Janelle Monáe

About

Janelle Monáe Robinson, known professionally as Janelle Monáe, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer who was born on December 1, 1985, in Kansas City, Kansas. She began her career providing vocals for OutKast, later signing with Big Boi's Purple Ribbon label. Monáe has since released critically acclaimed albums such as "The ArchAndroid" and "Dirty Computer," blending genres such as soul, R&B, pop, and funk. She is known for her distinct style, often appearing in a stylized tuxedo ensemble, and narrative-focused songwriting. She has received nominations for Grammy Awards multiple times. Monáe has also ventured into acting, with notable roles in Oscar-nominated films "Hidden Figures" and "Moonlight."

Associated With

Janelle Monáe is an all-around entertainer, known for her singing, acting, and producing capacities. In the music industry, she has worked with artists like Big Boi from Outkast, SZA, and Erykah Badu, and is also associated with Sean 'Diddy' Combs' music label, Bad Boy Records. As an actress, she has appeared in critically acclaimed movies like “Hidden Figures” alongside Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer, and “Moonlight" with Mahershala Ali. In terms of dating, Monáe maintains a quite private personal life, however, she has confirmed she identifies as pansexual. Monáe’s influence in the industry is also notable through her involvement with Wondaland Arts Society, an arts collective and record label she co-founded which supports other artists.

Career Highlights

• 2003: Janelle Monáe founded the Wondaland Arts Society, an independent record label that was instrumental in her early career.
• 2007: She received her first significant public exposure after Big Boi from OutKast featured her on several tracks (Got Purp? Vol. 2 and Idlewild).
• 2010: Monáe released her debut full-length album, "The ArchAndroid". The album was nominated for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2011 as Best Contemporary R&B Album.
• 2012: Janelle performed at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, paying tribute to soul music with Bruno Mars and B.o.B.
• 2013: "The Electric Lady", her second studio album, was released, featuring guest appearances from Prince and Miguel.
• 2015: Monáe's story-driven and critically lauded song, "Hell You Talmbout", was released.
• 2016: She launched her film career, appearing in notable movies like "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures".
• 2017: Monáe's performance in both "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures" earned her Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
• 2018: She released her third studio album, "Dirty Computer", which garnered her two GRAMMY Nominations, including Album of the Year.
• 2020: Monáe opened the 92nd Academy Awards with a musical performance.
• 2021: She appeared in the horror film "Antebellum" and psychological thriller film "Homecoming", further establishing her versatility as a performer.

Notable Awards

• Janelle Monáe is a highly awarded singer, songwriter, and actress. Some of her notable awards are:
• Billboard Women in Music: Rising Star - 2013
• BET Awards: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist - 2020
• Indie Wire Honors: Creative Independence Award - 2018
• MTV Video Music Awards: Best Art Direction for "PYNK" - 2018
• Black Reel Awards: Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female for "Hidden Figures" - 2017
• African-American Film Critics Association: Best Ensemble for "Hidden Figures" - 2016
• Hollywood Film Awards: Spotlight Award - Actress for "Hidden Figures" - 2016
• Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Supporting Actress for "Moonlight" - 2016
• She has also been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, and continues to be a strong and influential presence in I music and acting industry.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Janelle Monáe Movie/TV Show?

Janelle Monáe's most popular movie to date is arguably "Hidden Figures," which came out in 2016. In this critically acclaimed biographical drama, Monáe showcased her acting talents in the role of Mary Jackson, one of three African-American women working at NASA who played pivotal roles in the early years of the US space program. The movie was a box office success, earning over $230 million worldwide and garnered multiple award nominations, including three for the Academy Awards. It cemented Monáe's place in the acting world and brought her widespread recognition for her performance.

How Did Janelle Monáe Get Famous?

Janelle Monáe first gained prominence as a recording artist with her debut EP "Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)" which gained a Grammy nomination in 2007. Her eclectic blend of genres, including funk, R&B, soul, and electronic music, together with her distinctive persona, attracted wide interest, and she was signed by Bad Boy Records. Monáe's significant breakthrough came with the release of her debut album "The ArchAndroid" in 2010. The album received wide critical praise for its conceptual creativity and Monáe's impressive vocal abilities, earning her several awards and nominations. She later moved into acting, appearing in acclaimed films such as "Hidden Figures" and "Moonlight," which increased her fame and solidified her position as a multitalented artist.