Janelle puts face with sponsor

Whether you fully comprehend Janelle Monae's android themed musical compositions or not, there is no denying that 2010 was her breakout year on a mainstream level. Before this year, Janelle has been known as the underground artist signed to Diddy's Bad Boy Records, dazzled with the pompadour, perfectly tailored suits, strongly believing in time travel and androids, and for avoiding live television appearances. This year, the 25-year-old Janelle broke out and graced several major magazines, has been nominated for two Grammy's for 2011 for her latest album The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III), the Associated Press just named “The ArchAndroid” the best album of 2010, and even appeared for her first live television performance on The David Letterman show earlier this year. Now, Janelle is pushing the envelope a little bit further by becoming the new face of Flip video camera, a roughly $200 mini video camera that prints your favorite artist on the outer shell. The Archandroid Flip "Janelle Monae" edition features art from Janelle Monae’s debut full-length album and has featured an ad campaign in major cities with Janelle's face and album advertising Flip camera. With her new ad, we are only left to wonder if Janelle fans will think she is selling out on her underground persona and seeking publicity and financial gain and if they will still support her work. We have no word yet on how much Janelle has landed for her partnership with Flip cam, but we do know that this is a sign of things to come edging towards for 2011.

Tags: camera, flip, janelle, monae, sponsor

0 members like this

Comment

You need to be a member of AFRO-PUNK to add comments!

Join AFRO-PUNK

Comment by Phactz on December 31, 2010 at 2:12pm: "She's like selling out maaaaaaaannn"

xD

Comment by Jazzou on December 30, 2010 at 11:35pm: I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by The oOohh Baby Gimme Mores on December 29, 2010 at 6:27pm: As long as the music is thorough, and it's a product she believes in, I say: swag it out...

Lord knows, I download music where it's legal (Canada) 98% of the time. Especially if I can't afford it... but I'd rather see a concert and pay. Just being honest.

From an advertising student's perspective, this ad is boring.

Cola (The OBGMs)

Comment by Kaminelana Cheatem on December 28, 2010 at 7:02pm: This is a really prickly issue in this strange modern era where DIY and indie have become forgotten or muddy concepts. Just to be clear, kids, I'm not trying to bust anyone's chops here....I'm coming from an old punk rock place that vibes with Ian MacKaye and his refusal to let Nike get away with trying to use the image of a classic Minor Threat record cover for their ass "Major Threat" campaign -- and also Jello Biafra standing firm when the rest of the DK's wanted to let a major clothing company use one of their songs in a campaign. It's so important to remember that corporations and advertising/marketing agencies aren't innocently thinking of ways to create role models for society when they offer contracts to musicians and other artists. They see dollar signs and a way to get their "brands" advanced into the brains of all those who will see the pretty package with their favorite singer and buy it because of the warm feeling they get. It's all about the bottom line $$$$.

I remember when Monae first sparked out of the W.A.S. and started doing her amazing live shows, blowing the piss out of people and igniting a passion for her unique vision. It's been interesting to watch her walking the mainstream path over these past few years, always hoping she'll stick to her vision and not water herself down and compromise -- I'm glad to see her staying true to her tuxedo and saddle shoes, the day she lets that come off in favor of a skintight bodysuit and stripper heels will be a truly sad day, indeed. I winced at her Coke campaign....and then again when Diddy signed her....And the Vogue shoots for Anna Wintour -- a racist crone who has made no secret of her deep belief in not using more models of color (particularly darker-skinned gals) on her covers or in spreads because she doesn't believe Vogue readers want to see them -- and that it will hurt her oh-so-delicate profits....yet, that didn't stop her from screwing Bob Marley or hob-nobbing with Diddy, but I digress.

I am curious to hear Monae's rationale. I think I'd have more respect for her if she's funneling the cash she made from Coke and this Flip deal into the Wondaland Arts Society and the new up-and-coming artists under their umbrella. Or if she's trying to help a critically ill family member/friend -- or trying to prevent several family members from losing their homes. Can't help but think of Chumbawamba and the slick things they've done over the years, all the while staying true to their anarchopunk views. Like the effort they made to get that damned song tumor of a song "Tubthumping" on to the pop charts and generating a stream of money they poured directly into needy charities and the cooperative efforts of their collective. Or how they gave GM a righteous fuck-you by accepting cash for the use of a song, and then turning around and directing every cent into a negative campaign against GM and their slimey corporate and environmental practices.

It's an absolute dire fact that artists and bands need to eat, pay their rent, pay for child care, etc. But, there are ways to make a living as a punk artist or band and still keep your integrity. I just don't want this generation of punk kids thinking that the only way they're going to make it is by getting a major label deal, putting videos on Mtv, touring big arena shows and getting in bed with Hottopic, Coke or Apple and emulating Green Day, Blink 182 or other pop-punk bands they've seen on Mtv's cribs and reality tv. There are ways to be underground, non-commercial and be happy. Decisions need to be made, though. Do you stay indie?? What are your political/economic/social views? What do you aspire to do?? Are you okay with working a part-time job and living off what you make on tour and in album sales?? Do you just want a nice car and an cool apartment?? Do you want to pay for your uncle's liver transplant? Do you want to pay for the new construction at that homeless center that helped you out when you were living in your car?? Do you want an exclusive penthouse with a helicopter pad and 5 car garage??

Integrity and ethics are so huge, kids. That was definitely a huge part of what fed the punk rock fires back in the 70's and 80's as the indie label movement began to take shape. And a lot of that legacy is still intact with labels like Dischord, Touch and Go, Alternative Tentacles and others. A little battered, but it's still there. I can't help but think of crazy pop culture shit like Jay Z buying Beyonce an island for countless millions. Why not do something more amazing with that money you're so fortunate to have? Like invest it into the hundreds of thousands of communities of Black and Latino folks who faithfully buy his albums and downloads?? There are ways to make a living an keep your integrity...and then there are ways to be frivolous and obscene in the faces of the people who bought your stuff and helped put you where you are. Then again, that's my old punk rock head talking. I don't think it jibes very well with the perspective of most commercial hip-hop/rap stars. I really wish Monae well. I hope she hangs in there and stays true to her unique artistic vision. I guess we'll see what comes.

Comment by Ghettopunkrocker on December 28, 2010 at 1:01pm: It's only selling out if you don't or use the product. But, if you used the product over the years, see it as said corporation paying you back for you being a customer.

Comment by Cami C. on December 28, 2010 at 12:38pm: I agree with what others have said; success leads to new opportunities and Janelle has every right to go for it. Plus, I don't think we can underestimate the importance of having a different type of role model and spokesperson in the mainstream. Janelle is an iconoclast who neither looks like Queen Latifah or Beyonce, meaning, she's not over weight (no offence to the queen) or light skinned. This is significant. She's a great role model.

Comment by Mamadoc on December 28, 2010 at 9:33am: Ditto to the previous posts. If the music turns to crap, then talk sellout. The woman has to eat and pay bills.

Comment by PolarVibez on December 27, 2010 at 9:52pm: 10 to 15 years ago I would be hating. But now you're susccesful if you sale 100k out of the gate. Hell,going double platinum is like going diamond nowadays. Nobody under 30 pays for music anymore and with labels cutting into profits from merch sales and even touring, it's a lot harder for artist to eat. I say more power to her. No harm in hawking digital cameras. If it was somethin like malt liquor then I might raise an eyebrow...

Comment by Taryn on December 27, 2010 at 9:40pm: Congrats to her. If she starts making crap music (which she won't) then we can start talkin.. Git it girl!!!!