By Mike Winslow
Sean “Diddy” Combs and Outkast’s Big Boi have teamed to advance the career of new artist Janelle Monáe, who recently signed to Bad Boy Records, via a pact with Monáe’s Atlanta-based record label, the Wondaland Arts Society.
Big Boi will serve as co-executive producer of Monáe’s debut release, titled Metropolis Suite EP.
Monáe, who hails from Kansas City, Kansas, attended high school at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
After a move to Atlanta, she was discovered by Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Chuck Lighting and trio founded Wondaland Productions.
Shortly after signing with Wondaland, Janelle Monáe landed high profile collaborations with Big Boi on the tracks "Call The Law" and "In Your Dreams" from OutKast’s Idlewild soundtrack and was featured in the video for the single, "Morris Brown."
It was these collaborations with Big Boi that caught the attention of Combs, who labeled Monáe’s signing one of the most important events in his career.
“Over the years, I’ve been blessed to work with some of the most influential artists in modern music – from Jodeci to Mary J. to Biggie – and there is no doubt in my mind that Janelle is the kind of artist that changes the game,” Combs said. “She is a true visionary, with an original sound and a mesmerizing presence. I can’t wait to watch the future unfold for Janelle.”
The Metropolis Suite EP will introduce Monáe’s android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, who aims to pull listeners in using her “sci-fi inspired world of cyber soul.”
“Metropolis is the place I’ve been dreaming about all these years – a city inside your head,” says Janelle. “It’s an adventure the music brings to life…in many respects, this unique partnership is a reflection of my belief that this is a new day, a new entertainment industry, and a world where the notion of what is independent and what is mainstream changes every day. In this new, rapidly changing environment, I am thrilled that Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton and Sean Combs have partnered with me and the Wondaland Arts Society to promote my music and art around the world."”
Janelle Monáe will follow the Metropolis Suite EP with her untitled debut full-length album in September.
“What I love about Janelle is that she has a magical ability to bring folks together,” stated Big Boi. “And she’s one of most inspiring performers ever.”