With a net worth of around a staggering $12 million, it’s obvious that success and fame have welcomed Janelle Monáe enthusiastically.
Who Is Janelle Monáe? The Visionary Artist Behind a $12 Million Legacy
Janelle Monáe is a well-known American rapper, singer, and actress. Signed to Atlantic Records, this artist is also signed to her very own Wondaland Arts Society, making her mark on music through various connections.
Janelle Monáe Robinson worked at Office Depot while she was attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York (Credit: Tony Norkus / Shutterstock)
After becoming a rising star in contemporary R&B, Monáe has received countless nominations and awards throughout her career.
Janelle Monáe’s Inspiring Rise from Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Emerging from a working-class background, Monáe witnessed the dangers of drug addiction through her father at an early age. This, and the other struggles in her background, are said to have influenced her intense drive for success.
“My father was a trashman. My mother was a custodian. My stepfather worked at the post office. My grandmother served food at the county jail,” she told Harvard Business Review.
“I saw them getting up every single morning, putting on their uniforms, living check to check, working hard. My idea of working was to work hard and contribute to your community. It’s my truth.”
Janelle Monáe in a gingham Petar Petrov Spring 2019 blazer, Christian Louboutin embellished ankle boots, and a wide-brimmed leather hat by YVY at Nickelodeon’s 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards at Galen Center on March 23, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Indeed, from very early on in life, Monáe indulged in the arts. She was a singer at her local church, appeared in some productions, and even joined a playwright group to fuel her talent for writing several musicals and plays.
She began a musical theatre course but dropped out when she realized that she wanted to express herself more creatively.
2003
Monáe’s career in music kicked off in 2003 when she released a demo album named The Audition.
2005
2005 was a crucial year for Monáe’s career, with her big break coming into play. At an open mic, she performed Killing Me Softly With His Song when Big Boi was present in the audience.
Janelle Monáe got her big break in 2005 when she performed Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” at an open mic night with Big Boi in the audience (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)
As one half of the hip-hop group OutKast, he decided Monáe was worth featuring on two tracks from Purple Ribbon All-Stars’ album. Monáe featured in Lettin’ Go and Time Will Reveal, helping set her on a path to success.
2006
Just a year after Big Boi recognized Monáe’s immense talent, OutKast showcased her on two standout tracks, ‘Call the Law’ and ‘In Your Dreams,’ from their acclaimed album Idlewild.
2007
Just a year later, Monáe started creating her own music with the help of her two Wondaland Arts Society partners. She completed an EP named Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), which drew the attention of the famous and thriving producer Diddy.
Janelle Monáe in an embellished Honayda dress and Goshwara tassel earrings at the premiere of “Harriet” at The Orpheum Theatre on October 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: DFree / Shutterstock)
Diddy signed Monáe to Bad Boy Records label, helping her to release and promote her EP. This EP managed to reach no. 15 on the Billboard Album Charts, and one of its lead singles even got a Grammy nomination.
2010
2010 is the year that Monáe’s debut album, The ArchAndroid, was introduced to the world, featuring hits such as Tightrope. Peaking at no. 17 on the Billboard Album Charts, this project did better than anything Monae had done before.
This album is about Cindi Mayweather, a robot living in 2719. As a sci-fi, futurist project, Monáe made her mark on music with its pure uniqueness.
2013
Monáe’s second album, The Electric Lady, came out and was met with flawless reviews. This album continues the sci-fi theme present in The ArchAndroid, using Cindi Mayweather to take fans on the ultimate musical journey.
Janelle Monáe Robinson was honored with the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2015 and the Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2018 (Credit: Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock)
The album, which featured other respected artists such as Prince, reached no.5 on the Billboard Top 200.
2015
In 2015, Wondaland Arts Society combined with LA Reid’s Epic Records to promote Monáe’s artists. It started with the release of Wondaland Presents: The Eephus and features a range of tracks with a collection of artists.
2016
In taking her acting career to the next level, Monáe starred in the drama Moonlight and the biopic Hidden Figures.
Janelle Monáe starred as NASA mathematician and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson in the 2016 American biographical drama film Hidden Figures (Credit: Fox 2000 Pictures / Chernin Entertainment)
2018
Monáe debuted her single ‘PYNK,’ a collaboration with Grimes, in April 2018 following the release of ‘Django Jane’ and ‘Make Me Feel.’
Her much-anticipated following album, Dirty Computer, was released a few weeks later. From all her hard work to date, it’s no surprise that Monáe earned an Album of the Year nomination for Dirty Computer.
2019
Monáe experimented with voiceover work for another few films, including Lady and the Tramp and UglyDolls. She also appeared in Harriet as the character Harriet Tubman.
Janelle Monáe as Veronica Henley/Eden in the 2020 American thriller film Antebellum (Credit: Lionsgate)
2020
Continuing to branch out further, Monáe became the lead in season 2 of one of Amazon’s best thrillers, Homecoming, replacing Julia Roberts and continuing to make her mark on various forms of art.
What’s Next for Janelle Monáe? Music, Acting, and Her Book
With a commitment to making challenging and unique music, it’s no surprise that Monáe climbed the ladder of career success as early as she did.
Since 2020, Janelle Monáe has continued to thrive as a multifaceted artist. In 2021, she contributed songs to the Netflix animated series We The People, including the Emmy-winning “Stronger,” which she co-wrote.
In 2022, Monáe earned critical acclaim for her role as twin sisters in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. That same year, she released her first book, The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, exploring themes of liberation and futurism, and was cast as Josephine Baker in the upcoming TV series De La Resistance.
In music, she released her fourth album, The Age of Pleasure (2023), celebrated for its depictions of queer love and radical joy, earning Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Progressive R&B Album.
Janelle Monáe pairs a sleek tailored suit with vibrant electric blue eyeliner and modern geometric earrings for a striking, contemporary look (Credit: DFree / Shutterstock)
Janelle Monáe’s fashion journey is a testament to her fearless and innovative style, particularly evident in her choice of footwear. From the bold Daniele Michetti heels that perfectly complemented her monochrome ensemble at the American Music Awards to the striking Christian Louboutin ‘Tudor Bal’ sandals she donned at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, her shoe selections consistently enhance her distinctive aesthetic.
For a deeper dive into Janelle’s iconic footwear moments, explore our detailed articles that showcase her most memorable shoe choices. One of her best shoe moments has to be the gold Giuseppe Zanotti caged sandals she wore to the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere, perfectly blending her love for bold fashion with a galactic-inspired theme!
Janelle Monáe Channels Darth Vader: A Bold Star Wars-Inspired Look
Some people take Star Wars very seriously — like Janelle Monáe. In December 2015, the recording artist seemed to take some serious inspiration from Darth Vader when it came to her ensemble.
Janelle Monáe captivates with her intricate mirrored top, bold metallic choker, and flawless braided updo, exuding futuristic elegance on the red carpet at the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on December 14, 2015 (Credit: WENN)
The then-30-year-old wore an interesting Erevos Aether embellished top and skirt featuring an ab-revealing stomach cutout and mirrored plating on the chest that almost resembled the Death Star.
Janelle Monáe channels her inner Star Wars fan in an Erevos Aether ensemble (Credit: WENN)
She completed her look with dazzling Butani ear cuffs, statement Djula and Casa Reale rings, and a sparkling Anya Hindmarch clutch, perfectly complementing her futuristic ensemble.
Janelle Monáe accessorizes with Butani ear cuffs, Djula and Casa Reale rings, and an Anya Hindmarch clutch (Credit: WENN)
She rounded out her look with gold Giuseppe Zanotti caged sandals that matched the metallic embellishments on her Erevos Aether set.
Janelle Monáe stuns at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere in a futuristic black and gold Erevos Aether ensemble, accessorized with metallic Giuseppe Zanotti caged sandals and intricate braided hair (Credit: WENN)
Her whole ensemble screamed Star Wars — even her funky braided hairstyle and themed nails.
Janelle Monáe’s Star Wars-inspired manicure spells out ‘STAR’ and pairs perfectly with her glittering black clutch, adding a touch of galactic glamour to her bold ensemble (Credit: WENN)
We loved seeing how other Star Wars fans showed up at this premiere as well. Sofia Vergara took clear inspiration from Princess Leia, while Jaime King kept it futuristic with her funky outfit.
Janelle Monáe showcases her bold pedicure and stunning gold Giuseppe Zanotti caged sandals (Credit: WENN)
What do you think of Janelle’s futuristic Star Wars-inspired ensemble? Would you try a bold look like this for a themed event?