Janelle Monae hosted a listening session for her upcoming release, “The ArchAndroid,” on Monday (April 5th) and my boo Drama Dupree insisted that I attend.

The session started with a video taped message from Sean “Diddy” Combs, where he insists that Janelle is more that just “hype”:

I’ve been blessed to work with so many legendary artists but this young lady, to me, is the future of music. She has no fear. She’s not afraid to dream, and she’s not afraid to turn that dream to a reality.

I just got finished listening to one of the most incredible albums I’ve ever heard in my life. I think I’m known for my hype and putting hype on a lot of things but this is not hype. I’ma let the music speak for itself…

Now, I’m gonna be completely honest with you when I say, I’ve always respected Janelle’s individuality but was never a fan of her music. I can’t really tell you why, but she kinda lost me somewhere along the way.

It was only after I heard “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi, that I actually began to listen again. And NO… Twan had nothing to do with it. Well… let me take that back. He had a lil to do with it because, according to Janelle he’s the executive producer of the new project along with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

[WATCH: “Tightrope” Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Janelle’s energy captured everyone’s attention as she actually PERFORMED the entire “Tightrope” video in the lounge of the listening session.

Janelle grooving to “Tightrope”

and still… not a hair out of place!

Video ~ Janelle Monae: The Arch Android Listening Session

Janelle Monae & Nicole Garner (Garner Circle PR)

Props to Nicole Garner for the invite. Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid album hits stores nationwide May 18th.

Photos via DramaDupree & TheGarnerCirclePR