new music: janelle monáe’s new feel good anthem ‘hum along and get down’ excites listeners as she counters the notion of past and present

With the much anticipated release of the new Netflix series ‘The Get Down‘ just around the corner, many of today’s greatest creatives of color are jumping onto the bandwagon. The latest member of the ever-growing contributors, is upcoming Afropunk artist Janelle Monáe. With the induction of her new track ‘Hum Along and Get Down’ to the series soundtrack, the world-renowned singer is adding the much needed spunk that every soundtrack should have.
Inspired by original samples from The Jackson 5, Monáe transports listeners to an era saturated with musical nutrients and prosperity- while, in her own words: ‘envisioning a world where ‘color was not the root-the center of attention. It wasn’t about Black and White, green, yellow- we were all on the dance floor together, living and breathing as one.’

Her deep connection to the material is translated through how its received. This feel good anthem is a groovy reinterpretation of familiar 70’s vibes, yet, a it utilizes modern technology, it can shape the melodies of the past, while writing the soundtrack of the future. With a clear process and a stellar output, Monáe’s track counters the notion of time- connecting all decades through music. As she gears up to take the AFROPUNK Brokklyn stage later this month, Ms. Monáe is on a role. Buy your tickets for AP Brooklyn here, and keep an eye out for “Hum Along and Get Down”‘s full release below.

By Cree B. McClellan, AFROPUNK contributor