Janelle Monae

Kansas native Janelle Monae started performing as a child and was given her big break in 2005 when Big Boi invited her to guest on OutKast tracks. From there, the singer-songwriter was signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records label and released her debut studio album, The ArchAndroid, in 2010.

Earning a Best Contemporary R&B Album nomination at the 2011 Grammys, Monae was also lauded that year for her hit “Tightrope,” which was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance Grammy Award.

Once a CoverGirl model, Monae sang on fun.’s single, “We Are Young.” She released her sophomore album, The Electric Lady, in fall 2013, followed by Dirty Computer in 2018 and The Age of Pleasure in 2023.