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Janelle Monaewrote a new national anthem.
Its an American fantasy.
Her singleDjango Janename-checks black artists that escaped America and its oppression, in a rap about black excellence.
How does Americans fit into that artistic legacy?
Idont have to leave.
Why do I have to leave?
Monae needed to take time off in the five years betweenElectric Ladyand this monthsDirty Computer.
I feel like I had my whole life to make my first album, she says.
So with withDirty Computer, she took her time.
When did you start writingDirty Computer?Ive had the concept forDirty Computersince before I didThe ArchAndroid.
This is not my most vulnerable or honest album.
Im beingmorevulnerable andmorehonest, but I knew that it was going to take another level.
I feel like I had my whole life to make my first album.
I also went to doHidden FiguresandMoonlight, and these were all amazing opportunities.
When did you know thatDirty Computerwas done?
I allowed myself time to gather ideas.
Figuring out the three chapters ofDirty Computerwas important.
The albums broken up into three parts: the reckoning, the celebration, and the reclamation.
I felt like I had a really good framework to work within.
Or would I be proud of it?
Did I give my all, as though this is my last album?
And thats when I walked away.
Did Prince get a chance to hear the final version of this album?No.
Im wondering how much the election impacted the album.The election sped up the release ofDirty Computer.
The election is when I knew it had to be done.
I thinkDirty Computerjust does it in a more near-future sense.
The previous albums did it in a further future tense the year 2719 andDirty Computerdeals with a nearer future.
This president is so obsessed with entertainment, and such a loose cannon on Twitter.
Have you thought at all about what it would be like if he responds online?I dont care.
Well, I do care I hope that he listens to the album.
Im really struck byDirty Computerfunctions as a work of political resistance and patriotism.
But the album also ends with an anthem celebrating this country.
Can you talk to me about that duality?My ancestors built this country.
I dont have to leave.
Why do I have to leave?
You mentioned James Baldwin Im a huge Baldwin fan.
I wanted to pay homage to them.
But also, I think it was a different time.
And thats why my song Americans, is in the reclamation section ofDirty Computer, you know?
Im not going to Canada.
Im staying right here.
We built this shit.
I would like to talk more broadly about the music industry.
Something else you touch on in Django Jane are awards and that validation.
I love celebrating my peers.
Being seen by those people means the world to me, and is just as valid.
YourTimes Up speechat the Grammys was a highlight of that show.
Im not going to group all men and say that all men are guilty of sexual harassment or rape.
I also think that because this is a male-dominated industry, women are not being hired.
Were not in that powerful position to hire more women, because the people at the top are men.
And its already been proven that sexual harassment goes down immensely when a woman is in charge.
There need to be some systemic changes.
We have to start with listening not to respond, but listening to understand.
The film industry is embracing inclusion riders.
Do you think that could be applied to music?Absolutely.
I think its a great idea.
I am pro-inclusion rider.
Theres a spiritual quality to a lot of this music.
I venture to practice love.
I have a go at learn from other religions, too.
I have Muslim friends, I have atheist friends, I have Baptist friends.
I dont think that Im a person who is qualified to speak about religion.
I know, and believe, that weve been put here to learn from each other.
I also think that no one has the answer, on Earth.
Like, how Im feeling?
Ive read that you really inherited this love of science fiction from your grandmother.
I didnt get into writing my own sci-fi until I was in high school.
I was a part of the Coterie Theatres Young Playwrights Roundtable, and I started to write short stories.
If they were great enough, the local actors there would perform them.
And, so, prayer didnt work, and here you have it.
Shes one of my favorite, then Philip K. Dick, then Isaac Asimov.
They supported me through the arts.
I grew up in Kansas City, Kansas.
During the summertime at least two of my male friends would be killed due to gun violence.
I know youre a bigScandal fan have you watched theseries finale?Dont spoil it for me!
I dont go online.
I never like for people to know my favorite shows, either.
Im really, really possessive aboutScandalandHow to Get Away With Murder.
I have to watch them alone, like its my meditation.
