Jalylah Burrell

Hello, Babar

Seattle-bred, Brooklyn-based cultural critic Jalylah Burrell riffs on anything and everything.

First Sir Luscious, then Sean, Now Badu: The Anointing of Janelle Monae

Posted 04/18/2008 at 10:18 PM | Comment?

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Janelle Monae at the Blender Theater at Gramercy (4.3.2008)

I cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot each morn on my way to work. It keeps the thighs in check and gets my mind right. It's not easy working 8 unfulfilling hours each day. En route, I listen to a morning mix; some Armand Van Helden to accelerate my stride when I'm running late, some Bobby Caldwell for lovelorn introspection, Tracy Chapman for good music's sake and, yes, Janelle Monae. "Sincerely, Jane" registers as a different shade of genius with each and every listen. It's vernacular and high brow, orchestral and churlish. She writes well and delivers pointedly. It's good music.

So just take a glance at my Idolator Best of 2007 ballot and "In the Mix" write-up for more of my thoughts on Ms. Monae. She's absolutely astounding and cute and original and delightfully brown and kinky headed. I've been back and forth with her manager, Rico, about doing something on her but it never materialized. I'm just as wary as many of her other fans about her Bad Boy signing even though I know it's necessary. Even if she doesn't come out, and I hope her major label dreams don't go down the drain, her profile will be raised such that she will be able to flourish if she decides again to go at it on her own, Wondaland Arts Society style. For evidence, check the post by Erykah Badu on Okayplayer below. (Click to enlarge)