Janelle Monae: On the Wired Side of Town | written by Alisha Tillery

Just when you thought music was starting to sing the same old song, along comes a petite Cybergirl, named Janelle Monae. It's hard to put her into a box of neosoul or R&B because she's so eclectic. Apart of the Purple Ribbon entourage, this Kansas City native has been compared to Andre 3000 for her vivid imagination and music style. You may have seen Janelle, or her alter-ego, Cyndi Mayweather on Outkast's Idlewild soundtrack or Got Purp? Volume I.

From a jazz number with the Atlanta-bred Jaspects to a synthesizer, bounce beat, Janelle has it all on her Metropolis album. Selling her music through Itunes and other download outlets, she drops only four or five tracks on a "Suite." There are five suites in Metropolis. Listen to samples of the first suite at www.myspace.com/janellemonae. I highly suggest "My First Love" or "Cloud 9."

I'm looking forward to more fresh music from Janelle, even though she signed to Bad Boy recently. Hopefully, her career doesn't go down the drain before it really kicks off. For now though, you can listen to a playlist on IMEEM like I do! It's going all day at work. Don't tell my boss! lol

Check her out and let me know your thoughts.