So this week I found myself having complex reactions to Erykah’s new video — apparently a criminal complaint has been charged against her for it already. Hmmmm.
But my feelings about Janelle Monae’s latest video aren’t complex at all. I LOVE it and it makes me wanna dance!
Janelle continues to prove to me that she was indeed an excellent inspiration for my first ever Afrobella of the Week. Her star continues to rise, and her music continues to be innovative.
The video for Tightrope takes place in an asylum called The Palace of the Dogs, where dancing has been forbidden for its subversive and magical effect on the residents. Janelle displays her signature black and white fashion to elegant effect — hello, tuxedo! — and puts her dancing shoes to great use. I cannot WAIT to see her perform this song live!!
What do you think? Do you love Tightrope as much as I do? Click here to get yourself a piece!
nyc/caribbean ragazza
Great song, great video.
Kat
Love it!
And I think this video indicates a different point-of-view about “how to deliver a message.” Sometimes a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down. I think both Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu have strong points-of-view, and I admire them both for putting it out there the ways they choose to.
It’s just like my mother sez: “It’s not what you said, but the way you said it.” Both ways have merit…and I’m now dying to by Janelle’s new album just based on what I heard. Erykah’s made me think a little about whether I wanted to get my wallet involved…
BleuSavoy
me likey! a good CLEAN video … how refreshing … l-ves it!
Niki
Love the song!
Charrise
I am a Janelle Monae fan! I love her style and her perspective. She is very creative.
Nicole
I saw Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu perform live at bonnaroo. They were both pretty amazing! I think the albums are worth the money.
Angie O
I saw her perfom this live!!! She came through my town as an opening act for Of Montreal, and most people had no idea who she was, but when she brought out this song, everyone was dancing! She’s amazing!!! one of my favorite artists
Onika Pascal
thanks for sharing this. I love it. I loved her from the moment I saw her in “Idlewild” … I want those shoes that she’s wearing. Where do you think I can find those?? She’s a talented and entertaining young woman. Much success to her.
Nerd Girl
Love the song, love the video!
designdiva
I loved the video! I like her style.
msrosey
I love Janelle! Very creative artist.
I have nothing bad to say about Erykah, she is a leader, I will always appreciate her work. People always have something to say about her which is probably because they don’t understand her. But like the video pointed people will always assasinate what they don’t understand.
Janelle and Erykah keep doing your thang as real artist and you will always have fans like me to support you.
Ally
I’m loving this video and I dig the funky beat!
Lakeisha
I love it! I’ve never heard of her before, but I’m already a fan! Love the suits and shoes too! 🙂
Mishara
Once again Afrobella.com as brightened my day. I can’t stop talking to everyone about this website.
flygyrl72
Now THIS is artistic expression that I can relate to! LOL!
And they are moving out in this piece! The dancing is off the chain. Thank you Godfather James Brown for first putting us up on getting on the good foot! LOL!
Love Janelle. Hey Bella, did you ever ask her who does her hair? I’m really digging it. Think I’ma hafta try it out for myself…
Peace!
Shones
+1 Flygyrl72’s comment
I was just waiting for her to do the splits and pop back up again like James did back in the day. This is one of those vids I’d watch again and again if for nothing else but the dance sequence.
lacquerholic
I just saw this video this morning and I loved it! Just when I think music is dead…
caramelgirl
yeaaaaaaah, haha. I am loving this song, and dancing in my seat to it whenever I hear it on the trolley. Cop the album may 18th, support positive music with a message people.
BlackBetty
I had Janelle’s song on repeat when headed to Bikram yoga this weekend. The video is super fly, the song has a great message and the beat is funky.
Also, folks need to leave Badu alone. She’s an innovator and the video was powerful.
Jude55
I simply loved both song and video. Thanks for sharing.