Janelle Monáe Discusses Remaining Inspired, Being the "Only" & More | A Sip w/ Issa Rae

Hosted by Issa Rae, "A Sip" is an unscripted, intimate fireside chat over drinks with creatives we are inspired by. This time, it's Grammy nominated musician and actress, Janelle Monáe. Check out their newest project, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in theaters now!
Happy Holidays, y'all! #ThankfulAF
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With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Rae first received attention for her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She created and starred in the Peabody-award-winning HBO series Insecure which garnered her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae has also made her mark on the big screen, starring in THE PHOTOGRAPH and THE LOVEBIRDS.
In 2020 Rae formed HOORAE, a multi-faceted media company that develops content across mediums in an effort to continue to break boundaries in storytelling and representation. HOORAE is comprised of HOORAE Media for film, tv and digital; Raedio, the music label, music supervision company, and “audio everywhere” company; and ColorCreative, its management division. Via HOORAE’s WarnerMedia deal, Issa has also expanded her Executive Producer slate with the Emmy-award nominated A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, the fan-favorite docuseries SWEET LIFE, and the upcoming HBOMax series, RAP SH*T.
Rae’s commitment to South LA is evident in both her personal and professional pursuits. After planting roots near her childhood home, Issa decided to set up the HOORAE headquarters in the heart of South LA. Her participation in the non-profit organization Destination Crenshaw furthers her mission of celebrating Black Angelenos and her ownership in Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen provides much-needed jobs and opportunities for local residents as well as a space for creatives to unlock their potential. Additionally, as co-owner of the Black owned and operated hair care line, Sienna Naturals, Rae intends to continue to reimagine Black wellness and beauty. Sienna Naturals is a performance-driven vegan hair care line rooted in sustainability and intentionality and was awarded Cosmopolitans “Holy Grail Beauty Award” in 2021.
#IssaRae #janellemonae

[@Miracle-ms9hu]

I love science fiction, anime, fantasy literature and everything inbetween! We are not a monolith and I'm ecstatic to hear Issa and Janelle share their wisdom. Love their individual perspectives and artistic uniqueness. They're opening up the envelope and showing that there is no box. We need that!!!!! Can we have the UK tour please??!!! 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@jazmeenkiddo]

As do many other black folks. That’s a subconscious effect of racism & oppression to think most black people don’t like those things. What’s marketed to us by industries isn’t a true representation of what we want and like.

[@johnwebb2442]

Two beautiful black queens on top of their game in their careers. Love this.

[@ninathecrab]

Loving this conversation! My new affirmation is “I embrace my uniqueness even if it makes others feel uncomfortable” and “It’s never too good for me. I am worthy of being in every room I walk into” thank you Issa and Janelle ❤

[@Indigostarfly]

Two drop dead gorgeous black women blowing the roof off the world with they talent. Keep moving up ladies. I love Janelle wearing her own💯💥💫 natural hair growing out to the sky to the sun. It looks so rich and beautiful.

[@kandacebanks]

Janelle Monae's voice is soooooo soothing omg

[@Aleakwe]

re-watching and aint gonna quit smiling. profound pride. peace and prosperity to everyone

[@newheartnewspirit8468]

I’m from Kansas City, Kansas we are so proud of you and how much you’ve accomplished. Always stay true to self!

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

There are so many sci-fi and fantasy books out by black writers, especially black female writers, and most are based on afro-futurism, African cultures, African-American cultures, etc. Y'all need to get into it!

[@AprilLashon]

Her hair is beautiful!

[@KatinaDavid]

This was a "STAND in your own lane" conversation.

[@dakotac180]

Love our KC queer girl. Issa definitely needs to put her in something. I have so much family in Georgia and ATL is so hospitable and the food is top notch.

[@thepaulinemarie]

I feel everything Janelle Monae said. I love how Issa creates this safe space to state your truth, be in her truth and not try to fluff piece the interview. Just real.

[@jacquelinewilliams3058]

😍 Janelle shoes are everything🔥!! I Love both of these awesome women!!

[@Sarahgreen634]

Constant choice of freedom over fear, because freedom is not free- lovee this woman

[@danaallen2734]

Beautiful artistic interview

[@364anw]

Both of these black women are Triple threats... Brains, Beauty, and Creativity The fact that they're both for the progression of Black People just makes my heart smile

[@sweetlife3623]

Embrace the things that make me unique even if it makes others feel uncomfortable

[@roxndroid]

I love you Janelle!

[@hattiedague6146]

Just sobbing at these two together. Brilliant peers. Black excellence. Boss Bitches. Best style!!!! Love this so much.

[@SimplychicwithLaurenDominique]

I been waiting so long for y’all to post this full one

[@ronthompson5372]

Issa Rae & Janelle Monae 👑👑💫💫🦋🦋💎💎💙💜🖤♥️🥀🥀🏆🏆

[@keishie23]

Beautiful 🎉🎉❤❤ conversation. Appreciate the time. 😅

[@charlesbullock4366]

International!! That's the Word that comes to mind when I think about Janelle - she is on PURPOSE!! 👍🔥 Shout out to Issa!!! Another Sista who is INTENTIONAL!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥💗🖤💚

[@syckindahead]

The creator stated "Black girls are magic"🙌🏾

[@silliwtd]

Love the opportunity to see 2 of my faves interact!

[@josephq2228]

💚2023✨planting seeds..........🎶 #MillenniumLanceAndTheOpenScroll 🌹 🎠🌈🌈💍🌈🌈🔥 Daniel 12 Revelation 21 keeping the Faith 💜😎

[@ShhhPayAttention]

Lord my son has a crush on her she so pretty Happy holidays everyone stay safe I needed this I'm noT in a good mood

[@devine.22]

Happy holidays!!!

[@AnnaAwesome77]

The more I hear Janelle Monáe, the more I love her! It’s been 11 years I’ve been loving Janelle, Monáe, and I remember the first time I heard her song I remember what song it was and I remember exactly where I was when I heard it. The sales lady, the sales person told me you got a know who Janelle Monáe is and I did, and I’ve loved her ever since. I feel so lucky to watch videos about Janelle Monáe, and to be able to hear her voice and her thoughts. She matches the person that she sings about and the things that she believes in and the work she hopes to do with her work is definitely working! I believe me and you Janelle Monáe! Thank you for everything you do!❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@AnnaAwesome77]

Janelle Monae gives me courage to be as big as I am, to be the who I am. Thank you Janelle Monae! ❤❤ Freedom is not free❤️🐝🫶🏾

[@ultravulva]

I Loved when she said , “We (black women) have a special way of dealing w people … I come in peace, but I mean business . “

[@sweetlife3623]

If you have something on your heart, you gotta push it out

[@loveannbea]

🥂Cheers to Another AMAZING sip session 👏🏾❤🤩

[@kincamell]

Much Gratitude. Ps Peace the ArchAndroid, one of the best albums ever. Pps Peace to The Misadventures of Akward Black Girl, one of the best series ever. I'm reading the book, slowly yet surely.

[@Artisselfstudios]

This is such an inspiring interview I love these two ladies such an inspiration

[@akiag4678]

the make-up, the highlights, the shoes, the Dresses!!!!!!!! LuvUqueens xo

[@channyfan14]

What’s happened to all the wondaland artists recently ? I don’t hear anything abt jidenna or Roman ?

[@sweetlife3623]

Touring as an artist is how we sustain ourselves

[@sweetlife3623]

Don't let your ego get in the way of the conversation

[@mortenle]

Two of my favorite women! These creatives inspire me.

[@beausawyer9355]

i am deeply obsessed with fantasy and science fiction. black caribbean here ❤

[@cj10109]

They’re both my favorite 😍 love them. So talented

[@GBY005]

two incredible women. this interview gave me all the energy i needed to keep pushing

[@AnnaAwesome77]

I love the telling your audience not to do anything but ask questions that relate to Janelle Monae! Go you, Lazy Perfectionist! You are here and doing so much! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@israelite3395]

WYD, Love You. Watup, Hoorae❗️Aye, Your Name alone is Strong, yaheardme. Keep it Up ISSA 🥂🌹 Issa Issa, Issa Issa 🕺🏾

[@maliahjoy2959]

Happy Black History Month!!!

[@AllEyezOnMeTMC]

Love y'all ‼️ 👑👑💜💜💜💜

[@jemimewhite8357]

What y’all talking about ? 🤨 LOL I LOVE Issa 😂😂💕

[@martymcfly6015]

That's my cousin right there I love you Janelle Monae❤️

[@AnnaAwesome77]

Know Beyond!!!!!!❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂

[@optimisticsoul2338]

I live and breathe science fiction. Am very African

[@ctctctseect3437]

It can't be long to who I sold it to. It belongs to the opposite of who I sold it to.

[@silliwtd]

49:01 I needed to hear this. My self criticism is deadly

[@misterjahi]

Instant classic

[@sweetlife3623]

I choose freedom and all the thing it comes with

[@sweetlife3623]

What are you pushing, judith?

[@jacksonalex6525]

I am going to love this!

[@DeiDei1996]

Love them both 😢

[@LowkeyHeru]

👏🏾💜 #archery

[@essiemae4610]

Keep it clear and classy is what I say

[@coreycaswell4688]

Breathe

[@sweetlife3623]

Nothing is too good for me to be it

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

The memories I have of Apache.😊

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@TheThickness4city]

Had no idea she was planted in Atl

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@coulorfully]

✍

[@sweetlife3623]

Eat. Hungry. Hungry. Eat.

[@sweetlife3623]

We exist in the future

[@Music3654ever]

I love you, i was wondering if you could subtitle?

[@niablee]

Yes, I was hoping for subtitles too!

[@christinenwakwue]

I ❤️ Janelle!

[@Poodle2Pretty]

This was soooo dope

[@DajuanH.]

🔥🙌🏾

[@emmanueltucker586]

It can all be so simple. But some ppl rather make it hard.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

Beautiful Black Natural hair, Janelle Monae! I see this video is from August 2018. 19dec22

[@gloriaray3084]

ALL 💓❣️💕😍

[@Cherrelle916]

Just the inspiration I needed. 🫶🏿