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Aja Monet Unveils New Album 'The Color of the Rain' Featuring Collaborations and a Sly Stone Homage

DateMar 25, 2026

Read time3 min

Aja Monet, the acclaimed blues poet, is preparing to launch her latest musical endeavor, an album titled 'The Color of the Rain.' This new work, a follow-up to her successful debut, promises a rich tapestry of sound woven with notable collaborations and deep artistic tributes.

Experience the Melodies: Aja Monet's 'The Color of the Rain' — A Journey Through Sound and Emotion

The Anticipated Release: Aja Monet's Upcoming Album and Key Collaborators

The musical landscape is set to welcome a significant new release on May 22: Aja Monet's album, 'The Color of the Rain.' This project sees Monet taking on co-production duties alongside Justin Brown and the revered Meshell Ndegeocello. Building on the foundation of her 2023 debut, 'When the Poems Do What They Do,' the album showcases an impressive roster of guest artists, including vocalists Mick Jenkins, Vic Mensa, and the distinguished harpist Brandee Younger, among others. Fans can also immerse themselves in the visual storytelling of the song 'Elsewhere,' directed by Jesse Boykins III, which features the talents of Georgia Anne Muldrow, Ndegeocello, and Novena Carmel.

"Elsewhere": A Reverent Homage to the Legendary Sly Stone's Enduring Legacy

'Elsewhere,' a standout track from the album, holds a special significance as a dedication to the iconic Sly Stone. Monet revealed that the inspiration for this tribute came during a studio session when news of Stone's passing reached them. Following Ndegeocello's suggestion to compose an homage, Monet penned the lyrics, feeling an almost spiritual connection to Stone's presence. The song's creation was marked by serendipitous timing, with contributions from Novena Carmel and Georgia Anne Muldrow aligning perfectly. For Monet, 'Elsewhere' transcends a mere song; it embodies a celebration of human connection and the boundless realm of possibilities.

The Ensemble Behind the Sound: Meshell Ndegeocello Leads an All-Star Band

Meshell Ndegeocello's masterful direction of a live band is a cornerstone of 'The Color of the Rain.' This talented ensemble features Burniss Travis, Josh Johnson, Daniel Mintseris, Jermaine Paul, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Nico Segal, whose collective artistry contributes to the album's rich and dynamic sound. The week of the album's release will be further highlighted by Aja Monet's performance at New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall on May 20, offering an opportunity to experience her new material live.

The Album's Sonic Blueprint: A Track-by-Track Exploration of 'The Color of the Rain'

The album 'The Color of the Rain' presents a thoughtfully curated collection of tracks, each contributing to its overarching narrative. The tracklist includes 'Say It With Your Chest,' 'Elsewhere' (featuring Meshell Ndegeocello & Georgia Anne Muldrow), 'Withness,' 'Hollyweird,' 'Skinfolk,' 'For the Congo,' 'I Came to the Poem,' 'To Sister' (featuring Ganavya & Brandee Younger), 'I Know That I Don’t Know,' 'Working Class Musicians,' 'Love Is Chosing' (featuring Mereba), 'Song of Myself,' 'Melting Clocks' (featuring Mick Jenkins & Vic Mensa), 'Every Media Minute,' and 'Indigo.' This diverse array promises a captivating auditory experience for listeners.

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