So just who is the woman behind the androgynous android exterior?
How did she evolve into the multi-talented star that she is today?
Read on to learn about the stunning transformation of Janelle Monae, from her childhood into her adulthood.
Monae’s mother later remarried.
That sounds really rough no wonder Monae avoids drugs at all cost.
Fortunately her father has been in recovery for many years, and they have repaired their relationship.
Additionally, one of her maternal aunts lives just a few minutes away.
It’s like that for brown folks."
Certainly somerealchanges are needed.
Clearly her artistic abilities could not be contained!
That’s a long way from Kansas, y’all.
That’s some NYC realness for you right there the rent isnotcheap!
It was time for her to fly, for sure.
Once Monae settled in Atlanta, it quickly became apparent that it was the right move.
“There are so many other likeminded individuals in Atlanta,” she continued.
And it was there that she truly thrived.
“I just knew she was going to be important to music and culture,” he shared.
That’s some high praise!
She signed to Bad Boy Records in 2008.
Meanwhile, door after door was opening for Monae.
In addition, she found a truly royal mentor: Prince.
“And that if I ever needed to speak with him, he’s always available.”
Talk about a dream come true!
Monae and Prince remained friends untilhis untimely passing in 2016.
Behold The Electric Lady!
Raise your hand if you arecompletelyhere for this!
That she did, and she performed it in front of thousands of fans on a North American tour.
Her epic ascent to stardom was full steam ahead.
Monae connected instantly with the script, which resonated with her deeply.
Additionally, the role of Teresa was not an unfamiliar one for her.
There’s little doubt that she was the perfect person for the part.
She continued, “Representation in film is extremely important.
I knew I had to drop what I was doing to be a part of them.”
We’re glad she did.
Obviously, Monae is not afraid to speak her mind, especially on issues that matter dearly to her.
That is truly a noble undertaking, and one that puts women first.
And she came out as queer.
It doesn’t get any more personal than that.
Welcome to Wondaland!
Remember the art collective that Monaefoundedwhen she moved to Atlanta from New York back in the early 2000s?
Not only is it still around and thriving, butThe Wondaland Art Societyis expanding.
In late 2018,Deadlinereported that Wondaland Pictures had inked a first-look production agreement with Universal Pictures.
That’s not even mentioning its Wondaland Records arm.
Could Monae be any busier, y’all?
The mission of Wondaland Pictures is to highlight stories that historically haven’t been front and center.
I want to make movies the dirty computers can feel proud of."
Youknowthis is going to be good.
She’sslated to appearin several movies down the road.
“I don’t apologize to anybody about the kind of artist I am.
Nor will I allow anybody to define who I am either.”
Keeplivingyour truth, Janelle.
