Book References from the Track Listing of Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
On Tuesday, Janelle Monae released the track listing for her upcoming album, Dirty Computer, complete with annotations about the inspiration for each track. The song titles and annotations were incredibly inspiring. In case you weren’t able to have an in depth read of the track listing, here’s a break down of the specific book references in Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer. Consider it as a companion piece for the album release and a way to dive deeper into the inspiration behind the music.
Specific reference to the character of Pecola Breedlove.
This was mentioned as a source for Track #1 “Dirty Computer (feat. Brian Wilson).”
Specific verses referenced include:
Genesis 3:16, Genesis 9:20–27, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13. Featured as a note on Track #1 “Dirty Computer (feat. Brian Wilson).”
Eve in the Garden of Eden. Listed in the notes for Track #3 “Take a Byte.”
Specific references made to the vibranium of Wakanda (Track #2 “Crazy, Classic, Life”) and the Dora Milaje (Track #6 “Django Jane”).
Specific quote: “It is not just that it is more difficult for women to succeed; they get treated much more harshly if they mess up.”
Listed as a reference for Track #2 “Crazy, Classic, Life.”
Specific reference made to Bilquis the Queen of Sheba.
Listed as a note for Track #3 “Take a Byte.”
The specific reference was to late night conversations and debates about this text in connection to international goddesses like Isis and Athena for Track #7 “Pynk (feat. Grimes).”
This was listed as an inspiration for Track #7 “Pynk (feat. Grimes),” specifically the insights that the author led to for Janelle.
