“I feel like Harriet Tubman, except I am trying to free people through underground music, to free themselves creatively and inspirationally.” -Janelle Monae.

“Since the publication of The Wizard of Oz in September of 1900, citizens throughout the world have come to realize that fantasies can come from the tinniest, nondescript places, and that the most wondrous journeys can begin in your own backyard—especially if your home is located in Greater Kansas City, Kansas. Like Dorothy, Janelle Monáe is a native of Kansas. Like Dorothy and other famous fairy tale heroines, Janelle Monáe has a big, bright smile and grand ambitions that involve leaps of imagination and different ways of seeing the world. This imaginative sensibility started early at the age of nine when Monáe decided that the world should be a different color: “preferably whatever I want it to be.” Thinking back on it now, Janelle says, “I was a bit odd compared to other Kansan kids. Of course, I did the normal little things like running up my grandma and uncle’s phone bills by dialing 1-800-Be-A-Star and singing Anita Baker’s ‘Sweet Love’ for anyone that would listen…but I was also on some different stuff…there was a lot of confusion and nonsense where I grew up so I reacted by creating my own little world…I began to see how music could change lives, and I began to dream about a world where every day was like anime and Broadway, where music fell from the sky and anything could happen…”

We were introduced to her through the tracks of Idlewild that she graced with her unique elegance. The leading lady of Big Bois Purple Ribbon Entertainment, Janelle Monae, brings about a fresh energy that we need more of within the worlds wide range of music. You know, that energy that makes you think “wow, how does she come up with that”! From her futuristic mind, to her unique and playful style, Janelle has brought back the fun and creativity that many of us yearn for from a track. She recently dropped “Suite I” of IV(three more to come), from her album “Metropolis”, which is filled with futuristic, crafty sounds that no other can compose and travel to but Janelle herself. Be inspired and get to know her spirit:

ymib: What is your purpose/mission in life?

Janelle: I really just want to encourage and inspire people to use their freedom in a positive way and in a way that is inspiring to other people. I want to continue to pass down the seeds of change within the world. I think that it can start with just one person. Just like a rumor can get carried on, so can inspiration. I just want to be that person that is always constantly aware of my many gifts and talents. I just want to be able to use them to the best of my ability and to never hold back. It's up to me to help change the world, I cannot look at everybody else, I can only do what I can do. So thats what I want to do with my music, I want to inspire people creatively and artistically to be free.

When I am dead and gone, I want people to know that I tried to change the world through my heart. I would also like to open a non-profit organization for young girls who come from dis-advantaged environments; and focus on their self esteem. I really want to be able to counsel them and want them to feel safe, and to feel like they can talk to me and my staff. To perfect their interests and crafts.

ymib: If your inner spirit had a theme song, what would it be?

Janelle: Well, I know that I am a fighter and I will fight for something that I am very passionate about. My inner spirit, even when I am down, never gives up. I don't know what song you would place that with, but I know that I am a fighter. I have lived and been through a lot and I challenge myself all the time to change for the better.

ymib: What things do you do to keep your inner spirit/soul balanced?

Janelle: I try to find peace when I wake up in the morning. Sometimes I don't go to bed until 4:00 in the morning because I am either recording or I am just up talking about ideas. So when I get up I just try to find my peace and ask God to give me peace for the day. I have lost family members from getting gunned down through violence and drugs, and all of that different type of stuff. You never know when someone is going to call you and say something has happened to one of your loved ones. I just ask God to give me peace and strength for whatever comes into my life that day, and to be of some inspiration to someone new.

ymib: What do you love most about being a natural woman?

Janelle: I am so use to my true self now, and I have found that it was just becoming too much of a headache to constantly straighten my hair just to look a certain way. I just didn't have the time for that. When you are trying to change the world. You don't have time to look in the mirror everyday to feel as if something is wrong with you. For me, there is no other way. I can't pretend, I am not a pretender. I wear makeup and all of these other things, but I don't get caught up in it. I know what Janelle Monae Robinson looks like everyday, and I am comfortable with that.

What she would tell you if you were feeling down or having a bad day: “I would tell you that you only get two minutes to cry a day, and after those two minutes are up, it is time to move on. I would tell you to compare your issue to issues around the world, that may be much worse; and tell you to put your issue into perspective of those. There is always someone going through more than you. At the end of the day, you only get but so long to feel sorry for yourself.

ymib: Favorite Affirmation or Inspirational quote?

Janelle: “It's the things that you don't do that makes you who you are.”, “Don't put a label on your art, let others decide what they think it is, and while they are deciding or trying to figure out what to call your art and name it, you just continue to do more art.” -Andy Warhol. This quote got to me because as an Artist, people always want to categorize you and say oh, you are in this category, but there is nothing that I limit myself to doing. Categorizing myself will only limit my growth. I also love the quote: “Success is better shared with others”

ymib: Other than music, what other ways do you like to express your creativity?

Janelle: Well, I have always wanted to go to art school since I was younger. My mom is a great artist and she inspired me when I was young to sketch and draw, but I never took it seriously. Now I find that when I have writers block, I find myself sketching these different things that represent the song. I am going to take art more seriously. I most definitely want to leave behind art, and that does not just mean music. I want to leave behind paintings and sculptures that can inspire someone. I am also a big lover of playing golf!

Artists she would have loved to work with: “I would have love to work with Judy Garland and James brown, because he was funky and didn't hold back on stage!”

Check Janelle out on Myspace or on her official website, and be sure to pick up Suite I: The Chase of her album Metropolis!