Who IS the ArchAndroid? Better yet, who in the hell is Cindi Mayweather? Bottom line question, Who Is Janelle Monae?
I've got a terrible fixation..Can't get it off my mind.. Don't really want to know it better...Want to keep it in the realm of fantasy. Maybe you missed Metropolis: The Chase Suite. Maybe you've fallen victim to the contagiously sickening conclusion that none of these new artists are worth a listen. I've long ago, ditched the radio fourplay for the back alley undground grind scene that still holds more originality than anything your favorite disc junky[jockey] is spinning. And more than often on my travels distant from popularity, I find that diamond in the rough, that's who Janelle Monae IS!
Signed to Badboy label, straight out of Kansas, and exploding onto the seen doing chorus vocals for Outkast, Miss Monae has definitely made a name for herself through net exposure and tours[currently opening for Miss Badu]. To typecast her character and style on wax requires more time than God's given me on this here green earth, so I'll keep it short.
ArchAndroid is more the Ghost of Music's past all perfectly packaged into one hip hop orchestral like sound, never heard by these ears. Her influences are obvious, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, David Bowie, and Disney[yes, mickey & minnie disney, more Fantasia like though]etc. ArchAndroid makes no attempt to hide the fact that it reaches back in time, but its reaches back with a passion and understanding of how to create new originality.
Don't let the pretty face fool you. Janelle's stage performances are just plain nasty when compared to any other singer I've witnessed. Her energy could fuel the sun for 3 lifetimes, her charisma draws all attention, no eye nor ear relinquished, and her voice could bring peace in war-filled room. With tracks like "Dance or Die", "Faster", "Locked Inside", "Tight Rope", and "Wondaland" you'll be jamming carelessly. If you're more calm and desire a beautiful sound, then "Oh, Maker", "Sir Greendown", "Neon Valley Street", "57821", and "Say You'll Go" will suit your fashion far better than I could describe with words. This album is literally for everyone with music in their hearts and soul. I asked a friend, "Is there any genre she left untouched?', his simple replay was a clear cut "No".
WTH!! Now, I understand that as a rapper you have to keep up with the trends, but yo, when did 50 Cent get on the Kid Cudi diet. Next thing you know, he gon be in skinny jeans singing about all his depressions while wifing up some bald headed chick from across seas.
