They moved to New York to study theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Their original plan was to pursue a career on Broadway, but they soon changed their mind and returned to music. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 2003, Monáe founded the Wondaland Arts Society with like-minded young artists, and made a couple of appearances on OutKast's 2006 album Idlewild, where they are featured on the songs "Call the Law" and "In Your Dreams".
By 2007, Monáe was ready to release her first solo work, titled Metropolis. It was originally conceived as a concept album in four parts, or suites, which were to be released through her website and mp3 download sites. After the release of the first part of the series, Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase in mid-2007, these plans were altered following them signing with Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, Bad Boy Records, later in the year. The label gave an official and physical release to the first suite in August 2008, which was retitled Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition) and included two new tracks. The EP was generally well-received by critics, gaining Monáe a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance for their single "Many Moons", festival appearances, and opening slots for the indie pop band Of Montreal. Monáe also toured as the opening act for band No Doubt on their summer 2009 tour.
In a November 2009 interview, Monáe revealed the title and concept behind her album The ArchAndroid. The second and third suites of Metropolis are combined into this full-length release, in which Monáe's alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather - also the protagonist of Metropolis: The Chase Suite - becomes a messiah-like figure to the android community of Metropolis.
Black Sugar Beach
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Champagne shit)
(Champagne shit)
(Champagne shit)
I'll be ya lottery tonight (champagne shit)
I'll be ya lottery tonight (champagne shit)
(Champagne shit)
Shake it all up
Back that ass up (skip, skip, skip)
(Hip, hip, hips)
Champagne shit
These niggas 'bout to make a whole lotta money (champagne shit)
Yeah
These niggas 'bout to make a whole lotta money (champagne shit)
The repetition of the phrase "champagne shit" throughout the song highlights a sense of indulgence, luxury, and opulence. It conveys a feeling of celebration and extravagance, emphasizing the idea of living life to the fullest and embracing a high-class lifestyle. By continuously repeating this phrase, Janelle Monáe emphasizes the grandeur and richness of the experiences she is describing.
The line "I'll be ya lottery tonight" suggests that Janelle Monáe is offering herself as a prize or a lucky charm for someone's enjoyment or gratification. This can be interpreted as her expressing a willingness to provide pleasure and excitement, whether in the physical or emotional sense. By using the metaphor of winning the lottery, she implies that being with her would be a rare and extraordinary experience, similar to hitting the jackpot.
The line "Shake it all up, back that ass up" combines a playful and sexual undertone. It encourages the listener to let loose, express themselves physically, and enjoy the moment. This phrase can be seen as a call to dance, to move with confidence, and to embrace the freedom of one's body. The repetition of the word "skip" adds to the rhythmic and carefree nature of the song.
The phrase "These niggas 'bout to make a whole lotta money" can be seen as an assertion that these individuals are about to achieve financial success and prosperity. By equating this success with "champagne shit," Janelle Monáe is highlighting the lavishness and abundance that comes with wealth. It can also be interpreted as a celebration of black excellence, as she refers to "niggas" who are about to make a significant amount of money, challenging societal expectations and stereotypes.
Overall, "Black Sugar Beach" conveys a sense of enjoyment, self-assuredness, and celebration of success. Janelle Monáe encourages listeners to embrace their own worth, indulge in life's pleasures, and strive for financial prosperity. Through its lyrics, the song promotes a sense of empowerment, liberation, and unabashed enjoyment of the finer things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Champagne shit
The extravagant and luxurious lifestyle represented by the consumption of champagne.
I'll be ya lottery tonight (champagne shit)
I will bring luck and fortune into your life, just like winning the lottery, accompanied by the extravagance symbolized by champagne.
Shake it all up
Creating excitement and movement, stirring things up to add a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
Back that ass up (skip, skip, skip)
Moving your body in a provocative and flirtatious manner, showing confidence and sensuality.
(Hip, hip, hips)
Highlighting the physicality and sexuality of dancing, specifically focused on the rhythmic movements of the hips.
These niggas 'bout to make a whole lotta money (champagne shit)
Referring to individuals who are about to accumulate significant wealth and success, akin to the opulence associated with champagne.
Yeah
Expression of enthusiasm and agreement, affirming the previous statement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barrington Levy, Janelle Robinson, Jarrett Goodly, Nana Tuffuor, Nathaniel Irvin, Roman Irvin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janellemonae
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@icarus212001
The transition between "Champagne Shit" and this was honestly a top 5 moment in her entire discography.
@ZephyrFate
100000000%
@bobbythespaceghost9934
I'm going through her tracks, and I can play her music all the way through!!!! Sheesh.
@teddy12290
This album has NO skips
@MTdaBlacking
Listening to this on a gloomy and rainy day to picture myself chilling at the beach! ☺👍🏿
@muca3000
this feels like all the archandroids went to a beautiful island to enjoy summer. love it.
@livefromplanetearth
an instrumental track is now the new interlude 🙏🏾
@sharifelmahdi9385
What an album!!!! Have it on repeat today. Wow! ❤
@klwjr
this is by far my favorite !!!!!! her vocals !!!! Genius !