For her third studio release, her highness Janelle Monáe bestowed us mortals with a gift we most certainly did not deserve: a full-length visual album titled Dirty Computer. “I Like That” is the album’s 10th track, performed as Janelle’s character faces the erasure of her memories by a totalitarian state. Rather than accept her fate, she rebelliously embraces her unique style, sound and attitude in this song.

“I Like That” is lyrically and visually a declaration of independence, and at the same time, a love letter to all black women. There’s the obvious TLC “Crazy, Sexy, Cool” reference, but Janelle hints at more if you know the code. “I’m always left of center and that’s right where I belong” is a nod to African-American women’s history of creating social change, and having found her own place in that tradition. When she recalls mourning a boy’s opinion of her newfound curls, she speaks to the heart of a fear, disappointment, and resilience only we share. “I Like That” is practically dripping with beautiful black hair and skin, flawless wardrobes, and such vibrant sets that if this is what Janelle likes, let’s agree to give her ALL OF IT in exchange for more of her otherworldly genius.

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘:
“But even back then with the tears in my eyes
I always knew I was the sh*t”

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 | 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬