JANELLE'S EPIC WONDALAND

Janelle Monáe's Atlanta-based artistic collective The Wondaland Arts Society, which for years has been an incubator of writers, producers, visual artists and other creatives, has now diversified into a joint venture record company, Wondaland Records, in partnership with Epic Records.

The new roster of artists will be direct from Monáe's stable, including Jidenna, Roman GianArthur, Deep Cotton, and St. Beauty, with the first music being the single "Classic Man" from Jidenna featuring Roman GianArthur, impacting radio and the world at large on Monday (2/16).

"I haven’t personally witnessed a collective that sounds and looks this special in quite a while," said Epic CEO L.A. Reid, who knows a thing or two about next-level music in Atlanta. "I’ve been a longtime supporter and friend of Janelle and it is an honor to now work with her as a visionary businesswoman who brings an all-star group of talented performers to the table.”

"Each artist under Wondaland Records has unparalleled talent, incredible vision, and brings something unique to the music industry," said Monáe. “Together, we’re creating a new movement and space for the future of music and pop culture."