It has been five long years since Janelle Monae released any new material, but the long wait is finally over.
Pitchfork reports that the singer/actress is releasing a new album titled "The Age of Pleasure," and she will be ushing everyone in with a new single called "Lipstick Lover."
"All the songs were written from such an honest space," Monae revealed in an interview with Apple Music 1's Zane Lowe.
"So I hope that people feel that when they listen to the music, that they feel that when they come and, you know, counter with me when I'm around, I definitely have had an opportunity to evolve and grow and to tap into the things that bring me pleasure, the things that perhaps I should rethink and rework."
The album is slated for release on June 9, and will have 14 songs on the tracklist.
"The Age of Pleasure" will open with "Float" which is the only song with collaborating artists. Monae featured Seun Kuti and Egypt 80.
For the rest of the tracklist, fans will enjoy Monae's vocals without any accompanying artists. The second track is called "Champagne S**t," followed by "Black Sugar Beach," "Phenomenal," "Haute," and "Oh La La."
The seventh track also happens to be the second single, "Lipstock Lover," then "The Ruck," "The French 75," "Water Slide," "Know Better," "Paid in Pleasure," "Only Have Eyes 42," and finally "A Dry Red."
'Oasis Made with Love'
Monae delved more into what inspired her to create the album and why was it called "The Age of Pleasure."
"As we enter into 'The Age Of Pleasure,' 'Lipstick Lover' is our freeassmothaf**ka anthem inspired by f.a.m. for f.a.m.," the press statement read.
"This is our oasis made with love, rooted in self acceptance, throbbing in self discovery, and signed with cherry red kisses from me to you."
Fans can catch a glimpse of exactly what she is talking about with the music video for "Lipstick Lover."
READ MORE: Shakira Drops New Single 'Acrostico': Singer Threw Jabs at Gerard Pique Again?
Roots
Monae, who has mostly worked in the film industry for the past five years, is finally tapping back into her music roots by honoring her people.
"Basically every song that you'll hear on the project, that's how I did it. I want it to be so specific to this Pan-African crowd who are my friends. I want it to be a love letter to the diaspora. And if they f*k with it, it's good. I'm great."
