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Apr 10, 2018 By Christopher Roberts Janelle Monáe

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Janelle Monáe is releasing a new album, Dirty Computer, on April 27 via Atlantic. Previously she shared a science fiction-themed teaser trailer for it featuring both Monáe and actress Tessa Thompson (who starred as Valkyrie in last year’s superhero hit Thor: Ragnarok and was also in Westworld), as well as videos for “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane” (which both made our Songs of the Week list). Now she has shared a video for another new song, “PYNK.” The song features Grimes, although she’s not in the video, which instead features Monáe, Thompson, and friends in a pink hover car and partying in the dessert. Emma Westenberg directed the video, which the YouTube description says is a celebration of “pussy power.”

The full YouTube description is as such: “PYNK is a brash celebration of creation. self love. sexuality. and pussy power! PYNK is the color that unites us all, for pink is the color found in the deepest and darkest nooks and crannies of humans everywhere… PYNK is where the future is born….”

Dirty Computer is due out April 27 via Atlantic. The trailer described the album as “an emotion picture” and its YouTube description described that as “a narrative film and accompanying musical album.” A press release says that details of the release of the “emotion picture” are forthcoming and that the two videos are part of the film.

Alan Ferguson directed the “Make Me Feel” video. A press release says the video “captures the spirited, celebratory voice of Monáe as she affectionately nods to the ripe sounds surrounding the 1980’s music and dance revolution. Delivering electric vocals, pop hooks and confident, female-driven lyrics, Monáe brings the song to life in a vibrantly colored video highlighted by provocative silhouettes moving across the screen.”

Andrew Donoho and Chuck Lightning directed the “Django Jane” video (with additional direction by Lacey Duke). A press release says “the song is a powerful black girl magic womanifesto that celebrates the strength of black women and black culture while addressing the trials and tribulations of identity in the 21st Century.”

It’s been five years since Monáe’s last album, 2013’s The Electric Lady. In that time she has launched her acting career, with notable roles in the movies Hidden Figures and Moonlight, as well as guest starring in the Amazon Prime sci-fi anthology series Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams.

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