R&B and breakout pop sensation Janelle Monae has released a companion video for the track “Crazy Classic Life,” off her latest studio album Dirty Computer. This track is part of the Dirty Computer “emotion picture,” a 48 minute short film that includes many tracks off her latest studio album.
“It’s the end of an electric year. And I’m so very thankful for so many things. So very thankful for all of you that have helped the Dirty Computer album become a movement of love around the world,” the artist explained in a press release. “In this spirit of thankfulness, I’ve decided to share one of my favorite things from this year with you: the standalone visuals for “Crazy Classic Life” from the Dirty Computer emotion picture.”
The video opens with Monae riding in a Mustang hovercar, whose body recalls the classic car design from the late 60s and early 70s. It then transitions into a backyard party, filled with a variety of futuristic fashion choices. At the end of the video, futuristic riot police crash the party and cut the music short, as many of the attendees, minus Monae who appears to have escaped, are apprehended.
“This video was so incredibly fun to make because director Alan Ferguson brought all my hovercar dreams to life! And I had a world of fun with the Django Janes and Zen (played by the incomparable Tessa Thompson) and Che off in the future, dancing while changing the world,” Monae further explained in the press release.”This one is for all the dirty computers out there! Never forget, “We are not America’s nightmare, we are the American dream.”
Dirty Computer[Emotion Picture] was aired exclusively aired exclusively on MTV and BET channels worldwide including MTV, MTV2, MTV Live, mtvU, BET, BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Her, and has received over two million views on YouTube. This film tells story of a young woman named Jane 57821 (portrayed by Monáe) who is living in a totalitarian near-future society where citizens are referred to as “computers.”
Monae’s Dirty Computer has been hit upon its release, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success since its release. The album along with the music video for the track “PYNK,” featuring Grimes were nominated for Grammy awards.
“Being a young, black, queer woman in America, there was something I had to say .. a group of people I wanted to celebrate, and I’m happy to be representing them,” Monae stated in an interview with CBS This Morning’s Norah O’ Donnel. “I hope they feel seen, I hope they feel heard. I hope they feel loved. And I hope they feel celebrated.”
The artist described her experiences working with the legendary musician Prince, before his passing in 2016. According to an interview with BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac the artist helped her come up with sounds for tracks such as “Make Me Feel.” Monae credited Prince with helping her career out in the early stages during the interview, explaining that his agent had seen her perform at once of her early performances.
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
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