The first time I really checked for Janelle Monáe was, like many other 'players, when Ms. Erykah Badu popped into The Lesson and made a post co-signing Monáe's talent.  It's not everyday that analoguegirl feels compelled to big-up another artist, so I wiped off my ear-buds and I gave her a listen.  I had heard her before, first on the Purple Ribbon All-Star's Compilation Got Purp? Volume 2 in 2005 with her song "Lettin' Go," and then again on Outkast's Idlewild.  After dropping the first "suite" of Metropolis (her proposed series of 4 album releases) The Chase, which was released in August of 2007 via her label, the Wondaland Arts Society, Monáe made a big leap and signed with Diddy's Bad Boy Records.  Needless to say the album is now in my regular rotation, filled with her quirky sensibility which somehow does not detract from her songs or her powerfully beautiful voice, but only adds to her charm.

After having been "put on," Okayplayer decided to send a team to film her showcase in Hollywood, where Monáe was presented by Diddy and 'Kast's Big Boi, side by side.  Watch these exclusive video clips, including her interview with Okayplayer below, and then enjoy the following vids which let you experience the show right from your livingroom.

Janelle Monáe- Interview Part I

Janelle Monáe- Interview Part II

Watch Monáe perform "Smile" from the showcase below:

Monáe performs "Sincerely, Jane":

Props to Tunji & Greg The Dude for their great work. 

For more Janelle Monáe on the web, check her out on MySpace , Facebook and her official Website!

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