Janelle Monáe Gets Bootylicous in ‘Yoga’ Music Video
It’s surprising that a rapper didn’t beat Janelle Monáe to the punch with the concept of the song and video for “Yoga,” featuring her Wondaland Records artist Jidenna. It would make a great Southern rap anthem, with its club-ready chorus: “Bend over/Let me see you do that yoga.”
The video showcases twerking and hip-hop dancing, rather than the meditation and posture and breathing exercises typically associated with the Hindu practice. In another surprise, the Electric Lady abandons her black-and-white uniform look for heels, tight jeans, and, of course, yoga pants, and is joined by a throng of female dancers (who demonstrate an actual yoga pose or two).
The song comes from the CoverGirl’s forthcoming compilation, Eephus, that introduces Jidenna and other Wondaland acts Roman GianArthur, Deep Cotton, and St. Beauty. Janelle anticipated that her fans would be surprised when they saw the video. She wanted to try something different.
“Now, I’m at a point where I can experiment a little bit more,” she recently told Power 105.1’s “The Breakfast Club” morning show team. “I think people know my intentions. I come in peace, but I mean business.”
Janelle took inspiration from a few music legends. “When I look to some of my heroes, Michael Jackson, Prince, and even Madonna, they never repeated themselves,” she explained. “They always figured out new ways to shock and to reinvent themselves. That’s what I’m going to do.”
