Janelle Monáe Makes Comeback With New Track ‘Float’
Janelle Monáe releases new music in over a year with her new single “Float,” featuring musician Seun Kuti and his band Egypt 80.
Monáe, whose fans have been eagerly waiting for new music since July 2021, has just returned with a triumphant new track. “Float,” which she made in collaboration with Seun Kuti, son of Fela Kuti, is a luxurious R&B track with upbeat and anthemic instrumentals. According to a press release, those close to Monáe described a long list of diverse influences on the song, such as “Bruce Lee’s philosophy on ‘formlessness,'” “Muhammad Ali talking sh*t in Zaire,” and the year 1974.
The groovy, brassy, highly produced track echoes the classic Monáe sentiments of pride and Black excellence, as well as her typical funky verses against a nostalgic, ’70s-inspired backing. She teased the track multiple times on her Instagram, leaking the single’s artwork the night before its released.
The song, which features peppy brass lines, was first heard in ESPN’s NBA Saturday Primetime campaign as its official anthem. Monáe is also involved in the campaign and the track will also continue to be used throughout March. According to sources, one inspiration for the song is “Ja Morant’s flotation to the rim while dunking on his ops.”
“Float” marks Monáe’s first track since 2021, only having produced four singles since her last full-length album, Dirty Computer, in 2018. She has teased the possibility of a new album in 2022 and has since confirmed production. An interview on BBC confirmed that she has a title for the album that she can’t share yet.
.@JanelleMonae talks to Clara about her new album!! ✨
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) February 16, 2023
listen from 6pm on @BBCSounds 🫶 pic.twitter.com/B5KKvMXisE
Monáe hasn’t been idle since the release of Dirty Computer, though. After starring in Netflix’s The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story alongside Daniel Craig, the artist will be recognized by the American Black Film Festival Honors for her involvement in the film industry according to a Variety article.
Fans can now stream “Float” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube and tune into ESPN’s NBA coverage throughout March to hear Monáe’s track as the official anthem.
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