Music

Janelle Monáe releases a new song featuring Erykah Badu

by Tyler Munro

April 23, 2013

Janelle Monáe is a rare kind of superstar: she’s uniquely herself, delightfully odd, carries a unique gimmick that’s not overbearing and she somehow manages to cross the right wires with critics, fans and advertisers alike. And now finally, long after the success of The ArchAndroid she’s announced a follow-up album, The Electric Lady, which we take to be yet another sprawling futuristic concept album.

“Q.U.E.E.N.” artwork via ThatGrapeJuice.net

Janelle Monáe is a rare kind of superstar: she’s uniquely herself, delightfully odd, carries a unique gimmick that’s not overbearing and she somehow manages to cross the right wires with critics, fans and advertisers alike. And now finally, long after the success of The ArchAndroid she’s announced a follow-up album, The Electric Lady, which we take to be yet another sprawling futuristic concept album based on these tweets.

"Every album is a book. Every song is a chapter. The next book is called The Electric Lady. The first chapter is called Q.U.E.E.N."- JM
— Janelle Monáe👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) April 22, 2013

"Every album is a Suite. Every song is an Experience. The next suite is called The Electric Lady. The first experience is called Q.U.E.E.N."
— Janelle Monáe👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) April 22, 2013

Not one to leave us waiting, Monáe’s also shared her first new single, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” a collaboration with Erykah Badu that revolves around a snap-happy funk groove and carries itself with the right amount of attitude.

Q.U.E.E.N. was inspired by private discussions between Erykah and me. It is meant to make you JAM. DANCE. FUNK OUT. and dialogue later...
— Janelle Monáe👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) April 22, 2013