NODS: Janelle Monae.
DAMN. I love this woman.
NODS: Notable Others Doing Stuff.
People whose work, voice, and existence remind you what's possible. This is one of them.
Look at her. Just — look.
She knows exactly who she is. And she's been that person, publicly, without apology, since she arrived. The music, the acting, the activism, the visual storytelling. The way her videos operate as full artistic statements. The way she moves, speaks, dresses, and refuses to be categorized.
What makes Janelle Monáe a NOD isn't just the talent — it's the totality.
She's not performing a version of herself for easier consumption.
She is who she is: fluid and fierce and funny and political and genuinely, deeply herself in every medium she touches.
AMAZING!!
Strong. Smart. Self-aware. Unapologetic.
If you haven't spent time with her music lately — do it. Put on something that makes you move. Let it remind you what it feels like to be fully, physically, unashamedly yourself.
That's what she gives me every time.
What are YOU doing that's fully, unashamedly you?
Snapshot from article on Timeout.com where Janelle was interviewed.
Some of my favorite lyrics:
When you get elevated…they love it or they hate it. You dance up on them haters. Keep getting funky on hte scene while they jumpin’ round ya…they tryna take all of your drams, but you can’t allow it.”
I always knew I was the shit. (Umm. #1. She is. She is the shit. #2. I am beginning to know what that confidence feels like. and #3 Her lyrics make me want to take charge, own it, and make all women say “I AM the shit”.
I used to walk into the roomhead down. I don’t walk now…I float. …………. I had to protect all my energy. I’m feeling much light now I …FLOAT.
Other fav songs of hers:
Make Me Feel - (damn, I feel this song and remember!!)
American. Seriously in 2025 and 2026, I cannot believe how powerful this song is. It came out a while back and now is so.damn.relevant.
