Janelle Monae Archives - THE 97

97 Words: “Phenomenal” by Janelle Monáe & Doechii

Vincent Anthony — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 19:49:08 +0000

This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.

Coming into one’s own requires a commanding level of self-confidence. Janelle Monáe’s embodiment of “free ass muthafucker” over the last several years reached new heights with the release of her latest, summer-ready album “The Age of Pleasure.” On the album cut “Phenomenal,” Monáe taps newbie Doechii to join them in a celebration of both phenomenal face and “phenomenal puss.” Opening the track, Monáe proclaims: “I’m looking at 1,000 versions of myself and they’re all fine. as. fuck. Say it to my face… bitch.” The question is asked (“How you feel?”) and answered (“Phenomenal!”); it’s not up for debate.

Listen to “Phenomenal,” or purchase “The Age of Pleasure” on vinyl

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Phenomenal” by Janelle Monáe & Doechii appeared first on THE 97.

97 Words: “Water Slide” by Janelle Monáe.

Vincent Anthony — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 22:06:23 +0000

This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.

Who can resist a good, nasty metaphor? Janelle Monáe takes a plunge into the sea of allegory on “Water Slide,” the very unserious, very unsubtle third single from “The Age of Pleasure.” With lemons on her areoles and bare ass cheeks abound, Monáe’s “Age of Pleasure” is a water park in the very metaphorical sense: it’s very hot, very wet, and very fun. Opening with the line, “If I could fuck me right here right now, I would do that,” the song is a tantalizing tease and, with its Island-inspired beat, is beach and pool party perfection.

Watch the unmissable “Water Slide” video, stream it, or buy “The Age of Pleasure.”

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Water Slide” by Janelle Monáe. appeared first on THE 97.

97 Words: “Float” by Janelle Monáe

Vincent Anthony — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 21:52:04 +0000

This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.

When you’re a free-ass-muthafucker, you don’t walk… you float. That’s the essence of “Float,” the lead single from Janelle Monáe’s latest album, “The Age of Pleasure.” Featuring music by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Monáe glides through self-realization, announcing that she’s changed and doesn’t care what the haters have to say about it. In light of recent criticisms for her showing off her nipples at the Essence Music Festival (and the video for second single “Lipstick Lover”), the message of “Float” is all the more relevant. However, in her age of pleasure, Janelle Monáe will continue to float — unbothered.

Watch the “Float” visualizer, stream the song, or order “The Age of Pleasure” on vinyl.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here.

The post 97 Words: “Float” by Janelle Monáe appeared first on THE 97.