Janelle Monae’s Johnny Grinch
It’s not Halloween or Christmas anymore, but who cares when this image gallery of Janelle Monae’s Grinch costume is so, so sweet. Learn more here about her character, Johnny Grinch.
I Am the American Cool, Suite 3: I Am Not America’s Nightmare
After the release of the third and final album in the “Metropolis” trilogy, Janelle Monáe was at a creative crossroads. Where do you go once you’ve finished the story that has defined your entire professional output? Who are you when you put your alter ego to bed? For […]
I Am the American Cool, Suite 2: This is a Cold War
Author’s note: In April 2022, Monáe stated in an interview that their preferred pronouns are they/them. This article has been updated to reflect Janelle’s identity. As it turned out, the success of extravagant films like Metropolis had no bearing on the continued production of such opulent films in […]
I Am the American Cool, Suite 1: The Mechanics of Myth
Preamble: This started out as a simple article about science fiction’s influence on the music of Janelle Monáe. Then it became a fiery little article about championing “the other,” opposing toxic fandom, and celebrating diversity in science fiction. And then, one thing led to another, and, well…if Fritz […]
“10 Modern Heroes of Black Nerddom (and Urkel is NOT One)”
“If the RZA didn’t exist, then we would have had to invent him.” Charles Webb shares his list of “10 Modern Heroes of Black Nerddom (and Urkel is NOT One)” at Topless Robot.
“Electric Lady (Kiss) Land: Blade Runner and R&B”
At Popshifter, Paul Casey looks at Blade Runner, Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Janelle Monáe’s The Electric Lady and The Weeknd’s Kiss Land. “Where The Electric Lady is uplifting and empowering, the story of a righteous dissident fighting for every wronged being in existence, […]
The Cultural Gutter 