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SZA Defends Janelle Monáe’s ‘Self Renaissance’ Amid Critics

Author Autumn Hawkins

SZA is defending Janelle Monáe against haters who are not celebrating her sexier new image. SZA is in full support of Monáe’s “self-renaissance.”

“I love that it’s HER being free [right now] because [people] LOVE to box women in and claim that because you’re articulate respected and intelligent, you can’t show your body or be sexual or anything else lol,” SZA commented on an Instagram post from RNB Radar. “It’s a ridiculous notion and I’m ALL FOR HER SELF RENAISSANCE.”

Although SZA stood up for her, others continued to attack the “Lipstick Lover” singer.

“I swear i thought she was classy wtf janelle,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Am I the only one NOT here for all she’s been doing? It’s giving desperation!”

RELATED: Janelle Monáe Trends For NSFW Video Following Album Announcement

However, others agreed with SZA’s take on letting Monáe live her best life.

“These comments are sad,” one fan wrote following the backlash Monáe has been receiving. “People are not allowed to evolve and open up their personalities That’s why folks are so stagnant in everyday life. They remain the same out of fear that their friends and family will remark about them changing or trying something new. Folks are scared to change the way they do anything… on a small or large scale. They can’t even handle seeing other people change how they dress or their hair without launching into conspiracy theories. If you just did things because YOU wanted to, you won’t feel the need to question why others just up and make changes. Just live.”

This comes after the R&B singer announced her first album in five years.

“As we enter into The Age Of Pleasure, ‘Lipstick Lover’ is our freea–mothaf—- anthem inspired by f.a.m. for f.a.m,” Monae wrote in the album’s press release. The Age Of Pleasure is set for release on June 9 per Variety. “This is our audio oasis made with love and signed with cherry red kisses from me to you.”

Listen to “Lipstick Lover” below:

The Best Hip-Hop and R&B Songs Of April 2023, Ranked

  • 10. "Da Girls" (Remix) - Ciara ft. Lola Brooke and Lady London

    Ciara enlisted Lola Brooke and Lady London for the remix of “Da Girls.” This was the first time all three artists linked up on a record. “Lola and Lady London are special,” Ciara said about the two rising emcees per RatedRNB. “They each bring a unique star quality to everything they do. From the tone of their voices to the fire verses, they spoke life into this record for all da girls around the world.”

  • 9. "Give It To Me" - Miguel

    Miguel is back with a new single titled “Give It To Me.” The R&B artist has not released a full-length project since 2017’s War & Leisure. His last project was his 2021 EP Art Dealer Chic Vol. 4. However, his 2010 single “Sure Thing,” went viral on TikTok this year and currently sits at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • 8. "Chemical" - Post Malone

    Post Malone dropped his first song of 2023 with “Chemical.” The New York native just finished touring last year in support of his 2022 LP Twelve Carat Toothache. “Chemical” is different from the artist’s usual sound as it has upbeat pop-rock elements introduced. The new record will act as the lead single to the rapper’s upcoming fifth studio album.

  • 7. "Alone" - Kim Petras ft. Nicki Minaj

    Nicki Minaj joined Kim Petras for “Alone” marking their first collaboration together. For Nicki, this follows her feature on Ice Spice’s “Princess Diana.” “Alone” is Petras’ second single of 2023 following her record “brrr” which was released in January.

  • 6. "Double Fantasy" - The Weeknd ft. Future

    For The Weeknd’s upcoming HBO drama The Idol, he and Future linked up to create “Double Fantasy.” The Weeknd performed it for the first time during Metro Boomin’s Coachella set. “Double Fantasy” marks The Weeknd and Future’s fifth collaboration after the two first came together as featured artists on producer Mike WiLL Made-It‘s 2015 single “Drinks on Us,” which also featured Swae Lee.

  • 5. "Kill Bill" Remix - SZA ft. Doja Cat

    Doja Cat hopped on SZA’s SOS hit “Kill Bill” making it her first 2023 appearance. The two previously collaborated on the Grammy-winning “Kiss Me More.” SZA earned her first No. 1 Billboard hit with the original “Kill Bill” this month.

  • 4. "Empire State Of Mind" Remix - Jay-Z

    Jay-Z remixed his 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind.” The hip-hop icon performed the remixed version in Paris at the Louis Vuitton Foundation to mark the opening of the “Basquiat x Warhol. Painting Four Hands” exhibition. The new version has been officially released which features Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic I’m New Here song “New York Is Killing Me.” The original “Empire State Of Mind” features Alicia Keys. The song was nominated for three awards but won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony. The song was originally on Jay’s The Blueprint 3.

  • 3. "Put It On Da Floor" - Latto

    Latto dropped “Put It On Da Floor” in April which fueled a beef between her and Coi Leray. The two later made amends but it ended working in the Atlanta native’s favor as she scored her first No. 1 on the Hot Trending Songs chart.

  • 2. "Search & Rescue" - Drake

    Drake dropped his first solo song of 2023 titled “Search & Rescue.” He infamously sampled Kim Kardashian on the record from her Hulu reality show The Kardashians. “Search & Rescue” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • 1. "Princess Diana" Remix - Ice Spice ft. Nicki Minaj

    The People’s Princess and the Queen linked up for a remix of the Bronx native’s “Princess Diana.” The “Princess Diana” remix debuted at No.1 on this week’s Digital Song Sales chart making it Ice Spice’s first and Nicki’s 14th No.1 hit. The song debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Autumn Hawkins is the National Hip-Hop and R&B writer for Beasley Media, currently residing in New Jersey. Prior to working at Beasley Media, she was in broadcast news as an entertainment producer. When she's not impatiently waiting for Beyoncé to drop new music, she is reading, shopping, or planning a vacation.

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