[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/89023473" iframe="true" /]

UPDATE: I LOVE the heels Janelle is wearing in this video. E. Badu looks great in her blond blunt cut bob too!

http://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU

When I first saw this track on Facebook, I was immediately intrigued by the thought of a Janelle Monae/Erykah Badu collaboration. In my mind, I couldn't see how Monae's operatic yet slightly rock and rollish sound would meld well with Badu's hip hop soaked yet slightly Billie Holiday-esque vibe and riffs that we all know and love the Queen of Neo Soul for.  It makes sense, though. Both women grew up musically in Atlanta and were influenced by the Kings of Stankonia, Outkast's Big Boi and Andre 3000. Monae and Badu also share a fierce loyalty to their respective identities as true musical artists in the most literal of senses as both of them have created music and brands that attempt to sculpt new musical landscapes and push boundaries, both in sound and style.

According to Billboard.com, "Q.U.E.E.N" is the product of conversations between Monae and Badu, and they cover a lot of ground on the subject of feminism and how women treat each other in this funk-era influenced track:

The unpredictable track is full of spoken asides and Princely guitar work and funky synths, as Monae takes on everything from women throwing shade to religious tolerance with some help from guest Erykah Badu.

-David Greenwald of Billboard.com

With all of the foolishness that's been going on, from cat fights being glorified on reality shows like the Love and Hip Hop enterprise, Basketball Wives, and Real Housewives of Atlanta to Beyonce, the woman hailed as our generation's answer to Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin, telling "bitches" to Bow Down, this song is a refreshing and much needed boost to the female psyche. It's also a taste of what is to come from Monae's forthcoming album, The Electric Lady. Keep lifting us and music higher, Janelle and Erykah. What do you think? Like it or leave it?