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Janelle Monae performs live in The Current studio

  Play Now [18:58]

by Steve Seel, Jill Riley and Janelle Monae

September 23, 2010

Janelle Monae
Genre-hopping prodigy Janelle Monae.
Courtesy of Bad Boy Records

Mixing every genre imaginable, from soul to full-fledged hip-hop and dream-pop to funk, Janelle Monae has become a modern day musical prodigy.

Born in Kansas City she has come a long way in just 25 years, having already won a Grammy, been featured on a few songs on Outkast's movie soundtrack "Idlewild," created the Wondaland Arts Society and collaborated with musicians like Of Montreal, Big Boi and Saul Williams. Her new album, "The ArchAndroid," is the highest-rated album of the year so far, and for good reason.

Songs performed: "Say You'll Go" and "Cold War."