Posts Tagged ‘Janelle Monáe’

Mixtape: ‘Runaway Radio’ x Deep Cotton

Posted: September 26, 2013 in Alternative, ATL Love, Funk, Hear This, Mixtape
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runaway radio

 

They’ve been chillin’ in the background, grinding out hits for Wondaland’s queen, Janelle Monae (who also executive produced this project).  “Punk prophets” Nate Wonder and Chuck Lightning combined their powers to birth Deep Cotton, a funky duo set on reprogramming your ideas of radio and good music.  Dubbing their sound “haunted funk n’ roll,” Deep Cotton’s mixtape fixtape, Runaway Radio, compels its listener to abandon all notions of pinpointing a genre and labeling it along with the bad music one may be used to.  Runaway Radio is reminiscent of Prince, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Outkast, Parliament Funkadelic, and The Universe.  Seemingly, anything consisting of molecules influences the music.  Move the furniture out the way, let your hair flow and funk out!  Download the “fixtape” here.

New Joint: “Special Education” x Goodie Mob f. Janelle Monae

Posted: May 21, 2013 in ATL Love, Hear This, Hip Hop, New Joint
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GoodieMob2

 

This is the Goodie Mob I’ve been waiting for.  The ones that kick in the door and stomp on the beat.  THIS is that Goodie Mob.  I wasn’t pleased with their “first” single and I think this track restores the hope and anticipation that was lost in that other joint (that shall not be named).

With a song about uniqueness and individuality, the inclusion of one of music’s most standout artist, Janelle Monae, was a smart move on Goodie’s part.  “I don’t wear the clothes you wear, I’m just different and I don’t care.”

Keep your fingers crossed that their August 27th release date is set in stone.  Listen below and don’t resist the head nods.

New Music+Video: “Q.U.E.E.N.” x Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu

Posted: April 23, 2013 in Alternative, Funk, New Joint
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QUEEN

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.”