Lemay - Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae, who recently released her album titled "Dirty Computer", is someone who I think represents the energy, innovation, craft, and concerns of our generation. Today's generation is increasingly becoming more passionate about social change, something we've especially seen in the rise of the Trump presidency, and this winter after the Parkland shooting when teenagers organized marches for awareness across the nation. Monae reflects this passion for social change in songs like "Django Jane", which is an empowering anthem about black women rising up and refusing to be silenced.

** warning for some curse words/vulgar language**

Lyrics of hers that I think reflect this:


"Remember when they used to say I look too mannish, Black girl magic, y'all can't stand it, y'all can't ban it, made out like a bandit, They been trying hard just to make us all vanish, I suggest they put a flag on a whole 'nother planet"

"We gave you life, we gave you birth, we gave you God, we gave you earth, We fem the future, don't make it worse, You want the world, well what's it worth?"

- Django Jane

"I remember when you called me weird, We was in math class, third row I was sitting by you, Right before Mr. Ammond's class, 'Cause my mom couldn't afford new Js, Polos, thrift store, thrift clothes that was all I knew, Do you remember?
Uh I remember when you laughed when I cut my perm off and you rated me a six, And I was like damn, but even back then with the tears in my eyes, I always knew I was the sh*t"

"I Like That"