At 27-years-old, singer Janelle Monáe has already earned heaps of critical acclaim, a Cover Girl contract, a shout-out from the president, and a reputation as a bona fide original.
She's also part of a killer roster of performers closing out Essence Fest 2013 on Sunday.
What's behind her smash success? Watch her interview with NewsNation's Tamron Hall to find out. Then go listen to Q.U.E.E.N. The answer should be pretty obvious after that.