Janelle Monae is so epic, talented, and unique - It's just crazy
Check out the highlights from the Elle Magazine Exclusive
On Loving Her Body & Not Wanting People to Focus on That
When I look at myself in the mirror, I’m attractive. I really have a nice body. And I had to pick: Do I want them to focus on my body? Do I want them to focus on how curvy and really, really gorgeous my figure is? Or do I want them to look at my music? What has more value? And I made that decision. I want them to focus on the message and the music because I feel like I have a higher calling. You have to protect your heart and your spirit so you’re not tainted by money, greed, power, arrogance…. I don’t get off on those things.
When I look at myself in the mirror, I’m attractive. I really have a nice body. And I had to pick: Do I want them to focus on my body? Do I want them to focus on how curvy and really, really gorgeous my figure is? Or do I want them to look at my music? What has more value? And I made that decision. I want them to focus on the message and the music because I feel like I have a higher calling. You have to protect your heart and your spirit so you’re not tainted by money, greed, power, arrogance…. I don’t get off on those things.
On Being Shy
I am naturally shy. That’s what people are most surprised by, because when I’m onstage there’s nothing shy. It’s all electricity. I feel fearless.
I am naturally shy. That’s what people are most surprised by, because when I’m onstage there’s nothing shy. It’s all electricity. I feel fearless.
On Her Previous Job as a Maid
I got this Facebook message and it really just touched my heart and reminded me where I came from and how I can never complain. I’ll show you.[...]A lot of the women I worked with had rough lives. They were recovering addicts or getting out of jail.
I got this Facebook message and it really just touched my heart and reminded me where I came from and how I can never complain. I’ll show you.[...]A lot of the women I worked with had rough lives. They were recovering addicts or getting out of jail.
On Being a Positive, Powerful Influence & Inspiration
I have a responsibility to my community. I have a responsibility to tell the universe a story in an unforgettable way. I really want to open doors for all those starting to have their voice…. I want to speak to my cousins who are still in Kansas and feel like they don’t have anyone; I want to speak to the young lady who is trying to understand who she is and how she’s going to follow her dreams living in a disadvantaged environment.
I have a responsibility to my community. I have a responsibility to tell the universe a story in an unforgettable way. I really want to open doors for all those starting to have their voice…. I want to speak to my cousins who are still in Kansas and feel like they don’t have anyone; I want to speak to the young lady who is trying to understand who she is and how she’s going to follow her dreams living in a disadvantaged environment.
“I want to present a different perspective of what it means to be a strong woman, and I just hope to be an inspiration to the next generation of girls, to help them define what makes them unique and what makes them special.”
