Janelle Monae Battles Against Sexism in Music Industry, 'Q.U.E.E.N.' Singer 'Will Not Be Oppressed'

Janelle Monae has stated that her goal is to "rebel against sexism." In a video interview with NME, the "Q.U.E.E.N." singer addressed misogyny in the music industry and what she is doing to redefine women's roles in the R&B game.

"I absolutely have encountered sexism in the music industry. I don't look at myself as a victim. I think that some people are just not taught any better, and certain behavior has been taught down and it has been accepted," she said. "I think it's up to us as women not to accept it and lead by example.

That's what I've always tried to do with music and the way that I dress. I will not allow myself to be oppressed or I will not allow myself to be a slave or controlled by anybody's own belief system."

Monae has taken control of her own creative process, in order to maintain her artistic integrity and be free of society's musical expectations of her.

"By owning my own recording label and being the creative on everything that you see I have to make sure that the message is out there: that I will peacefully remain in control of my body," Monae said.

Monae then went on to explain that just because she's feminine and plays in to some of society's roles for a traditional female R&B singer, that doesn't mean she can't stand up for herself. "I think the biggest misconception about me is that I love dresses, I love heels. You'll see me in dresses and you'll see me in heels," she said. "But I think I have a bigger message, which is to redefine and almost in a sense rebel against sexism."

Watch the video interview from NME here.

Monae has shown that she is for female empowerment in recent months. Both the videos for "Q.U.E.E.N." featuring Erykah Badu and her newest single "Dance Apocalyptic" have featured almost exclusively female casts.

The lyrics to "Q.U.E.E.N.," which ask "Am I a sinner with my skirt up on the ground?" and "Am I a freak for getting down?" also address sexism and women's role in society.

Monae's second studio album The Electric Lady will be released Sept. 10.

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Janelle Monae