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.
The French 75
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The vibes
The French Quarter, French kisses
Cheers to the last night, French Fries
Partying and getting fucked up (yeah)
Cheers to us not motherfucking having a hangover (yeah, cheers)
Cheers to us dancing our asses off (yes)
Having a good mothafucking time
Cheers to that Latin courtyard that was fun (yes)
That was the greatest (that was fun)
Cheers to barhopping today and enjoying the mothafuckin' city
Cheers to ya'll getting ya'll beads
Yes
I got one bead
Me too, I got three
They liked your titties (cheers)
I like 'em too
Janelle, original
When you see me Ribbit
Some come call me DNT, some call me Nancy
And I ah a Sista Nancy with the lyrics my name
Me ah di only woman DJ with degree
Only woman DJ with degree
Straight from the place to Jamaica, island out you see
Born and grow in ah Kingston City
In the song "The French 75" by Janelle Monáe featuring Sister Nancy, the lyrics celebrate the joyous and carefree atmosphere of a night out in Paris. The song opens with a toast to the city of Paris, acknowledging its vibrant vibes and the allure of the French Quarter. The mention of French kisses and French fries adds to the playful and flirtatious nature of the evening.
The lyrics continue to express the excitement and freedom of the night, emphasizing the intention to have a wild and unforgettable time. The mention of partying and getting "fucked up" indicates a desire to let loose and indulge in the pleasures of the moment. The refrain of cheers is an expression of camaraderie among the friends, celebrating the fact that they are not experiencing any negative consequences the next day, such as a hangover.
The lyrics also highlight the enjoyment of dancing and the importance of good food during the night. The mention of a Latin courtyard represents a specific location where the group had fun and created lasting memories. Barhopping in the city is mentioned as another element of their night out, where they are fully embracing and appreciating the vibrant energy of the city.
Towards the end of the lyrics, there is a playful discussion about acquiring beads, a common tradition during festivals and celebrations. The mention of liking someone's titties suggests that a playful, flirtatious atmosphere was present during the festivities.
In Sister Nancy's verse, she proudly identifies herself as a Jamaican DJ with a degree, showcasing her uniqueness and talent. She emphasizes her roots in Kingston City and the skill and expertise she brings to her craft as a female DJ. Overall, the lyrics celebrate the lively and joyful experience of a night out in Paris, where the friends are fully immersed in the moment and seeking to have a great time.
Line by Line Meaning
Cheers to Paris
Celebrating the joy and excitement of being in Paris
The vibes
The positive and energetic atmosphere
The French Quarter, French kisses
Celebrating the romantic and passionate moments in the French Quarter
Cheers to the last night, French Fries
Celebrating the final night and enjoying some delicious French fries
Partying and getting fucked up (yeah)
Enjoying a wild and uninhibited party with alcohol and substances
Cheers to us not motherfucking having a hangover (yeah, cheers)
Celebrating the fact that they don't have a hangover the next day
Cheers to us dancing our asses off (yes)
Celebrating their energetic and enthusiastic dancing
Having a good mothafucking time
Enjoying themselves to the fullest
To that food menu being good and we gonna order some food
Appreciating the delicious food options and planning to order some
Cheers to that Latin courtyard that was fun (yes)
Celebrating the enjoyable time spent in the lively Latin courtyard
That was the greatest (that was fun)
Expressing that the experience was amazing and enjoyable
Cheers to barhopping today and enjoying the mothafuckin' city
Celebrating the plan to go barhopping and fully experience the city
Cheers to ya'll getting ya'll beads
Celebrating the acquisition of beads as souvenirs or mementos
Yes
Affirming agreement or understanding
I got one bead
Expressing that they received one bead
Me too, I got three
Agreeing that they received three beads
They liked your titties (cheers)
Celebrating the positive attention they received for their breasts
I like 'em too
Expressing personal appreciation for their own breasts
Janelle, original
Referring to the singer Janelle Monáe
When you see me Ribbit
Indicating a playful or energetic presence when seeing the singer
Some come call me DNT, some call me Nancy
Referring to the various names people use to address the singer
And I ah a Sista Nancy with the lyrics my name
Identifying herself as Sista Nancy and emphasizing her talent for creating lyrics
Me ah di only woman DJ with degree
Proudly stating that she is the only female DJ with a degree
Only woman DJ with degree
Reiterating that she is the sole female DJ with an academic degree
Straight from the place to Jamaica, island out you see
Highlighting her Jamaican roots and connection to the island
Born and grow in ah Kingston City
Indicating that she was born and raised in Kingston City, Jamaica
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Janelle Monae, Jarrett Goodly, Nana Kwabena Tuffuor, Nathaniel Irvin III, Ophlin Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janellemonae
'The Age of Pleasure' Tour Tickets NOW ON SALE! ❤🔥
BUY HERE: https://JanelleMonae.lnk.to/TAOPTourID
@Cordial_Lump
this whole album sounds like vacation <3
@chiaradamore-klaiman8692
This is what summer and freedom sound like. ❤❤❤
@lichaelmang8135
since her first album Janelle has been shining light on the OG LEGENDARY ARTISTS that have inspired her and the music we all love today....it's incredible how she was able to get a [brief] feature from SISTER NANCY!!!!!!! absolutely astonishing. peace
@jaykaynum5569
Many Moons is my favorite from her
@courtneyluhv
Got dayum, J. You dun turnt my week from drab to fab. Thank you to you and all artists/engineers/promo peeps/admin folks/social media kings & queens/and anyone else involved in this masterpiece. Please come to Raleigh or Charlotte. We need to see this live 4 real
@dj_indica
She really put sister Nancy and fela on this album love it🔥🔥🔥
@lifeoverdoseent7150
Okay This is the most cohesive body of work…interludes just slide into the next songs and SISTER NANCY! Jeezus…🔥🔥🔥
@stevenbaptiste7951
wish this was longer 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@christianterry3215
Such a vibe, can't stop listening