Prince received the Icon Award last night during the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu appeared to present the award to the legendary genius and musical everyman from Minneapolis. Prince responded to the honor with a white hot performance featuring 3rdEyeGirl and a few screaming guitar solos that gave the world a taste of what a true icon looks like in action. Though short in comparison to the marathon shows and post-show performances Prince fans are used to, his set was just long enough to justify the award as well as the price of tickets to his shows – a slight point of contention during a recent interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune. The performance featured Prince’s classic “Let’s Go Crazy” and the more recent single “FixUrLifeUp” – the latter preceded by a funked out segue from bassist Ida Nielsen. Prince followed by tearing the roof off with precision against a pyrotechnic backdrop featuring the video for the song. The only thing Prince did not do during the performance was smash a guitar. Check the introduction Prince receives from the electric ladies and watch his performance below.

shouts to Yardie

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Janelle Monáe preps to present two shows with the San Francisco Symphony and Chicago Symphony Orchestra this month. The special performances follow the release of “Q.U.E.E.N.” – her funked up dance single featuring Erykah Badu that recently broke 4 million views on Youtube.

Kicking things off with an epic performance in San Francisco last night, Janelle Monáe will perform again on May 20th in Chicago. Proceeds from the performance in San Francisco will benefit SFS Music and other educational programs. Janelle Monáe was matched with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after being asked to cover for Aretha Franklin, who was originally scheduled to play the performance. Proceeds from the Chicago show will benefit the orchestra and its educational programs. Both shows feature new versions of her critically acclaimed songs backed by lush arrangements provided by the orchestras. Given the financial struggles of symphonies across the country, Janelle Monáe’s appearance is likely to provide a major boost to the bottom lines and morale of both musical organizations.

Catapulting herself even further into the stratosphere, Janelle Monáe is primed to drive her fans mad with anticipation as she preps the release of her forthcoming LP Electric Lady. This time she drops the first press image from the project, further cementing herself as an unequivocal icon of unabashed individuality and class in style; her appreciation of line and pattern is only accentuated by the fact that her face is beat. Purchase Janelle Monáe’s latest single “Q.U.E.E.N.” via iTunes. Grab tickets to see Janelle Monáe with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra below.

>>>Purchase tickets to see Janelle Monae with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra here.

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Janelle Monáe made the most of a visit to BET’s 106 & Park this week, where she debuted her video Q.U.E.E.N. featuring Erykah Badu. Feeling the sound of the new jam – produced by Wondaland‘s Nate Rocket Wonder – blasting on set, Janelle Monáe suddenly broke into dance for what turned an impromptu performance. The ArchAndroid had the DJ to run it back before she kicked off her shoes, danced on the sofa and even got the crowd involved in the lively celebration. Check the performance below. Scroll down to peep the full interview from Janelle Monáe’s visit to 106 & Park. Purchase Q.U.E.E.N. via iTunes.

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Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu unleashed the official video for their collaborative single “Q.U.E.E.N.” on an unsuspecting world today via BET’s 106 & Park–and the real thing proves to be every photon as visually arresting as the teaser promised. Though perfectly in keeping with Ms. Monáe’s ever-evolving personal sci fi narrative, I have to admit the futuristic intro threw me slightly–but when the music kicks in neither it nor the visuals let go. By the time Badoula steps on the scene to meet Monáe swag for swag with her afro wig and warpaint…wow. And then the shit rolls on for like another three minutes. An amazing collaboration between two amazing artists who taste great together–and judging by the all the good things Badu had to say about working with Janelle when we spoke to her last night at her RBMA lecture at the Brooklyn Museum (yes, that was a tease for a forthcoming OKP TV interview) maybe we’ll even see them together outrageously again. Watch below and cop “Q.U.E.E.N.” as a single via iTunes.

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Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu deliver the official teaser for the video accompanying their collaborative track, “Q.U.E.E.N.” The video premieres today on BET‘s 106 & Park. The song is the first to drop ahead of Janelle Monáe’s forthcoming LP The Electric Lady, rumored to be arriving sometime this fall. The project will reportedly be more personal and subsequently revealing for Janelle Monáe. The single “Q.U.E.E.N.” is based upon personal conversations between she and Badu, a friend and mentor. The teaser features Janelle Monáe on a platform in her signature black and white tux, with attendants buzzing around her. Looks like it’s almost show time. Check the teaser below. Stay tuned for the premiere of the video, coming later today! Look out for an exclusive interview with Erykah Badu dropping soon on Okayplayer.com Purchase Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae’s “Q.U.E.E.N” via iTunes

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Janelle Monáe has released her new single, “Q.U.E.E.N.” off of her forthcoming album The Electric Lady. Featuring Erykah Badu, the song is a pop/funk fusion that definitely brings a Prince vibe to mind. It’s refreshing to hear a new track from both soul ladys and especially love the rap at the end. Stay tuned for more info on Janelle’s summer takeover and stream the new collab below.

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Three years after releasing The ArchAndroid, Janelle Monáe has named her follow-up LP The Electric Lady. Although there is no release date just yet, the lead single “Q.U.E.E.N.” will come out on April 22nd and feature none other than Erykah Badu. Can we get a “hell yeah”? I am looking forward to having another Janelle album to wear out. Stay tuned to OKP for more information and check out her Single Gif announcement below.

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Janelle Monáe has kept busy since her crew took over SONOS studios in Los Angeles for Wondaland West in February. The singer resurfaced this past week on the covers of both Essence and Flatt magazine. Each publication concerned with the empowerment of its core audience has found an exemplary flag-bearer and kindred spirit in Janelle Monáe, an artist who has quickly become an icon for women of color and creatives alike. Janelle Monáe discussed music and philanthropy with 80s icon Cyndi Lauper for her Flatt cover story – the singer champions more diverse examples of women in the music industry as a foremost concern. Janelle Monáe’s shoot for Essence focused on utilizing looks and locations that were futuristic without being inaccessible. The result is a series of shots that are classic Janelle Monáe, but decidedly fresh – the singer giving fans a bit of a look behind the requisite tux into what may come. The Essence cover was the first for the ArchAndroid singer and comes with a bit of exclusive footage from the photo shoot courtesy of HipHollywood. Take a look.

Spotted at TIRNB

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Janelle Monáe and The Roots lit up the stage on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night with a souled-out cover of the Jimi Hendrix song “Little Wing” taken from his album Axis: Bold As Love. The performance was staged in celebration of the release of Hendrix’s posthumous album People, Hell & Angels. The album dropped on March 5th at number two on the Billboard charts. It’s arrival marked by a wave of excitement as fans of the late rocker clamored for the previously unreleased studio recordings. People, Hell & Angels comes ahead of the long-anticipated and recently controversial Hendrix biopic starring Andre 3000. No release date has been set for the film which is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2013. Check the performance below.

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Swedish producer Oliver Nelson drops a buzzing synthy remix of Janelle Monae‘s “Tightrope” – the smash single from her LP The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) featuring Big Boi. The single is a bouncing take on the original that is so bright it almost grins at you. This track drops just in time for the weather to break. The release is a great byproduct of good timing as this joint sounds primed for your everyday summertime street fest. Oliver Nelson has crafted a ball of electricity fueled by pop and the soulful pulsating groove of the euro dance aesthetic to deliver a truly refreshing take on the 2010 original. Check it out!

Spotted at HT

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