New Talent: Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an alternative, soul, futuristic, and rock performer and singer. Originally from Kansas City, Kansas she was first featured on the Purple Ribbon All-Star's Compilation Got Purp? Volume 2 in 2005. Her song "Lettin' Go," from this album became a cult hit and a fan favorite. Her next major feature was on OutKast's movie soundtrack for Idlewild, where she is featured on the songs "Call The Law" and "In Your Dreams." She was also featured in the video for the single "Morris Brown," with Big Boi and Scar.

She is currently signed to indie record label The Wondaland Arts Society. The Wondaland Arts Society was founded by the Wolfmasters Nate "Rocket" Wonder, Chuck Lightning, and Delvin Franklin along with manager George "Rico" Rodriguez, Mitch Mitchowski, and Janelle Monáe herself. Other artists on The Wondaland Arts Society include the Afro-punk group Deep Cotton.

Escaping from the underworld of her hometown, Monáe attended the American Musical Academy in New York City where she studied musical theatre and planned to pursue a career on the stages of Broadway. But feeling stifled by the lack of dynamic roles for black women on Broadway, Monáe decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of changing the world through her music. Monáe made her debut in Atlanta in the Fall of 2003. At the time, she was enrolled in Georgia Perimeter College and studied Science. She performed at various events in the Atlanta University Center. Her first solo project "The Audition" consisted of raw acoustic production from fellow AUC group BOF (Best of Friends) and from Nate "Rocket" Wonder and Chuck Lightning of Wondaland Productions.

Monáe originally planned on releasing "Metropolis" in four separate parts, or "Suites." The first Suite of Metropolis, titled "The Chase" was released in August of 2007 via her label, the Wondaland Arts Society. The first single from Suite I of Metropolis, "Violet Stars Happy Hunting" has since become an internet sensation and is an underground hit. Her album is available exclusively via her website and live performances, as well as iTunes and other mp3 download sites. In late 2007, Janelle Monae signed with Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, Bad Boy Records via her own recording label, The Wondaland Arts Society. Through the joint venture, Monáe will follow up the suite with Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition), heralded by the album's first single Many Moons (Song) and in stores on August 12th, 2008. The Many Moons (Song) video premiered on BET's 106 and Park on September 25, 2008. Janelle plans on releasing a full length album in January 2009.