There are plenty of awful things we could talk about today, but I'd rather celebrate the goodgreat.
Janelle Monáe gave fans multiple blessings Monday. In addition to dropping a new Lacey Duke–directed video for "I Like That," she also announced the first batch of dates for the Dirty Computer Tour. The tour kicks off in June at Seattle's Marymoor Park and, according to these initial dates, wraps at what is arguably Atlanta's finest venue, the Tabernacle.
Isis Valentino and Alexe Belle, a.k.a. St. Beauty, will open. The tour will also feature "signature experiences" from Belvedere Vodka, including Janelle-inspired cocktails. Ticket sales begin May 2.
Dirty Computer, Monáe's first new album in five years, will also be supported by a narrative film that's been compellingly categorized as an "emotion picture." In a statement to Billboard last week, Monáe said her intention with the 44-minute visual is to reflect "what's happening in the streets right now" and what, in turn, might happen tomorrow. The visual is set in the near future and stars Tessa Thompson and Monáe, whose character—Jane 57821—is part of a society that calls its inhabitants "computers."
Monday, Monáe is holding a special (and free) Dirty Computerscreening and Q&A session in New York City. Then, on April 26, the emotion picture will have its debut across multiple MTV and BET-owned channels. Friday, the album drops and Monáe hosts another screening in Los Angeles. Don’t sleep.
