Janelle Monáe Drops 2 New Songs Off Upcoming Album ‘Dirty Computer’

One week ago, Janelle Monáe announced her upcoming album, Dirty Computer, with a brief ’emotion picture’ teaser. It premiered ahead of screenings of the new film, Black Panther. Today, we get our first taste of the new music with two singles and music videos. While “Make Me Feel” serves as the catchy lead single, “Django Jane” highlights the opposite end of the musical spectrum.

“Make Me Feel” is a Prince-inspired pop banger celebrating sexual freedom. Its dancey groove and amorous lyrics come to life in a colorful, daring music video. Janelle portrays two versions of herself: Her normal persona encounters a more wilder character. The Janelle with blonde hair and sparkling lipstick takes the spotlight, pushing our ‘normal’ Janelle into new territory. Many are already praising “Make Me Feel” as a bisexual anthem, though Janelle has, thus far, been coy about her own sexuality.

Watch the stunning ’emotion picture’ for “Make Me Feel” below:

If the addictive pop of “Make Me Feel” wasn’t enough, we also get a political rap rally with “Django Jane.” Janelle fires out lyrics addressing the rights of women and people of color. In a new interview with The Guardian, Janelle explained the message behind the song:

[“Django Jane” is] a response to me feeling the sting of the threats being made to my rights as a woman, as a black woman, as a sexually liberated woman, even just as a daughter with parents who have been oppressed for many decades. Black women and those who have been the ‘other’, and the marginalized in society – that’s who I wanted to support, and that was more important than my discomfort about speaking out.

“Django Jane” is a powerful song, and that power translates into the music video. Janelle takes the throne, clad in bright suits and surrounded by a cool posse, to make her case.

Watch the video for “Django Jane” here:

Both “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane” will appear on Janelle’s upcoming third studio album, Dirty Computer, the long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed sophomore record, 2013’s The Electric Lady. Out on April 27th, the new album will include 12 additional tracks. You can pre-order Dirty Computer on iTunes now. You can also stream “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane” on Spotify.

The full album will come with a narrative film project, or ’emotion picture.’ All fourteen songs will come with a music video. The videos for “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane” are top notch, promising more stunning visuals for the remaining 12 songs.

Enjoy the two new singles, and get ready for Dirty Computer, out on April 27th. Keep checking back here for all the latest Janelle Monáe music news.

In case you missed it, check out the Dirty Computer album trailer below.

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