Janelle Monae has explained that they are comfortable in their own skin and has no regrets about baring their breasts — in fact, Monae says they are “much happier” showing them off.
The singer/actress spoke with Rolling Stone about their upcoming album, The Age Of Pleasure. During the conversation, Monae discussed entering an era of sexual liberation and freedom.
Monae also discussed the recent backlash they received for flashing their breasts at an event celebrating the release of their new single and music video, “Lipstick Lover.”
The “Tightrope” singer remains unbothered by criticism of the NSFW promotional campaign for their upcoming album, rather enjoying showing off their breasts. “I’m much happier when my titties are out and I can run around free,” Monae told RS.
Also, the Glass Onion star talked about how the pandemic inspired them to write new music, noting how they were heavily influenced by the many fun dance parties where music ranged from Afropop to Hip Hop.
According to Monae, the album celebrates Blackness across the globe.
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“It was inspired by all of my friends, my community of folks who are from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., Chicago,” they said.
Monae continued: “Seeing all of us together in our Blackness, in the love that we had in our eyes for each other. People from the continent fuck around with trap from Atlanta. You know what I’m saying? I love how the diaspora — we talk to each other.”
“I want things to feel so true to my life,” Janelle added. “I used to consider myself a futurist. I know what that means, to obsess about the next thing. A present tourist is what I’m calling myself right now. I’m actively focusing on being present.”
Monae’s The Age Of Pleasure is scheduled to be released June 9.
Amid the various opinions online regarding Janelle’s recent stunt, SZA chimed in to praise the singer for shattering expectations and expressing their sexuality honestly.
“I love that’s it’s HER being free rn because ppl LOVE to box women in and claim that because your articulate respected and intelligent, you can’t show your body or be sexual or anything else lol,” SZA in the comments of a recent RNB Radar‘s Instagram post featuring Monáe.
