Exciting News: Janelle Monáe Adds Star Power to Pharrell Williams’ Musical Ensemble!
Janelle Monáe has officially been added to the star-studded cast of an upcoming musical project from Pharrell Williams. Universal Pictures made the exciting announcement on Thursday (May 2), revealing that the talented “Tightrope” singer will be taking on a leading role in the Michel Gondry-directed and Pharrell-produced film.
The film is said to be set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood where Williams grew up, specifically the Atlantis Apartments. Joining Monáe in this musical venture are other notable actors such as Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, and the legendary Missy Elliott.
For fans eagerly anticipating Missy Elliott’s appearance in the film, there’s good news on the horizon. The pioneering rapper recently announced her Out of This World Tour, marking her first-ever headlining tour. The 24-city trek is set to kick off on July 4 in Vancouver and will include stops in major cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Toronto before wrapping up on August 22 in Rosemont, Illinois.
A humorous trailer for the tour showcases Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Ciara stepping out of a massive spaceship in futuristic attire, setting the stage for a truly unique concert experience. Directed by Dave Meyers, the visionary behind Missy’s iconic music videos, the trailer sets the tone for a tour unlike any other.
In a statement regarding the tour, Missy Elliott expressed her excitement, saying, “This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour.”
She continued, “Fans have been asking me to tour forever, but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right. I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”
