7: Janelle Monae – Powerful Women of 2013
Janelle Monae has one of the most distinct styles in music today. Unlike her fellow R&B artists who appear on the red carpet in the latest form-fitting, skin-bearing dresses, the 'Cold War' singer always appears in a black-and-white suit that fits her like a glove. This going-against-the-grain attitude makes her one of the powerful women of 2013.
After meeting Big Boi when she moved to Atlanta, Monae started her own collective of creatives called Woodlands Art Society, which helped her release the critically acclaimed 'The Audition.' She was also featured on OutKast's 2006 LP, 'Idlewild.' She released the EP, 'Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)' in 2010, but unfortunately not as well-received. However, she redeemed herself with 2010's 'The ArchAndroid,' which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard album chart. She was also awarded with the Vanguard Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers at the Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
Her collaboration with Fun won Monae her first Grammy for Song of the Year in 2013. Monae has been named one of CoverGirl's newest spokeswomen and and is slated to join the cast of 'Rio 2' with Bruno Mars. She's currently prepping the release of her new LP, 'The Electric Lady,' which has spawned songs like 'Q.U.E.E.N.' and 'Dance Apocalyptic.'