Earlier this year, US Recording Artist/Actress Janelle Monaé announced that she will be releasing her latest album, “The Age Of Pleasure“. Along with that came the single “Lipstick Lover“. While the racy visual showed another side of her, it contained the familiar sound of Dancehall Artist Mad Cobra’s 1992 hit, “Flex“. With the new album just released, a few more familiar sounds joined in.
On Janelle Monaé’s “The Age Of Pleasure” album, Jamaican Recording Artists Derrick Harriott, Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy, and Queen Patra all join Mad Cobra on a few tracks. On the 2nd track “Champagne S***“, Levy’s 1984 hit “Murderer” was sampled. The classic track also appears on the follow up track, “Black Sugar Beach“. “Murderer” was produced by Hyman Wright and Pat Chin, and released through the Grade One label. Sister Nancy’s 1982 hit “Bam Bam” was sampled on the track “Water Slide“. Patra’s “Whining Skill” from her 1993 debut album “Queen Of The Pack” was also sampled on the track. “Bam Bam” secures the title of the most sampled Jamaican song, and we have a Playlist and a few words about it here. Sister Nancy is also a featured Artist, appearing on the track, “French 75“. “Whining” was produced by Tony “CD” Kelly and Clifton “Specialist” Dillon. The legendary Grace Jones also appears on the album as a featured Artist, delivering on “Oooh La La“. Coming to the closing of the album, Derrick Harriott’s 1967 classic, “The Loser” was sampled on the track, “Only Have Eyes 42“. The track was released through Crystal Records, and produced by Harriott. Many have speculated that Monaé would have Jamaican influences on her new album, and what was brought forward did not disappoint.
Check out the tracks below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
Tonight the White House and the world will be treated to performances from their “In Performance At The White House” series. Hosted by the First Lady Michelle Obama, the lineup features Patti LaBelle, Ariana Grande, Janelle Monae, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Melissa Etheridge and Jamaica’s own Tessanne Chin. The event is a celebration of the great “foremothers” of American music, with songs expressing the struggles and achievements of women. Watch the live stream below and share your thoughts in the comments section.