Janelle Monae: Dirty Computer
Words by Bianca O’Neill
No regrets.
Although widely reputed to have engaged the late Prince’s influence throughout production, Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer cannot (and should not) be reduced to simply an ode to Prince’s artistry.
Sure, the opening strains of ‘Screwed’ feature the kind of electric guitar flurry at home in ‘Kiss’, but this is an entirely new album. And while the splashy ‘Crazy, Classic, Life’ is Prince’s ‘1999’ for today, it contains all new ideas.
This is a manifesto for free sexuality in the modern age, empowerment, anti-government sentiment and pre-apocalyptic malcontent. “If tonight everything ends,” she croons, “I just want to know that I lived my life.”
If her recent coming out is anything to go by, Janelle Monae no longer has any more regrets.
This article was originally published in Fashion Journal 179. You can read it here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
