Well, it may be a while before we get that next Big Boi solo album, or another Outkast LP for that matter, but doesn’t stop Big Boi from carrying on the sound with Janelle Monae latest single. Janelle is sort of an otherworldly, conceptual soul singer who signed with Bad Boy in 2007, and is perhaps the label’s strangest addition (think Kanye on Roc-A-Fella in 2000), however is probably the most talented (next to the late great Frank White, of course). She’s got a brand of big band, throwback funk-soul here, almost like a less-crazy version of Amy Winehouse, with up tempo big band swing. This is the first single from her forthcoming sophomore release, “The ArchAndroid” – the song is currently up for sale at her website. And also, it knocks. Quality pop music y’all – embrace it.

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 Listen: Janelle Monae – “Tightrope” (feat. Big Boi)