Janelle Monae creates a hopeful utopia and a new National Anthem with her album, “Dirty Computer.”



It’s been two days since Janelle Monae released her third studio album, Dirty Computer. Two whole days and still the hype and euphoria created by this album is still going strong.

Bringing uplifting messages of self love, optimism for the future & empowerment for all, Dirty Computer is exactly what we the people needed.

Monae takes her God given talents and creates an art piece that provides an infectious call for action.

Bringing powerful lyrics, soulful vocals, and rap skills, along with stunning visuals — both figuratively and literally — Monae has set the bar super high when it comes to artistic expression.

The first thing to be commended about this phenomenal album — aside from the lyrical genius — is the overall production and construction of the album.

From track to track the energy and sound flows with ease. If you play the album in full from beginning to end — which you should always do — you will be carried from one song to the next.

The ability to transition between songs without awkward changes in sound, energy or vibe is not something we get anymore. Each track depends on the other, creating a cohesive body of work.

While this sense of connectivity could seem flawed after a while, it’s important to point out that even though each song leads into the next, each track does present its own personality and sound.

Dirty Computer houses 14 tracks and yet, the energy never dulls. Once one track loses its momentum, the transition and lead into the next one brings the energy right back up.

Monae has created playfully produced tracks that provide “danceable” vibes while still selling an important message.

Lyrically, Monae provides listeners with controversial and important messages. She touches on female equality, race equality, self-love and even brings up messages of LGBT rights.

What allows the lyrics to really resonate with listeners is the delivery. Instead of just singing on this album, Monae brings out her inner Lauryn Hill and provides us with both amazing vocals and stunning rap skills.

Her rap moments at the end of “Crazy, Classic, Life” and “Screwed” that lead into her rapping all through “Django Jane,” highlight some of the most important lyrical moments.

In her interview with The Breakfast Club, Monae did point out that she uses rap as a tool to get the message across. It is important to point out that some of the hardest hitting messages and lyrics are featuring in her raps.

“All I wanted was to break the rules like you/ All I wanted was someone to love me too./ But no matter where it was I always stood out./ Black waldo dancing with the thick brow.” – “Classic, Crazy, Life.”

“Hundred telling me to cover my areolas/ while they blocking equal pay, sippin on their coca-colas./ Fake news, fake boobs, fake food, what’s real?” – “Screwed”

“And we gon’ start a motherfuckin pussy riot/ Or we gon’ have to put them on a pussy diet./ Look at that, I guarantee I got them quiet./ Look at that, I guarantee they all inspired.” -“Django Jane”

All in all Dirty Computer brings the next generation of minorities the hope and uplifting messages that we need to move forward in this nation that is — for the most part — filled with hopelessness.

It may seem to be a reach for an album to have such an impact, but when listening to this album you can’t help but be lifted up. You can’t help, but to want to change the things that are wrong. And you can’t help but be motivated to be that change.

Ending the album with the track “Americans” is the best example of this. It leaves listeners on a high note, one that really fuels the fire of hope and optimism.

The combining of her beautiful lyrics with a motivational speech really brings the track into a new height. One that makes us feel empowered and ready to conquer all obstacles.

Monae has created a new vision for America, a new anthem to celebrate being who you are, whomever that may be.

Dirty Computer Will not only be the biggest impact for the music world, but for the whole world. Monae has created a new sound and message that is going to be hard to touch.

Along with her brilliant album, Monae also released a visually beautiful “emotion picture” to compliment the album. The creativity and hard work put into this album, and the complimenting visual, is beyond genius.

Be sure to PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF DIRTY COMPUTER HERE and stream below. Also take a look at the Emotion Picture below and tell me what you thought of this body of work.