Audio Gumbo

When I say this collaboration is highly anticipated, believe that’s no exaggeration. Since the release of Janelle Monae’s first EP Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), folks have compared and contrasted her style to her eclectic predecessor, Erykah Badu. So it’s only natural that once the comparisons finally waned, fans would begin to clamor for a melding of their individual dopeness. But you know what they say: Ask and you shall receive, y’all!

The first single, Q.U.E.E.N, from Monae’s upcoming album, Electric Lady, is fiercely unapologetic. Lines such as, “They be like ‘ooh, let them eat cake’, but we eat wangs and throw them bones on the ground” reflect the sassiness and slightly unruly message of this track. Badu acts as more of the big sister proudly backing up her fearless lil’ sis than a true feature. Quite honestly, Monae holds her own and dominates the song. There are some that ponder about the lyrics, questioning her sexuality and intent. To me, her only intent is the stress the same philosophy she’s upheld since she dropped down from Metropolis: “embrace what makes you unique; even if it makes others uncomfortable.”