Janelle Monae
Janelle Monáe Robinson (born December 1, 1985, known as Janelle Monáe (/dʒəˈnɛl moʊˈneɪ/), is an American psychedelic soul and R&B singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer signed to Bad Boy Records, Wondaland Art Society and Atlantic Records. After making a mark with her first unofficial studio album, The Audition CD release, Monáe debuted publicly with a conceptual EP: Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), which peaked at number 115 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. In 2010 Monáe released her "debut" studio album, The ArchAndroid, a concept album sequel to her first EP; it was released by Bad Boy Records. This album received critical acclaim and garnered a Best Contemporary R&B Album nomination at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. The song "Tightrope" was also nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the same ceremony. With this industry recognition the album has also been more successful commercially, officially reaching the number 17 spot on the Billboard 200. Her music has garnered Monáe six Grammy Award nominations. In March 2012, "We Are Young", the song by the band fun. on which Monáe appears as a guest vocalist, reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, her first appearance in the US Top 10. In August 2012, Monáe became a CoverGirl spokeswomen. On September 10, 2013, Monáe released her second studio album, The Electric Lady, to critical acclaim. Boston City Council named October 16, 2013 "Janelle Monáe Day" in the city of Boston, Massachusetts in recognition of her artistry and social leadership.