Janelle Monáe rocked the internet when they previewed their fourth studio album, "The Age of Pleasure," at their Met Gala afterparty in early May. The album, which dropped on June 9, is Monáe's first release in five years, following her 2018 album, "Dirty Computer."
Monáe kicked off the album release with the reggae-inspired single "Lipstick Lover," a celebration of queer love and joy with a retro music video to match. "As we enter into The Age Of Pleasure, 'Lipstick Lover' is our freeassmothaf*cka anthem inspired by f.a.m. for f.a.m," Monáe said in a statement, according to NME. "This is our oasis made with love, rooted in self-acceptance, throbbing in self-discovery, and signed with cherry red kisses from me to you."
Laced with elements of the reggae, Afrobeats, and disco genres, the album is an upbeat anthem of self-love and freedom. Plus, "The Age of Pleasure" features several standout collaborations, including "Ooh La La" feat. Grace Jones, "Phenomenal" feat. Doechii, "The French 75" feat. Sister Nancy, and "The Rush" feat. Amaarae and Nia Long.
In addition to dropping a new album, Monáe kicked off the accompanying tour on Aug. 30 in Seattle, WA. The final tour date will be Inglewood, CA on Oct. 18.
