The Dictionary of Soul: Janelle Monae

Could this be the hit song of the upcoming summer months? Already?

TNOP might put some money down at the window betting on Janelle Monae's single "Tightrope" to win, place and show.

A Kansas City native, the 25 year old Monae (born Janelle Monae Robinson) trained in musical theater in New York City. Forsaking the formal stage, she moved to Atlanta and was discovered by Outkast's Big Boi (he's featured briefly on the recording of "Tightrope").

And, man, is this young woman a dynamite performer. With James Brown dance moves, powerhouse pipes and a natural ease allowing her to improvise on stage like a seasoned pro, Monae commands rapt attention from the listener/viewer.

Do yourself a BIG favor and click above to watch Janelle Monae tear it up on The Late Show with David Letterman last night.

It also helps that Monae has the marketing muscle of Bad Boy/Atlantic Records behind her. The debut album, The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III of IV), dropped yesterday. The official video to "Tightrope" is a kick too; watch it here.