STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

From Janelle Monáe's House to the White House

The artistic, stylish, and forever classic Janelle Monáe's journey from her home to the White House!
  1. From Kansas City to New York

    (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

    Jason Merritt/Getty Images

    (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

    Growing up in Kansas, Janelle Monáe knew she wanted to perform. When given the opportunity, she left Kansas and moved to the Big Apple. There, she enrolled in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

  2. "WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE"

    (Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)

    Matthew Eisman/Getty Images

    (Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)

    From the Big Apple to the big A. In 2001, Janelle moved from New York to Atlanta to further pursue her singing and performing career. In Atlanta, she founded the Wondaland Arts Society with other members and released her first EP, The Audition.

  3. Major Moves

    (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Target)

    Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Target

    (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Target)

    After making moves in Atlanta, Janelle Monáe met Outkast's, Big Boi, who later introduced her to her future boss, P. Diddy. Diddy listened to Janelle's music on MySpace and fell in love with her unique style and voice. Later, he signed her to Bad Boy Records.

  4. Metropolis and the Android Takeover

    (Photo: Wondaland Arts Society, Atlantic Records, Bad Boy Records)

    Wondaland Arts Society

    (Photo: Wondaland Arts Society, Atlantic Records, Bad Boy Records)

    Metropolis is a concept album in which there are different suites. Janelle's vision for this was to have different parts of the album to debut at different times. The album focused on Janelle's alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, and her goal to be seen as the messiah of the android robot community.

  5. Q.U.E.E.N

    (Photo: Wondaland Arts Society, Atlantic Records, Bad Boy Records)

    Wondaland Arts Society

    (Photo: Wondaland Arts Society, Atlantic Records, Bad Boy Records)

    Janelle's sophomore album, The Electric Lady, included a song called "Q.U.E.E.N" that featured Erykah Badu. The album did well and also featured other artists, such as Miguel, Prince and Solange.

  6. COVERGIRL, Yes She Is!

    (Photo: CoverGirl Cosmetics)

    CoverGirl Cosmetics

    (Photo: CoverGirl Cosmetics)

    Noticed for her unique beauty and amazing style, Janelle Monáe was named 2012's CoverGirl! She has been featured in many commercials and ads in collaboration with the beauty company. 

  7. She Has A Voice and She's Not Afraid to Use It

    Janelle Monáe has been a strong advocate for the #BlackLivesMatter movement. She has used her voice to speak up on the injustice in the African-American community. 

  8. Performing At The White House

    (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Glamour Magazine)

    Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Glamour Magazine

    (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Glamour Magazine)

    Janelle Monáe will be singing and dancing during her performing for President Barack Obama and his family. She will surely bring the house down!

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.