Janelle Monáe Throws A Sorority Party In Her New Music Video
Cameos from T.I., Estelle, Esperanza Spalding, Kimbra, and more!
Janelle Monáe has finally unveiled the music video for her 2013 album The Electric Lady's groovy title track, and it proves she's just going to keep outdoing herself. The video, an ode to the "Electric Ladies" in her life, finds the singer trading in her signature retro threads for something we didn't see coming: sorority paraphernalia.
Monáe is a member of the Electro Phi Betas Emeritus, a house so stacked it counts Estelle, Esperanza Spaulding, Monica, Kimbra, and choreographer Fatima Robinson as members. We never fancied ourself sorority girls, but we'd surely pledge this soulful society.
The Electro Phi Betas throw a party at their epic dwelling, with a guest list — including T.I. and Givenchy campaign star Erykah Badu — so beau monde there must be a bouncer. The shindig puts every frat party we ever attended to shame with a step team, marching band, strobe lights, and Monáe-led dance circles.
The only drawback of the larger-than-life video is the absence of Solange, who's featured on the track, and the original Electric Lady, Michelle Obama. FLOTUS recently revealed she was the first Electro Phi Beta Meritus inductee:
"I am honored to be the first Electric Lady. I got my letter in the mail — I framed it; it's up," she explained earlier this month. "I love that she is one of the young artists here who is making music that means something. She has a message. She has a voice. She has a power in her. And she understands the responsibility she has within her grasp to take these opportunities and just take off with them. She serves as a role model and an inspiration to so many young people. And I am happy to call her my friend. I am so proud of her."
If the video isn't enough to convince you it's a must-play track for your next summer soirée, believe us when we tell you it'll turn your party on it's head. We've had epic, late-night dance parties to prove it.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Kate's Sculpted Cheeks Could Be the Work of This Insider-Loved Treatment
The technique also has Meghan Markle's stamp of approval.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Kaia Gerber Test-Drives Selena Gomez's Winter Shoe Styling Hack
There's still a way to wear those open-toe heels.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
ROSÉ Is Forging a New Path for K-Pop Idols Going Solo
With her debut album 'rosie,' the BLACKPINK artist has released the most vulnerable album from a K-pop star yet.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
TWICE Shares What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new mini-album 'STRATEGY' out, the K-pop girl group opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meet Gracie Lawrence, Who Plays Kacey in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Season 3
The actress-slash-musician opens up about her new role in the Max comedy as the group's new suitemate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The 27 Best Biopics About Musicians of All Time
We're still stunned by these performances—many of which took home Oscars.
By Nicole Briese Published
-
Tate McRae Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
With her new album 'So Close to What' out soon, the pop star opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Ascension of Sophie Thatcher
With ‘Heretic’ in theaters and her debut EP out now, the ‘Yellowjackets’ star is believing in herself and her art more than ever.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Beyoncé Receives Her First Grammy Nominations in the Country Categories for 'Cowboy Carter'—As She Should Have
Queen Bey is also the most-nominated of an artist this year.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Tyla Performs "PUSH 2 START" and "Water"
The South African hitmaker performed her new track "PUSH 2 START" and her breakout hit "Water."
By Sadie Bell Last updated