Quotes from Janelle Monae

When I got into the music industry, I wasn't focused on being the most famous artist or even getting a major record deal. It was just to make music on my own terms or create my own image, do my own hair, do my own makeup.

I'll refer to my music in color, like 'This song needs to be bright red.'

I'm a believer that the more I'm giving, the happier I am, and the more beautiful my exterior will be.

I love men. But evil men? I will not tolerate that. You don't deserve to be in my presence. If you're going to rule this world, I am not going to contribute anymore until you change it.

Things might not go as planned, but at the end of the day it's up to me to take those risks and do what I love most. And I don't owe anybody an explanation. My journey is my journey.

One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique.

I have worn a tuxedo, but I have never covered up for respectability politics or to shame other women.

I've gotten scripts over the years, but I believe it was the stories of 'Moonlight' and 'Hidden Figures' that really touched my heart and aligned with the messages that I felt were extremely important to me.

Lauryn Hill, P-Funk, Marvin Gaye, Public Enemy - I have a very diverse palate for music. I can go from Judy Garland to Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Wonder to Rachmaninoff. I just love great music.

I wanna scream and dream and throw a love parade / Is that okay?

When I first started in this industry, my goal was to be some best friend. The sidekick. I thought that would be an accomplishment.

I'm inspired by the words: 'electrifying', 'epic', 'minimalistic', 'transcendent', 'timeless' and 'rock n' roll.'

Honestly, I don't believe in menswear. I focus on what pieces are most timeless, transcendent, match my lifestyle, remain remarkable, and command intriguing attention across the room at an art gallery.

I'm not a politician; I'm an artist. So I always feel the need to give the unfiltered truth, (or) what I think is the truth, at least.

I always feel the need to give the unfiltered truth, (or) what I think is the truth, at least.

I have mentors like Erykah Badu. She's been like a big sister to me.

I love the mystery behind things.

I love Fun. They're great guys. They're incredible artists and musicians.

I love great music and if it doesn't move me I don't listen to it.

Once you find what you like, it's like it worked yesterday, it works today, it'll work tomorrow.

Black history is part of American history, and it should be treated as such.

Music is an art form that I love dearly, and it's allowed me to bring so many people together and meet so many people.

I'm about women's empowerment. I'm about agency. I'm about being in control of your narrative and your body.

When you realize it's your responsibility to be a leader and create the world that you want to see, you have to do it.