You're forgiven if you're just now realizing how fire Janelle Monáe is after this weekend.
For years, she's kept her devoted fanbase fed with hits like "I Like That" and nabbed roles in critically-acclaimed films like Hidden Figures and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. But, it was't until All-Star Weekend that the people woke up and finally realized what some of us already knew: Janelle Monáe is the gift that keeps giving.
During what's being called a "trash" All-Star Weekend (I don't think I've ever seen a crowd that unimpressed by the dunk contest), Janelle Monáe kept the people entertained and swooned with her impeccable style and infectious, carefree energy.
In short, she was the moment.
In kicking off the weekend-long NBA events, Monáe graced the red carpet in bespoke versions of MSCHF's inescapable red boots.
Artist Kevin Rejtö Lowry painted a scene of a blue sky with clouds on the Monáe's shoes, ditching the infamous red coat occupying every corner of the internet.
The Harriet star paired her custom boots with a black 'fit topped off with a "Float" varsity jacket — a clever and stylish way of promoting her latest single, "Float."
For the celebrity All-Star game — which she trained for in the MSCHF boots — Monáe supplied peak entertainment with trash-talking and a go-sports mentality (coach Dwyane Wade even had to remind her that their team was on offense).
Monáe might not have scored any points for her team, who still won, by the way. But, hey, at least she had fun and looked good while doing so (her 'fit included the team's uniform, True Blue Air Jordan 1s, and the coolest shades).
For the finale, the "Tightrope" artist performed at the NBA All-Star game in Mugler's famed catsuit and stacked boots, as put together by stylist Mandel Korn.
Even Fat Joe couldn't deny how stunning Monáe looked, and the internet undoubtedly agreed.
Yes, Monáe's owned All-Star weekend. And yes, her looks were 10s across the board. But, the musician's style has always been a show worthy of binging.
During the "swag" era — the colored skinny jeans and lensless shades of the 2010s — the musician-actress stepped on the scene with a unique, upbeat sound and her own, well, swag: polished suits tailored to the nines.
A few weren't here for her suits (I loved them), but she didn't care. Monáe has always followed the beat of her own drum, especially regarding style. Over the years, she's developed this noteworthy experimental style, advanced by names like Thom Browne and Christian Siriano.
Her 2019 Met Gala look? Iconic. And Glass Onion tour 'fits and Critics Choice Awards look also deserve some commotion.
Monáe remains an underrated style star both on and off the red carpet, continuing to take fashion risks and nailing them with ease (I don't think I've seen anyone else look good in those boots but her, if I'm being honest).
Jason Tatum may have been officially named this year's All-Star MVP, but we know the real winner is: Miss Janelle Monáe, baby.
