Janelle Monáe seems to be living her best life as she continues to embrace her sexuality, yet some people seem perpetually bothered by her recent behavior.
On Friday (June 30), the 37 year old took the stage at Essence Festival in New Orleans. During her performance, she lifted a part of her top and exposed her right breast to the audience as she lept singing.
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The event’s official Twitter page shared a clip of this and captioned it: “ YOU CANNOT POLICE @JanelleMonae.” Soon after, another user retweet the video and wrote: “Unnecessary on so many levels and for so many reasons.”
In response, veteran rapper Luther Luke Campbell aka. Uncle Luke wrote: “What is this girl going through? She’s never been out there like this.. is it a midlife crisis?”
In this particular context, it is important to recognize that Luke, who fronted 2 Live Crew, was very welcoming of women flaunting their sexuality throughout his career in music. One of the group’s biggest hits, “I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown)” featured him rapping, “Shake, shake them titties, baby, shake them titties, baby/ Pop, pop that pussy, baby, pop that pussy, baby.”
It is also worth noting that even though Monáe has only started flashing her breasts recently, artists have been doing so for years before her. Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo, for example, lifts up her top during every performance as part of a brand that champions sexual and female liberation.
To that point, Monáe has explained that she is comfortable in her own skin and has no regrets about baring her breasts — in fact, she said she is “much happier” showing them off.
The singer and actress recently spoke with Rolling Stone about her new album, The Age Of Pleasure. During the conversation, Monáe discussed entering an era of sexual liberation and freedom.
She also discussed receiving backlash for flashing her breasts at an event celebrating the release of her new single and music video, “Lipstick Lover.”
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The “Tightrope” singer has remained unbothered by criticism of the NSFW promotional campaign for her new album. “I’m much happier when my titties are out and I can run around free,” she told Rolling Stone.
That said, Uncle Luke’s comments will most likely have no bearing on Monáe, who seems to be in a great place overall.
