In Love with Janelle!
All hale Janelle Monae!!!! This young chick is a new phenom. I went to see her showcase at the Highline Ballroom in the Chelsea last night. I didn’t know what to expect from this girl who has a major following behind her without having a major release or any radio play but, I was pleasantly surprised at this girls level of talent. I had never heard any of her material and I thought she was gonna do a little dancing and some half-baked vocals but, oh no she is sooo much more than that.
She opened the show up with the hype, bass-heavy, futuristic crunk Violet Stars Happy Hunting. She’s ferocious but still remains sweet. She shakes that bang (hair) right on out and keeps it moving. She reminded me of Andre 3000’s lil sister but, Janelle can really sing. She convinced me of her star-power when she sang a slow song that floored myself and I think a lot of the audience. Her voice is strong, controlled with jazz, classical, gospel influence intwined
She is a new signee to Bad Boy Records. Diddy, who was there to introduce her says that he discovered her on Myspace and fell in love with her and her music. He made some calls and signed her right away. I hope with some of the ups and downs of Bad Boy, they allow her to be herself, untampered with and pure. Janelle is a part of the Wondaland Arts Society which is a group of tuxedo donning, artistic, forward-thinking movement that are here to “save” the world from conforming to our boring lives. I love their ideas and word-play that influence imagination.
Diddy introducing Janell
Janelle will be releasing a Suite record this Summer, followed by a full LP this September. In the meantime get to know Janelle’s music through her Myspace page. I am expecting more from her and the Wondaland clan.
-Ken Marcelle
hey! I love her! I think you spelled her name wrong though, janelle monae.
anywho, I have been following her since her AUC days!! Rock on Janelle!!!