US soul singer Janelle Monáe, the immensely talented and versatile artist, has once again captivated the music world with her latest album ‘The Age Of Pleasure’. It is the breast bearing artist’s fourth studio album, that comes five years after Monáe’s last album, Dirty Computer. Released June 9, the album has risen to the top of the U.S. iTunes R&B/Soul chart.
“This is exactly, how do I honor how I’m feeling and who I am now,” said Monáe about the lead track “Float” to Apple Music. “I’m not thinking about the future, but right now, because this is all we have right now.”
The album’s 14-tracks include features from Sean Kuti, Egypt 80’, Doechii, Nia Long, Amaarae, and CKay. Monáe is heading out for the promotional tour for The Age of Pleasure hitting 26 cities across North America.
After a several sex positive promotional antics, the album proves Monáe’s unique ability to seamlessly blend genres and draw inspiration from various musical influences.
Monáe and her line up of inspired producers also incorporat samples and toasts from Jamaican musical legends such as Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy, and Derrick Harriott, Mad Cobra, Patra and Grace Jones. Released under Sean “Diddy” Combs Bad Boy records, the album pays homage to the pioneers of reggae and pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.
Musical Diversity and Inspiration:
Janelle Monáe has always been celebrated for her stylish and innovative approach to music, as in the past she effortlessly fused elements of R&B, funk, pop, and soul for hire like ‘Yoga’{2015} and Q.U.E.E.N ft. Erykah Badu.
In case you haven’t listen to this summer loving album, here are the reggae and Jamaican influences across the album.
Barrington Levy
Barrington Levy voice from the 1984 track Murderer is sampled for Monáe’s tracks 2 and 3, Champagne Sh-t and Black Sugar Beach. Her decision to include a sample from one of Levy’s tracks showcases her appreciation for his artistry and helps introduce his music to a new audience.
Grace Jones
The multi-lingual diva Grace Jones get souled in for track 6 Oooh La La. She delights in delivering French prose over reggae beats similar to Buju Banton’s English verse on Kanye’s “Believe What I Say” off the Donda album.
Sister Nancy
Sister Nancy, the first female dancehall DJ with and international hit and a trailblazer for women in reggae is a right fit for Janelle Monáe feminist themes on tracks 9 (The French 75). The song is just over a minute long but the celebrated Jamaican one hit wonder gave the song a new toast in retro style.
Patra
“All a di girls dem…whine” was a line for Patra’s “Whining Skill”, track 10 from her 1993 Queen Of The Pack album. She brings it back with a modern take and in context for Monáe’s pronoun based agenda on Water Slide.
Derrick Harriott’s Timeless Sound:
Pulling for a 1967 Jamaican classic “The Loser” that did not hit any chart if significance is another bold move by Janelle.
Harriott’s soulful voice and innovative production techniques have had a lasting impact on the reggae genre.
Mad Cobra:
The irony of using a sample from Flex, produced by Clifton “Specialist” Dillon, the same riddim that Buju Banton’s Boom Bye Bye is recorded on for a lesbian song is as artistic as it is revolutionary.
Janelle is follows through on her red Met Gala red statement about her affinity for Jamaican food and culture “lipstick Lover,” as she ruffle some cultural feathers in the dancehall.
Still, Janelle Monáe’s decision to incorporate reggae and dancehall samples into her album demonstrates her willingness to push boundaries and explore new territories while flipping homophobia on its back as she tongue kisses the heartbeat of Jamaican music. This bold approach not only reflects Monáe’s artistic growth but also contributes to the evolution of the music industry as a whole.
