EP 11 | Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae (2018)

EP 11 | Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae (2018) 

“I’ll love you in this space and time,” the singer repeats in the intro and title track of her third studio album “Dirty Computer.” Released April 27, 2018, “Dirty Computer” by Janelle Monae invites listeners into the digital vortex and inner programming of Janelle Monae as she strips away her previous albums’ alter ego Cindi Mayweather. Often referring to it as introspective and anthemic, “Dirty Computer” stands as a fight song (well… album) for marginalized folks living in the United States, particularly during the mayhem of the 2016 presidential election, continuous killings of Black people by police, multiple constraints on reproductive rights, and more. Themes of digitization, futurism, confidence, and humor all float through the album as Monae argues for the happiness and freedom of Black women and queer women in particular. Though the album itself is rather dated to the specifics going on around its release, the topics and trials of oppressed communities remain intergenerational. As the final song of the album (“Americans”) points out, it’s up to us to put up the fight to stop the cycles of systemic oppression and violence that constitute the very fabric of American society. 

Singles of the album include “Make Me Feel,” “Django Jane,” “Pynk,” and “I Like That.” Personal favorites are “Dirty Computer,” “Screwed,” “Make Me Feel,” “I Got the Juice,” and “Don’t Judge Me.” 

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Podcast episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and IHeartRadio. All links are in the bio. 

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Article pictured is “Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer: An Experience Immersed in Musical Activism” (Medium, Lucas Cava, 01/19) https://lucascava.medium.com/dirty-computer-an-experience-immersed-in-musical-activism-b28dcd02c8aa.