Janelle Monáe Throws A Sorority Party In Her New Music Video
Cameos from T.I., Estelle, Esperanza Spalding, Kimbra, and more!

Janelle Monáe has finally unveiled the music video for her 2013 album The Electric Lady's groovy title track, and it proves she's just going to keep outdoing herself. The video, an ode to the "Electric Ladies" in her life, finds the singer trading in her signature retro threads for something we didn't see coming: sorority paraphernalia.
Monáe is a member of the Electro Phi Betas Emeritus, a house so stacked it counts Estelle, Esperanza Spaulding, Monica, Kimbra, and choreographer Fatima Robinson as members. We never fancied ourself sorority girls, but we'd surely pledge this soulful society.
The Electro Phi Betas throw a party at their epic dwelling, with a guest list — including T.I. and Givenchy campaign star Erykah Badu — so beau monde there must be a bouncer. The shindig puts every frat party we ever attended to shame with a step team, marching band, strobe lights, and Monáe-led dance circles.
The only drawback of the larger-than-life video is the absence of Solange, who's featured on the track, and the original Electric Lady, Michelle Obama. FLOTUS recently revealed she was the first Electro Phi Beta Meritus inductee:
"I am honored to be the first Electric Lady. I got my letter in the mail — I framed it; it's up," she explained earlier this month. "I love that she is one of the young artists here who is making music that means something. She has a message. She has a voice. She has a power in her. And she understands the responsibility she has within her grasp to take these opportunities and just take off with them. She serves as a role model and an inspiration to so many young people. And I am happy to call her my friend. I am so proud of her."
If the video isn't enough to convince you it's a must-play track for your next summer soirée, believe us when we tell you it'll turn your party on it's head. We've had epic, late-night dance parties to prove it.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Hailey Bieber's Sugar Cookie Pedicure Is Almost Too Sweet
The beauty founder is tapping back into a milky white nail trend.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Is The Row's Most Popular Bag Headed for Retirement?
Fashion conspiracies are swirling around the best-selling style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Just Made Their Biggest Commitment Yet
It's also destroying their house.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
RAYE Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The Best New Artist-nominated singer discusses Britney Spears, Charli xcx, and Nina Simone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
How Failure Felt Like "Business School" for Ashley Tisdale—And Helped Propel Her Brand Forward
The actress, singer, and Frenshe founder speaks to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Let Ethel Cain's Defiance Guide You Through 2025
In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election, the indie singer's outspokenness has become a balm for fans.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
ROSÉ Is Forging a New Path for K-Pop Idols Going Solo
With her debut album 'rosie,' the BLACKPINK artist has released the most vulnerable album from a K-pop star yet.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
TWICE Shares What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new mini-album 'STRATEGY' out, the K-pop girl group opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Quinci LeGardye Published