If there’s anything we can learn from the established careers and music of singers like Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu, it’s this: The booty don’t lie.

Well, that’s what I took from their epic collaboration called “Q.U.E.E.N.” (that and a whole lot more of course), which we told you about last week. But just as quick as the song dropped, the video just debuted on 106 & Park while you were finishing up work. The video, which is directed by Alan Ferguson (Solange’s boo) shows Monáe and Badu as legendary rebels who have been frozen in time in a museum to keep them from opening minds and changing what is considered the “norm.” Some young women come in with their single on wax, and they finally come alive. From there, there’s no stopping Monáe, as she busts a move and some quick steps in stilettos with her funky pompadour, but also in a checkered dress with a short wig. Eventually, Badu comes in the picture calling herself Badula Oblongata with a huge afro wig and her poodle, stealing the show (of course).

I was glued to every minute of this very creative video, probably because I’m a thirst for both of these ladies and their music. But I definitely think it’s just the sound the industry needs to mix things up for a change. Check out the video for yourself (because Monáe never disappoints) and let us know if it’s a pass or a play for you.

As a reminder, Monáe’s new album, The Electric Lady, will be released some time later this year. But in the meantime, make sure you get reacquainted with her 2010 album, The ArchAndroid. It’s one of those albums that’s hard to put in a box and stays on repeat. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Paul Costello for ELLE

Ever wondered what the uber-fabulous and fashionable Solange’s house looks like? No? Well, then you can’t truly call yourself a nosy person. But as a fellow Brooklynite, I know I was excited to see what the eclectic “It Girl” has going on in her digs. For a shoot and spread in this month’s ELLE, writer Julie Vadnal got the scoop on Solo’s design choices (which included some actual chill basics, including crisp white bedding) for her top-floor brownstone that she shares with her son and boyfriend, Alan Ferguson (Ol’ boy who called her the love of his life on the BET Awards this year). “I had a moment when I looked at my closet and I was like, ‘Whoa, I really don’t have any basics.’ And with my house, I wanted to find a balance of having great colors and patterns but also a really livable, warm, serene space.” Warm is right! Vadnal even found herself in the middle of a dance party–with Solange as the DJ of course and a bevvy of her funky-fresh-dressed-to-impress friends. Check out her home and let us know if you’re feeling it. I’m loving the funky wallpaper, myself. Even if you’re not, you know you’re digging her style in these shots!

Photos courtesy of Paul Costello for ELLE

Photos courtesy of Paul Costello for ELLE

Photos courtesy of Paul Costello for ELLE

Photos courtesy of Paul Costello for ELLE

More on Madame Noire!

• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind The Making of “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”
• Really, Though? Who Died And Made You An Authority On What’s “Real”?
• Thank You Rihanna For Being Open About Chris Brown, Even If Some People Still Don’t Get It
• How I Lost A Friendship To Domestic Violence
• Degrees of Separation: Where To Draw The Line In Dating People Who Know Each Other?
• Girlfriend Guilt: When You’re The Only One Still On Track
• I’m Gonna Call It Like I See It: Celebs With No Filter

We talked about the performances at the BET Awards last night, but there’s a lot more to the show than artists getting on stage and singing their favorite hits, and anyone whose ever seen the show before knows some of the best moments are the ones that aren’t planned.

The BET Awards still may not be all that everyone wants it to be, but you have to admit last night’s show moved a lot further away from looking like an upscale hood picnic a la the Source Awards to an awards show worth attending—and watching for those of us who were at home. Perhaps the best thing about last night was there was a lot of love in the audience and on stage and just in case you missed it, we’re gonna run that love back for you. Also, since you know “special” can have two different meanings, we’re also going to throw in a few of those huh? moments we could’ve done without. Check the recap:

Source: MTV.com

Jay-Z and Kanye’s Bromance

If you have no idea what a Bromance is, Google “Jay-Z and Kanye West.” If you want to see Kanye’s face light up like a kid on Christmas morning, Google “Jay-Z, Kanye West, BET Awards.” Apparently Jay-Z got swamped by LA traffic last night, so when he and Ye won one of the first awards of the night, Kanye went on stage to accept by himself—or so he thought. Just as he was saying he wished Jay was there, the dapper Mr. Carter walked out on stage and they embraced like two old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years rather than artists who were sitting right next to each other in the front row. Cue Mary J’s Real Love.

There was also the hilarious moment when the two took the stage again for their song “Otis” and Jay had jokes. He spoofed Kanye’s infamous MTV Award/Taylor Swift catastrophe when Ye started giving his acceptance speech, cutting him off by saying, “Kanye I’m gone let you finish but…” It was a good time.