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Tribute was paid to Janelle Monae by Big Boi of OutKast, who not only shared photos of the past that illustrated the strong connection of their artistic collaboration from the very beginning but also accompanied it with his personal remarks. The salute brings back memories of her change from Atlanta’s indie scene to global popularity and at the same time, it enhances the experience of all who were ever fortunate enough to witness her uplifting moments.
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Big Boi just assaulted the whole world with memories. The OutKast icon reposted a series of vintage photographs as an ode to Janelle Monae’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and the pictures reveal a story that is more profound than any caption could express. We are referring to pictures from the early 2000s, studio sessions, and even one of Monae with Big Boi and Andre 3000 that seems to transport us into another dimension where the two men and a woman had formed a supergroup. The picture, which was first shared by an OutKast fan page, quickly developed into a time capsule through which both music historians and casual fans could indulge.
Among the multitude of images, there was one that managed to make everyone stop scrolling—a photograph featuring Monae standing between Big Boi and Andre 3000. A user who commented on it captured the nostalgia perfectly by saying, “that last pic is the Super Group we all need… come thru yall.” It is a very expressive image of what might have been, three geniuses in one shot, and the creative energy is so enormous that it could easily power a small town.
The comments under the post transformed into a repository where history was rewritten. A number of people connected with their memories of the very first appearances of Monae, including her very short acting role in the video for OutKast’s “Morris Brown”. A user commented: “I remember when Janelle Monae appeared in the Morris Brown video! Legendary music video.” That video was not only an impromptu appearance but also a budding seed that was meant to grow. Another user delved even deeper into the subject and quote: “We, the ones from the AUC, remember the first days of JANE LEE and the time you were mentoring her.” The reference to her former alter ego, Jane Lee, signifies the significance of this time, long before the tuxedos and Met Gala were part of her life.
The conversation drifted to one of the great “what if” questions of music when one of the listeners posed a rather profound and philosophical question: “I really thought she was going to be part of your team…she should’ve been with you. The female 3K.” This remark very much indicated the connection that the fans sensed between Monae and the OutKast vision—the same genre-bending, future-thinking creativity. Although the course led her to Bad Boy Records, later to her Wondaland empire, the link to the Dungeon Family‘s Organized Noise production group was certainly a significant influence. One user remarked, “She was literally the lady of Organized Noise,” but someone quickly rectified that by saying she was part of the Purple Ribbon All-Stars group which was closely linked to Organized Noise. It is a subtle yet significant distinction in mapping Atlanta’s rich musical tapestry.
Remarkably, throughout the entire conversation, the audience’s collective appreciation for Monae’s unrefined talent came forth as the strongest point. A fan recalled one particular rare CUT, and he said, “Her work on the purple ribbons project was dope… TIME WILL REVEAL WAS AND STILL IS A BOP.” This song is still a deep-cult favorite and a perfect example of her early artistic promise. Another person simply stated, “Love me some Janelle monae her energy never changes,” drawing attention to the strong, stable aura she has maintained throughout her career transitions.
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What one takes from Big Boi’s post and the following conversation is that Janelle Monae’s Rock Hall induction is not just a stopping point. It is a full-circle moment. She was nurtured by superstars, including OutKast and Prince in the past, as one of the commentators aptly put it: “She had y’all two, Prince, and Diddy guiding her in the business there was literally no way she could’ve failed. What a career!” This acknowledgment from Big Boi is not merely a ‘congratulations’; it is an acknowledgment of a shared narrative and a confirmation of the part that mentorship and the artistic community play in the making of the legends. The legacy continues to be scribed by the very legends it helped create through denials. Big Boi’s recent performance and his surprise collaboration with Phantogram show he remains a vital creative force.