Tightrope (Janelle Monáe song)
| "Tightrope" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Tightrope" is a 2010 song by American singer Janelle Monáe. It is the first official single from The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III). The single premiered on February 11 on Pitchfork Media website, with a companion song entitled "Cold War" debuting the following day via Monáe's official website.[1]
Background
Speaking in May 2010 to noted UK urban writer Pete Lewis - Deputy Editor of Blues & Soul - Monae discussed the background to the song: "'Tightrope' is basically dealing with how in life it's important to keep your balance and not get too high or low about things during the time when you're either being praised or being criticised. Which is something that, as artists, Big Boi and I could both relate to, because there are so many peaks and dips along the journey of just being an artist on the road to success. So we both felt it was important to kinda help those everyday working people who are constantly dealing with life's obstacles, by giving them like a tutorial on how to deal with issues face-on."[2]
Music video
![[icon]](/enwiki/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2010) |
The video was released on March 31, 2010.[3] It features Monae and dancer friends, dressed in tuxedos, doing the "tightrope" dance.
Promotion
Monáe performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman on May 18, 2010[4], The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 26, Lopez Tonight on May 27 and Last Call with Carson Daly on May 28.[5]
The official remix features rappers B.o.B and Lupe Fiasco.[6]
References
- ^ Janelle Monae's Debut Album, "The ArchAndroid", Due in May; First Single, "Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi)", to Arrive via JanelleMonae.com. Hip Hop Press. Retrieved on 2010-05-30.
- ^ Janelle Monae interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' June 2010
- ^ Dombal, Ryan. Video: Janelle Monae: "Tightrope". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved on 2010-05-30.
- ^ Dombal, Ryan. Janelle Monae Blows Out "Letterman". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved on 2010-05-25
- ^ Upcoming Janelle TV appearances
- ^ Janelle Monáe - TIghtrope (Wondamix)