated sounds. And the result is an amazing collection of songs. Janelle croons on songs like “Primetime” and “It’s Code.” She screams and shouts in songs like “Givin’ Em What The Love” and “Sally Ride” And it all works. Check out “Primetime” below.

I wish the title track “Electric Lady” saw more of Solange in the song since she’s billed as a feature. Her gentle crooning and soft soprano would’ve played well with Janelle‘s voice. And maybe it did and that’s why their two voices are indecipherable. The other features fare well on this album as well. With each feature providing a standout on an already excellent album. Her voice shines in songs like “Victory” and “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes.” And there’s something about “It’s Code” that makes me feel like I’m hearing a young Michael Jackson. It’s a well-done nod to The Jackson 5.

As a whole. I enjoy The Electric Lady. It has a feel good feel to hit, reminiscent of the Funk & B album Daft Punk recently released. To compare it, it almost a slight to Janelle Monae though. This album is more than an inspiration from the music of the past. It’s an interpretation and modernization of the music our parents played while we cleaned the house on Saturday mornings. There’s a disjointed feel to the project with odd interludes. But the creativity and quality of the project shouldn’t be overlooked.

Standout Tracks: Electric Lady, Primetime, Victory, Dorothy Dandridge Eyes

 

RADIO WORLD: Perfect World Radio!! Ahhh!!

So I started my own radio show. What have I gotten myself into? I’m excited about  the prospects, but this is my first time on the “radio” though I’ve been wanting to do it pretty much my whole life!! I will be broadcasting on Wednesdays around about 8PM (CPT) on Spreaker.com or the app [editor’s note: CPT = colored people time]. Anywaydoe, check out my first LIVE show below.

I’m starting at 30 minute shows but PLEASE let me know what you think. I may expand to 45 minutes. Feedback is soo necessary. I want to make sure I’m making shows you want to tune in to. You can download every track I premiered tonight below.

“You Song” – Lil’ Wayne x Chance the Rapper

“Primetime” – Janelle Monae x Miguel

“I Be On That” – Meek Mill x Nicki Minaj x Fabolous x French Montana

MUSIC WORLD: Janelle Monae x Miguel “PrimeTime”

As Janelle Monae preps the release of her album The Electric Lady, she let fans in on her new single “PrimeTime.” The airy track features Miguel. Listen to the official audio below.

Just as I was getting sick of Miguel, Janelle reintroduces him to me in a sound that I absolutely love. I can’t wait until her album drops.

MUSIC WORLD: Janelle Monae x Erykah Badu “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Janelle Monae presented a new Eykah Badu assisted track from her new album. It’s titled “Q.U.E.E.N” and it’s an electric good time. Check it below.

“Is it peculiar that she twerk in the mirror? /And am I weird to dance alone late at night?”

I love how you almost can’t tell who you’re hearing at any given time in the song. This is set to appear on Janelle Monae‘s new album The Electric Lady. Can you dig it?

VIDEO WORLD: Janelle Monae on “So You Think You Can Dance”

Janelle Monae graced the stage of “So You Think You Can Dance” with her fancy footwork and classic black and white ensemble. Check it.

I wanna know what’s on the bottom of her shoes. Awesome performance. And make sure you check out her new video for “Cold War.”

VIDEO WORLD: Janelle Monae “Cold War”

Janelle Monae released the video for “Cold War.” The song will serve as the next single from her debut album The ArchAndroid: Suite II & III. Check it.

She looks beautiful. During my initial review of the album, this was one of my favorite tracks. So I am delighted this is serving as her next single.

VIDEO WORLD: Janelle Monae x B.o.B. x Lupe Fiasco “Tightrope (WondaRemix)”

Janelle Monae, fresh from her stellar Prince tribute performance, has released her video to “Tightrope (Wondamix)”. The track features B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco. An underdog track of sorts. Check the video below.

Anxious to see how many more way chick can rock black and white. And that Dominique Dawes lines still gets me.