If your’re a fan of the site, then you already know that Janelle Monae is one of the more versatile singers on the planet. So i’m not surprised that she’s collaborating with rising indie band Fun. The track “We Are Young,” might be a little bit too epic for it’s shoes, but it’s a valiant effort. Honestly, Monae is a tad underused here but I for one am all about these music mash up collabos. What do you think?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Their track “One Foot” on the other hand might be more enjoyable for me at least. Check it.

Fun.: One Foot by Fueled By Ramen

I had the opportunity to check out some of the Fashion’s Night Out events in DC on Friday night, and they were cool, but they in no way hold a candle to anything that goes down in NYC. The star-studded kickoff for New York’s Fashion week included performances by such names as Kanye West, N.E.R.D. and fashion icon Janelle Monae.

Ms. Monae took the stage at the Ralph Lauren store on Friday to a star-studded event which also included Andre Leon Talley and Jessica Alba. Swoon.

All photos by Boney Starks | @boneystarks. PLEASE support.

I’m convinced that the Summer Spirit Festival is the grown and sexy Woodstock.

Over 20,000 people made the pilgrimage to the Merriweather Post Pavilion to see Eyrkah Badu headline an amazing lineup of modern soul and hip-hop talent, including Common, Janelle Monae, The Roots, B.O.B. and the one and only Chuck Brown. All jokes about Woodstock and pilgrimages aside, sitting at the pavilion you can tell that this was something special, and not just another concert night.

Unfortunately thanks to traffic I missed the set by Janelle Monae as she started on time to a gathering crowd. I did get a chance to witness B.O.B. make one of the most classic rock and roll mistakes that any rookie could make.

“Hello Boston!”

As the boos gathered he realized the mistake he made, and apologized, again thanking the fans in….Baltimore.

Goofs aside, B.O.B. put on another solid set, and his relentless touring has allowed his act to mature and get even stronger. Of course crowd-pleasers “Nothing on You,” and “Airplanes” got the pavilion moving and any ill will had in the beginning was long forgotten. You can tell that Bobby Ray has a promising career ahead of him.

However, he still needs to take notes from Common.

The internet might rag on Common (and my family has beef with him), but you can’t deny the dude’s stage presence and the palpable love he received from the crowd. Who said so-called “conscious” rappers can’t move the crowd? Hitting on tracks like “The Light,” “Go!,” and “The Corner,” in addition to a medley of hip-hop hits the audience was out of their chairs, throughout his whole performance.

Of course having one of the best DJs on the East Coast (DJ Dummy, trust me) and serenading girls on stage helps.

But if Common could get the crowd moving, what did you think Chuck Brown did?

Even though the audio mix during his set was kind of weak, there is no denying that Chuck Brown owns the DC area. The go-go revival was most certainly the highlight of the festival not only showcasing Chuck’s hits like “Bustin’ Loose,” and the newest “Chuck Baby,” but covering other go-go favorites like Rare Essence’s “Overnight Scenario” and the hit cover “Pieces of Me.”

The Roots unfortunately had a tough act to follow and they did their best to entertain the crowd. As a die hard fan, I have to remember that even though Questlove and crew are the hardest working crew in show-business, they still have a ways to go to make inroads into the mainstream community. After the raucous acts before them, the crowd was a tad subdued for the boys from Philly. It was only until their hit “You Got Me” (and Capt’n Kirk’s subsequent guitar antics) that the crowd came alive.

After 4 hours of performances it was time for the woman of the hour. Ms Badu, entering the stage with a blonde mohawk and a flowing African gown easily won the prize for best costume (let me stop). Unlike some of her previous shows, her act was more subdued, which might not have been the best look for some tired and weary fans. Having that said, her set was always entertaining and she pulls no punches to deliver a great performance.

PHOTO CREDIT: Johnny Nunez

Say what you will about the BET Awards. Most insiders know that it’s all about the afterparty. Case in point the The Atlantic Records Party Presented by SWAGG, which was  was held at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. On tap were Atlantic Urban recording artists (and Couch Sessions favorites) Janelle Monael, B.O.B., Trey Songz, and Estelle.

B.O.B. and Janelle Monae

Jermaine Dupri

Trey Songz and Mom

Estelle

If Black America needed a response to Iclandic freakpot Bjork, we can safely rest comfortable knowing we now have one: Janelle Monae.

Ms. Monae’s latest album, The ArchAndroid (pronounced Ark Android)  is a milestone. It breaks down the walls (both external and self-imposed) that have always existed limiting what an R&B artist can and can’t do. Janelle was given the creative freedom to do whatever she wanted on this album–it’s like Puffy locked Janelle in a studio and hid the key. The result? One of the most creatively engaging albums that I’ve heard in a long time. Orchestras? Check. Reference to space aliens? Double check. Collaborations with off-kilter Hipster Bands? Check.

Janelle spreads her wings, letting all of her inspirations out to shine. There is the notable  Jimi Hendrix influence on “Mushrooms & Roses,” and and her Violent Femmes-esque rock with “Come Alive.” Tracks like “Sir Greendown” trips out on 60s psychedelia, while the track “Dance or Die (with Couch Sessions favorite Saul Williams), goes straight Afrobeat.

But don’t think that the album lacks have pop sensibilities. “Wondaland, “Cold War,” and “Oh, Maker” sound perfect on the radio next to Alicia and Mary. In fact, the album has more roots in R&B than most people would think and Monae gets to stretch her vocals on several songs, especially the spectacular “Neon Valley Street,” a smooth R&B track that rivals anything out today.

But what really sets this album apart are her alluring orchestral overtures. The Suite II Overture picking up from the Metropolous suite, while the Suite III overture samples from Claude DeBussy’s piece Clair de Lune (think the Oceans 11 Ending). The ending tracks “Say You Go,” and “BabopbyeYa” would sound great performed live in front of an orchestra at the Kennedy Center. Puffy can we make this happen?

Not every song on this album is a masterpiece however. The ill-fated collabo with fellow Georgia band and tour partner Of Montreal, “Make The Bus,” comes out a mess. But honestly, that’s the only blemish on a near perfect album.

In this time of over-manufactured artists, it’s rare that a female is allowed to stretch the bounds of artistry and creativity. The ArchAndroid marks a milestone in Janelle’s career, and as a supporter from the jump, I’m glad to see that the rest of the world will see what I’ve been saying for years.

The ArcAndroid releases on Tuesday, May 18th. Buy JMonae.com.

As most of y’all know, we’ve been fans of Ms. Janelle Monae from the jump. We’ve personally witnessed her evolution from her appearance on the Got Purp compilation way back in 2005, to her signing to Bad Boy last year. It’ s been a long hard road for Monae, and the path to mainstream acceptance yeilds even more challenges.

But forget that. Let’s sit back and bask in her latest video for Tightrope, which just dropped today. Let’s wait with anticipation until her debut album, The ArchAndroid drops in May. And let’s all support Ms. Monae, as she pushes music forward.

And let’s hope to God that the “Tightrope” becomes the latest dance craze.

Janelle Monae’s mothership landed last week in DC, bringing space-age soul to a sold-out crowd at the Black Cat. The Grammy-nominated singer, on tour now through April, didn’t just put on a show. She gave us an experience. Sort of like a Warhol Factory happening – meets – Alice in Wonderland, set in a strange distant future in a galaxy far, far away.

Fans were drawn into the futuristic fantasy world the second they walked in. Perched at the door of the Black Cat’s Mainstage were members of Monae’s crew handing out flyers outlining her Ten Droid Commandments. They included such directives as:

If you see your neighbor jamming harder than you, covet his or her jam.

Be aware that jamming means: no tweeting without clapping, no sex without screaming and no freedom without dancing.

Abandon your expectations about art, race, gender, culture and gravity.

Early on, another one of her acolytes, mysteriously dressed in an all-black robe, came out to instruct us all to prepare “to find new emotion this evening.” This ratcheted up the anticipation of the super-hyped audience even more, leading to claps, boos, and chants of “Start the show!” (For the record: according to Black Cat staff everything was right on time. Plus, you never rush a diva.)

Just when the crowd couldn’t take it any longer, Janelle Monae finally arrived, making a dramatic entrance to a Star Wars-esque overture. Flanked by a keyboardist, drummer, and guitarist, she bounded onstage and quickly launched into rapping about decoys and bboys while electronic squiggles, bleeps, and loops played behind.

She was decked out of course in her signature Cindi Mayweather pompadour, white schoolgirl blouse, black tuxedo pants, and saddle shoes. The whole band rocked her famous monochromatic look, including a cast of masked cybergirls and cyberboys who cavorted onstage behind her, occasionally throwing balloons and streamers into the audience.

From the party atmosphere onstage to her otherworldly image, every single part of Monae’s act was carefully constructed and brilliantly imagined. To say she kept things conceptual would be an understatement. We weren’t just listening to songs on a setlist. We were watching a narrative unfold. Any weirder and it would have become performance art. Any more theatrical, it would have been an opera.

Monae left the crowd spellbound as she conjured up a world of daydreamers, cold wars, and cyborgs in love. Blazing through new material from her upcoming album The ArchAndroid, she strutted, swayed, moonwalked, and spazzed her way through the night, serving up a whirlwind of hip-hop, new wave, and technicolor pop.

While most of the songs were unrecognizable (sorry, no “Many Moons,” “Violet Stars” or Purple Ribbon joints), she did treat longtime fans to “Sincerely, Jane” from 2007’s Metropolis. She also broke out a reworked version of her latest single “Tightrope,” turning it into a slow-burning groove and ending the song with an extended James Brown-inspired funk freakout (cape and all).

She closed out the night by leaping into the audience and crowdsurfing her way through the Black Cat, disappearing into a sea of outstretched hands and screaming fans. There was no encore, no goodbye or good night. Just like that Janelle Monae was gone. Beamed back to her home planet I suppose, set in a strange distant future in a galaxy far, far away.

Photos by Jati Lindsay

Janelle Monae – Cold War

This week, the lovely Ms. Monae dropped a new track from her upcoming album, titled The ArchAndroid’ which drops May . 30th. The album is going to include everybody from Big Boi, to Saul Williams, to current favorite Of Montreal, and will continue the Cindi Mayweather storyline from the Metrpolis Series.

But to really appreciate Janelle, you MUST see her live. Thankfully, she’s giving you that very opportunity with a nice roundup of select shows this month and next, starting at DC’s very own Black Cat. Check it:

Janelle Monáe 2010 Tour Dates:
03/15 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
03/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
03/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
03/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Café Du Nord
03/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Café Du Nord
03/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Viper Room
03/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Viper Room
03/29 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
03/30 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
03/31 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
04/02 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews
04/05 – Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar
04/06 – Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar
04/09 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
04/10 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub

BONUS: Janelle Speaks on the album to SoulCulture UK

Janelle Monae released her first single off of her new  album this week called Tight Rope featuring Big Boi from Outkast and it’s pretty nice.

She is set to begin a mini promotional tour next month, and her  first stop will be here in DC on March 15 at the Black Cat – which we will definitely be checking out. More tour dates and information are available on her website www.jmonae.com.

Judging from Tight Rope her new album The ArcAndroid, set to come out May 18, should be as innovative and funky as her past work. And being that it’s a tough world out there for black female/alternative artists… I wish Janelle much success with this project and hope that she gets the recognition she truly deserves.

Amazing video of Janelle Monae’s first ever show in the LDN courtesy of Marsha and the good people at Soul Culture UK. Her wonderful rendition of of the classic song “Smile” is leaving me speechless.

This is the tour that NEEDED to happen. We already know that Mr Saadiq puts on an amazing show, but I was getting mad that Ms. Monae was not getting the exposure that she deserved as a recording artist. Paring her with Raaphel might be the best touring combination I’ve heard this year. I’m glad to see that Janelle will finally be in DC on a proper stage.

Check out our Raphael Saadiq interview and our review of Janelle’s SXSW show to get yourself in the mood.

Tour Dates

Mon Nov-16 – Seattle, WA – Sodo
Tues Nov-17 – Portland, OR – Portland
Wed Nov-18 – Oakland, CA – Fox
Fri Nov-20 – Los Angeles, CA- Wiltern
Sat/Nov-21 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Tues/Nov-24 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Wed/Nov-25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Sat/Nov-28 – Miami, FL – Fillmore@Jackie Gleason
Sun/Nov-29 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock
Mon/Nov-30 – Atlanta, GA – Centerstage
Wed/Dec-02 – Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
Fri/Dec-04 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
Sat/Dec-05 – Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues
Sun/Dec-06 – Baltimore, MA – Rams Head Live
Mon/Dec-07 – Washington, DC – 930 Club
Wed/Dec-09 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Fri/Dec-11 – Toronto ON – Kool House
Sat/Dec-12 – Montreal QC – Metropolis
Mon/Dec-14 – Chicago, IL – Park West
Tues/Dec-15 – Chicago, IL – Park West
Wed/Dec-16 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

Janelle is sharing the stage with Solange and Of Montreal TONIGHT in NYC at Terminal 5. Tickets might still be available.