Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu team up for a funky girl-power anthem,"Q.U.E.E.N."

It's been a serious minute since we last heard from the androgynous tuxedo-wearing soul singer Janelle Monáe. Well, not entirely a minute -- she DID support fun. on their ubiquitous "We Are Young" hit. But as far as solo work goes, we really haven't heard anything substantial from Janelle since 2010's mind-blowing The ArchAndroid. That's all about to change, however, because Janelle has just released a brand-new funk, soul, 'n' synth track, "Q.U.E.E.N." featuring neo-soul stalwart Erykah Badu, AND announced her forthcoming album, The Electric Lady (yay Jimi Hendrix reference!).

Listen to Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu's "Q.U.E.E.N." after the jump.

Led by a Wild Cherry "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)"-esque bass line, "Q.U.E.E.N." is a loud-and-proud feminine ode to breaking from social convention and declaring one's individuality regardless of judgment. "Even if it makes others uncomfortable/ I wanna love who I am/ Even if it makes other uncomfortable/ I will love who I am," declares Janelle in a spoken-word segment, as a powerful, Prince-worthy funk-pop track "brwow-wow-wows" in the background. OK, way to stampede back into the biz, Janelle! Now, let's all put our heads together (or put our black-and-white tuxedos on) and figure out a release date for The Electric Lady.

+ Listen to Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu's "Q.U.E.E.N."

Photo credit: Bad Boy/Atlantic Records