Janelle Monáe is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She was born on December 1, 1985, in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in a working-class family. She started her career in music as part of a musical collective called the Wondaland Arts Society before releasing her first EP "Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)" in 2007. Her music incorporates a range of genres, including funk, soul, and R&B, and she is known for her eclectic fashion sense and energetic stage presence. Monáe has released several successful albums, including "The ArchAndroid" (2010), "The Electric Lady" (2013), and "Dirty Computer" (2018). She has also acted in a number of films, including "Moonlight" (2016) and "Hidden Figures" (2016), for which she received critical acclaim. Monáe has been recognized for her artistic achievements with several awards, including Grammy nominations and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction. In addition to her music and acting careers, she is also an advocate for social justice and has been involved in various political and social causes.