Celebs Attend 2012 amfAR New York Gala!

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Jennifer Hudson Shows Off Her Abs On Twitter [PHOTO]

Fab Duo: Eva Marcille & Jessica White Are Ciroc Girls!

When celebrating Black History Month, people tend to look back, instead of forward. And we don’t blame them. After all, it’s in the title – “history,” meaning all things memorable about the past.  Here at HelloBeautiful we’d like to take the time to celebrate the amazing Black women who are making history as we speak.

JANELLE MONAE

She hasn’t yet released a debut album, but Janelle Monae is already a Grammy-nominated singer. If her name sounds familiar, you may have first heard it during an episode of “I Want To Work For Diddy,” where competing contestants were asked to plan a showcase for the emerging artist – after all, she signed to his Bad Boy Records in 2007. However, that wasn’t her original plan.

She had originally planned to release her first solo album, entitled “Metropolis,” as a concept album, made up of four parts and only available through her website and digital downloads. These plans were altered upon her signing with Diddy. The label gave an official and material release to “Metropolis: The Chase Suite” in August 2008 which, with only 7 songs, garnered her enough acclaim and attention to receive a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Many Moons,” as well as opening spots for No Doubt, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq.

GALLERY: The “Black Girls ROCK” Awards

Now, she’s rocking a pompadour, saddle shoes, and a suit and tie, all while singing about robot revolutions and takeovers. She could be Andre 3000′s female counterpart – just as funky, not at all gimmicky, and understatedly talented. And yes, maybe a little weird. But weird people are genius. And what did he have to say about her?

“Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices of our generation. She’s a living, singing babydoll. Darling … just darling.”

After a series of sci-fi-soul EPs, the funk futurist says her debut album, The ArchAndroid, which is due out May 18, is not merely another collection of songs but an “EMOTION PICTURE.” Her influences include James Brown, Elvis, Judy Garland, Fiona Apple, Björk and Rodgers and Hammerstein, and she skillfully blends those respective genres, while emitting a message of hope and empowerment. She’s also a tiny but explosive ball of energy – a truly entertaining performer that can put on a show of indie rock, R&B, new wave, and show tunes.

“I wouldn’t know rock was rock, or R&B was R&B, until someone said that’s what it is. I just merely create the music and lyrics that feel good, and that move me.”

Janelle Monae Rocks Out At Hudson Hotel!

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Hear her channel Motown on her latest single, “Tightrope”

Our other “Women To Watch For” are Zoe Kravitz, Melanie Fiona, Zoe Saldana, and Nneka

Check out what Paula Patton, Mary J. Blige, Diddy, Kim Kardashian, Tracee Ellis Ross and more wore on the big day!

Mary J Blige Dazzles At The Golden Globes & Idris Elba Wins Big! [PHOTOS]

Octavia Spencer Wins “Best Supporting Actress” At Golden Globe For “The Help”

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The 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Red Carpet & Runway! [PHOTOS]

Hottest Celeb Pics Of The Week: Nov 16 – Nov 23

Hottest Celeb Pics Of The Week: Nov 9 – Nov 16

Meet the pairs of “Behind the Muses”:

Kanye West & Rodarte
Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy first met West at one of their runway shows a few years ago, but it was his performance at Coachella this past April that made a lasting impression on the sisters. “It’s one of the most incredible shows you’ll ever see,” says Kate (above, right). “I think it’s because he’s such a visual artist as well.” Since he stepped up to the mic with his 2004 debut The College Dropout, the 34-year-old rapper and producer’s nonstop musical evolution has continued apace with his interest in all things aesthetic: from art and design to his devotion to fashion—usually the latest looks, remixed with characteristic hip-hop bravura. “That mixing of art forms and genres,” says Laura, “that’s something I respond to.”

Kanye’s Ex-Fiancee Alexis Talks Amber Rose & Life Out Of The Limelight

Esperanza Spalding & Francisco Costa
Spalding, the 26-year-old American jazz bassist and singer who outraged Justin Bieber fans by winning the best new artist award at this year’s Grammys, puts an outfit together much the way she does her music. “I make little compositions,” she explains. Lately her look has assumed what she describes as a “quirky, pseudo-intellectual” vibe, pieced together with fitted jackets and ties accessorized with a wild afro. But she can just as easily swing in an elegantly minimalist direction, and it is that element of spontaneity, mixed with soulfulness, that has made a fan of Calvin Klein’s Costa. “I admire her passion and confidence— she is truly a free spirit,” he says. Her ability to speak Costa’s native tongue has only added to his affection: “My favorite part of the shoot was singing together in Portuguese.”

Esperanza Spalding Goes Neon For InStyle Magazine [PHOTOS]

Janelle Monae & Karl Lagerfeld
Monáe’s music may be a baroque blend of funk, soul, jazz, orchestral symphonies, and psychedelic rock, but when it comes to her wardrobe, the Atlanta-based artist likes to keep it simple: black and white tuxedos paired with a pompadour. “It’s transcendent—it never goes out of style,” she explains, adding that she prefers for the color to come out in her performance. And to see her standing beside Lagerfeld, the two of them dressed like twins in their signature starched suits, it is clear she has found a kindred spirit. “We liked each other from the first second on,” says the designer. “Not just because of our style, but also the name: Janelle rhymes with Chanel, no?”

Janelle Monae Honored At Essence Black Women In Music Event [PHOTOS]

Donatella Versace & M.I.A.
It was M.I.A.’s 2007 “Paper Planes” video—with the British firebrand dancing around Brooklyn in an African-print jumpsuit and tiger-striped high-tops—that first caught Versace’s attention. “Her music and style seemed so fresh and innovative,” recalls the designer. Although M.I.A. burst onto the scene in 2005 with her globe-trotting beats and rebel politics, equally striking was her hyper-colored, multiculti look. Before the shoot for this portrait, for instance, the 36-year-old singer—who once cited Libyan President Moammar Qaddafi as a fashion icon (“I’d love to raid his wardrobe,” she noted)—insisted on two-tone lips and floral nail art, and wanted the tips of her platinum locks dyed a vivid coral. As Versace puts it: “She is a total artist.”

Versace For H&M Collaboration Coming This Fall! [PHOTOS]

Joan Smalls Channels Michael Jackson & Tupac For W Magazine [PHOTOS]

W’s “Behind The Muses”

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Former Enemies Kanye West & Katy Perry Collabo On “E.T.” [NEW MUSIC]

Janelle Monae Honored At Essence Black Women In Music Event [PHOTOS]

Janelle Monae Still Wears Only Black & White To Paris Fashion Week [PHOTOS]

July 13 – Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada – Brandt Centre
July 14 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – MTS Centre
July 16 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Stampede
July 17 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – Rexall Place
August 19 – Nashville, Tennessee, US – Bridgestone Arena
August 20 – St. Louis, Missouri, US – Scottrade Center

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Essence

2011 Grammy Nominations! Jazmine, Rihanna, Sade, Fantasia & Nicki Up For Awards!

Also in attendance were the Bad Boy family, Leona Lewis, LeToya Luckett and more! Check it out:

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Janelle Monae Still Wears Only Black & White To Paris Fashion Week [PHOTOS]

Music’s biggest night will air live from L.A.’s Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. on CBS.

OF THE YEAR:
Album of the Year
Recovery – Eminem
The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

Record of the Year
“Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem & Rihanna
“Nothin’ on You” – B.o.B & Bruno Mars
“F**k You” – Cee Lo Green
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem & Rihanna
“F**k You”- Cee Lo Green
“The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
“Beg, Steal, or Borrow” – Ray LaMontagne
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Best New Artist
Drake
Esperanza Spalding
Justin Bieber
Florence + the Machine
Mumford & Sons

R&B:
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
“Holding You Down (Goin’ in Circles)” – Jazmine Sullivan
“Everything to Me” – Monica
“Bittersweet” – Fantasia
“Gone Already” – Faith Evans
“Tired” – Kelly Price

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
“There Goes My Baby” – Usher
“We’re Still Friends” – Musiq Soulchild
“Second Chance” – El DeBarge
“Finding My Way Back” – Jaheim
“Why Would You Stay” – Kem

Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
“Shine” – John Legend & The Roots
“Soldier of Love” – Sade
“Love” – Chuck Brown, Jill Scott, and Marcus Miller
“Take My Time” – Chris Brown & Tank
“You’ve Got a Friend” – Ronald Isley & Aretha Franklin

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
“Hang On in There” – John Legend & The Roots
“When a Woman Loves” – R. Kelly
“You’re So Amazing” – Calvin Richardson
“In Between” – Ryan Shaw
“Go (Live)” – Betty Wright

Best R&B Song
“Bittersweet” – Fantasia
“Shine” – John Legend & The Roots
“Find My Way Back” – Jaheim
“Second Chance” – El DeBarge
“Why Would You Stay” – Kem

Best R&B Album
Wake Up! – John Legend & The Roots
Still Standing – Monica
The Love & War Masterpeace – Raheem DeVaughn
Back to Me – Fantasia
Another Round – Jaheim

Best Contemporary R&B Album
The ArchAndroid – Janelle Monáe
Raymond v. Raymond – Usher
Graffiti – Chris Brown
Untitled – R. Kelly
Transition – Ryan Leslie

POP:
Best Pop Vocal Album
The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
My World 2.0 – Justin Bieber
I Dreamed a Dream – Susan Boyle
Battle Studies – John Mayer

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
“Babyfather” – Sade
“Don’t Stop Believin’ (Regionals Version)” – “Glee”
Cast “Misery” – Maroon 5
“The Only Exception” – Paramore
“Hey, Soul Sister (Live)” – Train

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Beyoncé – “Halo (Live)”
Norah Jones – “Chasing Pirates”
Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
Katy Perry – “Teenage Dream”
Sara Bareilles – “King of Anything”

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Michael Jackson – “This Is It”
Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are”
Michael Bublé – “Haven’t Met You Yet”
Adam Lambert – “Whataya Want From Me”
John Mayer – “Half of My Heart”

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
“Telephone” — Lady Gaga & Beyoncé
“California Gurls” — Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg
“Airplanes II” — B.o.B, Eminem & Hayley Williams
“Imagine” — Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No. 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
“If It Wasn’t For Bad” — Elton John & Leon Russell

RAP:
Best Rap Solo Performance
“Over” – Drake
“Not Afraid” – Eminem
“How Low” – Ludacris
“I’m Back” – T.I.
“POWER” – Kanye West

Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
“Shutterbugg” – Big Boi & Cutty
“Fancy” – Drake, T.I. & Swizz Beatz
“On to the Next One” – Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
“My Chick Bad” – Ludacris & Nicki Minaj
“Lose My Mind” – Young Jeezy & Plies

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem & Rihanna
“Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
“Nothin’ on You” – B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
“Deuces” – Chris Brown, Tyga & Kevin McCall
“Wake Up! Everybody” – John Legend, The Roots, Melanie Fiona & Common

Best Rap Song
“Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
“On to the Next One” — Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem & Rihanna
“Not Afraid” – Eminem
“Nothin’ on You” – B.o.B & Bruno Mars

Best Rap Album
The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z
Thank Me Later – Drake
The Adventures of Bobby Ray – B.o.B
Recovery – Eminem
How I Got Over – The Roots

OTHER:
Best Short Form Music Video
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem & Rihanna
“F**k You” – Cee Lo Green
“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
“Ain’t No Grave/The Johnny Cash Project” – Johnny Cash
“Stylo” – Gorillaz, Mos Def, and Bobby Womack

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
“Tightrope” – Janelle Monáe & Big Boi
“Little One” – Bilal
“F**k You” – Cee Lo Green
“Orion” – Carolyn Malachi
“Still” – Eric Roberson

Best Dance Recording
“Rocket” – Goldfrapp
“In For The Kill” – La Roux
“Dance in the Dark” – Lady Gaga
“Only Girl (In The World)” – Rihanna
“Dancing on My Own” – Robyn

The Ladies: Grammy Nominations 2011

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“Bring your friends, bring your children,” Prince told the audience, “and bring foot spray, because it’s going to be funky.”

“Come early, come often. I have a lot of hits… no two shows will be the same,” he said.

SOURCE

Prince Unveils New Album Cover

Take a look at the BET Prince tribute performance at this year’s BET Awards:

The host announced that Monae had a sore throat just prior to her hitting the stage.

However, we, and the audience, never would have guessed she was ill; her performance of “Faster” was perfect, if not even faster than the original recorded version.

She’s still one of our favorites to watch live.

Elle Names Janelle Monae & Gabourey Sidibe It’s “Favorite 25-Something” Stars

Janelle Monae’s “Cold War” [NEW VIDEO]

Diddy & Bad Boy Family (Circa 2010) Cover Vibe [PHOTO]

Janelle Monae

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Kanye West Announces “Fantasy” Album Title [from PopEater.com]

R&B Singer Miguel MisHandles The Mic [from Necolebitchie.com]

Lil Wayne Sent To Solitary Confinement For Having MP3 Player [from NewsOne.com]

Soulja Boy Finally Responds To Kat Stacks Via Twitter [from TheUrbanDaily.com]

7 Seriously Insane Pairs Of Sunglasses[from The Frisky.com]

“Betty White: “You’re Never Too Old For Sex” [from Popeater.com]

Elle Magazine is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary with its October issue by profiling 25 “game-changing” women who are also in their twenties.

Gabourey Sidibe and Janelle Monae made the cut, and Sidibe even scored one of the four different covers.

When Elle touched down 25 years ago, Wham’s “Careless Whisper” topped the charts, “Back To The Future” ruled, “The Cosby Show” was number one—and a new generation of smart, talented artists, filmmakers, actresses, and activists were busy being born. What will these 25-somethings do with the next 25 years?

Check out the excerpts, and see the photos below:

GABOUREY SIDIBE
Credits: Nominated for best actress Oscar in 2009’s Precious; plays Laura Linney’s mouthy high school student on Showtime’s cancer-ishilarious dramedy, The Big C, and bully Latonya in the upcoming Yelling to the Sky.
On celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday: “Part of me thought it would be weird if people knew I was a grown-up playing a teenager in Precious. So I had a twenty-first-birthday party. We had drinks and went to a strip club called Shotgun Willie’s.”

JANELLE MONAE
Credits: Cofounded record label Wondaland Arts Society; released toe-tapping album The ArchAndroid, earning critical hosannas (from mainstream and indies alike) and an opening spot on Erykah Badu’s tour.
Wisdom gained so far: “Don’t get high off praises, and don’t get too low on critiques.”
How she’ll celebrate her twentyfifth: “On a space shuttle.

Say What?? Gabourey Asks Trey Songz To Get Married!

Idris Elba Heads To “The Big C”

Janelle Monae Addresses Gay Rumors

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“Cold War” is the latest single to be lifted from her ‘‘The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III of IV)’ LP.

Monáe said,

“I remember crying during ‘Cold War’ [on the] first take. I didn’t know how that happened but it just did. I was very moved by that. It was really a special moment; then everybody else started to cry.”

Janelle Monae, B.O.B. & Lupe Fiasco’s “Tightrope” [NEW VIDEO]

Diddy & Bad Boy Family (Circa 2010) Cover Vibe [PHOTO]

Janelle Monae Addresses Gay Rumors

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In the cover story titled “Table For One,” written by Editor-In-Chief, Jermaine Hall, Hip-Hop’s most affluent playboy shares his thoughts on regrettable interviews, Lil Kim vs. Nicki Minaj, regaining respect and more.

Here are some excerpts:

Are the comments from Lil’ Kim about Nicki disheartening?
When I heard her say what she said, it didn’t really affect me. I didn’t get mad at her or anything like that. I knew how she felt. I ain’t agree with it. But also I know the motivation. I know that people say, “Oh, he’s trying to get a new Lil’ Kim.” I guess people will see in time. Yeah, Nicki’s had flavored wigs on, but besides that it ain’t even the same approach to the writing.

What happened during the Martin Bashir interview on Nightline?
There were times in the interview when I had to give him an ultimatum. The questions weren’t being handled the right way. In hindsight, when I saw him I shouldn’t had done the interview because I know the style of interview that he does . . . The whole thing about giving a Maybach to my son, that’s really like a racist question. You don’t ask White people what they buy their kids. And they buy ‘em Porsches and convertible Bentleys and it ain’t no question. It’s really a racist question and put things back in perspective with money and the way that people still look at you. And I’m not saying that consciously he’s a racist. But he probably don’t even realize that he would not ask Steve Jobs that. He would be like Steve Jobs has that money and that’s the gift his kid is supposed to get. SEE THE “NIGHTLINE” INTERVIEW HERE!

Why is Cassie posted in the front like she runs something?

Cassie Gets Back To “Work” In St. Tropez [PHOTOS]

J.Lo Exposes Diddy On VH1, “The Relationship Did Get Ugly” [VIDEO]

The New Bad Boy Family

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FROM RAP-UP: Janelle Monáe’s masculine wardrobe, consisting of a black suit, tie, and saddle shoes, has some questioning her sexuality. Music’s newest darling is addressing the rumors.

Since capturing the nation’s attention with her critically-acclaimed album The ArchAndroid, the sci-fi singer has had to face scrutiny about whether she prefers to date men or women, but she won’t give a straight answer.

She tells Rolling Stone,

“The lesbian community has tried to claim me. But I only date androids. Nothing like an android—they don’t cheat on you.”

For those wondering why she chooses to dress the way she does, Monáe has a perfectly good explanation.

“I call it my ‘uniform.’ My mother was a janitor and my father collected trash, so I wear a uniform too.”

She hopes her original look will inspire other women to embrace their individuality.

“I’m trying to open doors for girls who look like myself and have been told they can’t sing about this or that.”

VIDEO: Janelle Monae’s Coca-Cola Commercial

NEW VIDEO: Janelle Monae, B.O.B. & Lupe Fiasco’s “Tightrope”

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Dancing android Janelle Monae lends her funky vocals and steps to the new “Open Up” commercial for Coca-Cola. The ad follows Monae’s previous involvement in Coke’s “Open Happiness” project, which also saw Cee-Lo Green and Travie McCoy taking part. Janelle herself only appears in about four seconds of the clip, but you can hear her serve up a refreshing, ice-cold cover of Hot Chocolate’s 1980 jam “Are You Getting Enough Of What Makes You Happy” throughout. SOURCE

VIDEO: Janelle Monae Kills It On “Letterman”

NEW VIDEO: Janelle Monae, B.O.B. & Lupe Fiasco’s “Tightrope”

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Janelle Monáe has just released the video for the ‘Tightrope (Remix)’. The track features rappers B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco, and Monae spits a little something, too:

“Black-and-white tux / ain’t no need for no other colors / t-t-t-talkin’ bout ‘W-w-w-why don’t she change her clothes?’ / Well, they ain’t seem to mind the last 3 times I posed in VOGUE!”

Love her.

VIDEO: Janelle Monae Kills It On “Letterman”

Janelle Monae: “I Wanna Be In The Guinness Book of World Records”

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PREVIEW: Janelle Monae’s “ArchAndroid” Album

VIDEO: Janelle Monae Kills It On “Letterman”

Janelle Monae In InStyle Magazine

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“I am very connected to the everyday person who goes through obstacles … My motto is ‘Don’t get too high or low.’ Meaning, don’t get too high over the praises and accolades or too low over opinions or critiques”.

PREVIEW: Janelle Monae’s “ArchAndroid” Album

Janelle Monae: “I Wanna Be In The Guinness Book of World Records”

Janelle Monae

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Janelle Monae hit up the Late Show With David Letterman last night to promote her new album The ArchAndroid. Monae, who’s about to hit the road with Erykah Badu and N.E.R.D., gave a rousing performance of “Tightrope” that saw her shuffle around, whip off her jacket and then finally don a robe, James Brown-style, while soulfully belting out the end of the song. Letterman even coaxed Diddy to come on stage when Monae finished (she’s signed to the rap mogul’s Bad Boy label).

PREVIEW: Janelle Monae’s “ArchAndroid” Album

Janelle Monae: “I Wanna Be In The Guinness Book of World Records”

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Following the well-received EP Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase released in 2007, Janelle Monáe will soon release her debut The ArchAndroid, but you don’t have to wait to hear it.

Listen to 30-second snippets from Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid prior to its May 18th release. The full-length debut from Bad Boy’s shining star includes the singles “Cold War” and “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi. Your ears are about to witness something unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.

2010’s Woman To Watch: Janelle Monae

Did Janelle Monae Diss Teyana Taylor?

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Singer Janelle Monae covers the latest issue of Honey Magazine. Inside she talks about her style, dating and being signed to Diddy.

What does your closet look like? Is the tux really your daily uniform?
“Exactly like that. I bathe in it, I swim in it, and I could be buried in it. A tux is such a standard uniform, it’s so classy and it’s a lifestyle I enjoy. The tux keeps me balanced. I look at myself as a canvas. I don’t want to cloud myself with too many colors or I’ll go crazy. It’s an experiment I’m doing. I think I want to be in the Guinness Book of World Records.”

Do you find time to date?
“I do. I think that love is very beautiful and it’s an energy that I love having. I do date and I do have someone that I love. Someone that understands me very well and encourages me to be the best person and artist I can be. I couldn’t ask for a better android.”

Describe how you felt when Diddy approached you?
“Big Boi from OutKast called me and said that Diddy was trying to get in touch with me. He said that [Diddy] loved what I was doing online. During that time I was releasing my own material independently, so he flew down to my release party and saw my performance. He said “Whatever it is that you need me to do from a business standpoint to a promotions standpoint, I will do.” He said he loved the art that I was creating and he just wanted more people to know about it. And he was a man of his word. It’s a partnership. I already have a record label, my team. We are self-contained, so that was the one thing that worked with us to be able to creatively remain in control. I don’t have any horror stories; I think he is a wonderful guy, very supportive. He is a believer and I love him for that. He is an Archandroid.”

Did Janelle Monae Diss Teyana Taylor?

2010’s Woman To Watch: Janelle Monae

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I just came across this little tidbit on necolebitchie.com. Apparently singers Janelle Monae and Teyana Taylor were supposed to do a very hot photo shoot for the cover of Bleu Magazine which was also being filmed for Oxygen’s new show titled “Stylin”. But, a day before the shoot was to take place, Janelle Monae’s people called and pulled out of the shoot.

Their Reason For Canceling: They felt as though an artist of Janelle’s caliber should not shoot with Teyana Taylor.

C’mon ladies stop the hatin’!! There’s more than enough room in this business for all of you!!

READ THE REST OF THIS STORY HERE

Teyana Taylor Ft. Ludacris “Smooches”

When celebrating Black History Month, people tend to look back, instead of forward. And we don’t blame them. After all, it’s in the title – “history,” meaning all things memorable about the past.

But here at HelloBeautiful, we’d really like to call attention to not only those who made a difference or broke the mold, but those we feel will in the near future. The next couple of ladies we plan on profiling in “10 Women To Watch For In 2010″ are on their way to having a big year, and maybe even a bigger career.

JANELLE MONAE

She hasn’t yet released a debut album, but Janelle Monae is already a Grammy-nominated singer. If her name sounds familiar, you may have first heard it during an episode of “I Want To Work For Diddy,” where competing contestants were asked to plan a showcase for the emerging artist – after all, she signed to his Bad Boy Records in 2007. However, that wasn’t her original plan.

She had originally planned to release her first solo album, entitled “Metropolis,” as a concept album, made up of four parts and only available through her website and digital downloads. These plans were altered upon her signing with Diddy. The label gave an official and material release to “Metropolis: The Chase Suite” in August 2008 which, with only 7 songs, garnered her enough acclaim and attention to receive a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Many Moons,” as well as opening spots for No Doubt, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq.

GALLERY: The “Black Girls ROCK” Awards

Now, she’s rocking a pompadour, saddle shoes, and a suit and tie, all while singing about robot revolutions and takeovers. She could be Andre 3000′s female counterpart – just as funky, not at all gimmicky, and understatedly talented. And yes, maybe a little weird. But weird people are genius. And what did he have to say about her?

“Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices of our generation. She’s a living, singing babydoll. Darling … just darling.”

After a series of sci-fi-soul EPs, the funk futurist says her debut album, The ArchAndroid, which is due out May 18, is not merely another collection of songs but an “EMOTION PICTURE.” Her influences include James Brown, Elvis, Judy Garland, Fiona Apple, Björk and Rodgers and Hammerstein, and she skillfully blends those respective genres, while emitting a message of hope and empowerment. She’s also a tiny but explosive ball of energy – a truly entertaining performer that can put on a show of indie rock, R&B, new wave, and show tunes.

“I wouldn’t know rock was rock, or R&B was R&B, until someone said that’s what it is. I just merely create the music and lyrics that feel good, and that move me.”

Janelle Monae Rocks Out At Hudson Hotel!

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Hear her channel Motown on her latest single, “Tightrope”

Our other “Women To Watch For” are Zoe Kravitz, Melanie Fiona, Zoe Saldana, and Nneka

Robotic singer Janelle Monae came to New York City to help celebrate the opening of Hudson Hotel’s Private Park by giving one of her classic mind-tripping performances. Have you ever seen Janelle in concert? Trust us – you don’t need drugs! Check out the video below.