Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 'I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. ' - Janet Jackson Janet Jackson's "janet." celebrates its 20th anniversary today, May 18. Her groundbreaking fifth album has sold over 7 million copies and spawned six Hot 100 singles. The album was a sexual awakening for both Jackson and American culture. Hits like "That's The Way Love Goes" and "Any Time, Any Place" were some of the most sexually frank to reach the upper reaches of the charts at the time. Though she's kept a low profile since 2011, when she released her self-help memoir "True You" and toured behind her "Number Ones" greatest hits set, Janet Jackson spoke with Billboard for an exclusive Q&A where she revisits the making of "janet.," discusses its current influence and teases her next album ("I am working on a new project now"). May 18 marks the 20th anniversary of "janet." How would you describe what that album captures about your life at that time?I can’t believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in... I want my fans to really know me. The ‘janet’ album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me. Although you worked primarily with Jimmy and Terry again on "janet.," you explore a lot of different genres on that album - from dance to soul to rock to opera on "This Time." Did you have to fight to keep some of the bolder songs on there - was anyone telling you this wasn't "pop" enough?I’ve been exposed to all types of great music. I like to collaborate on my music. The creative process is fun and you get a lot of ideas from having discussions about it. Ultimately, the final decision is mine. There are musical references and direct samples of janet. songs all over the place now, most notably on Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice." Have you heard most of these re-interpretations (Moon Boots' "Sugar," which samples "If," How To Dress Well's cover of "Again," MNEK's "That's The Way Love Goes" etc?) And how does it feel to see your work have such impact on new artists?I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s "Poetic Justice." There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others. Several of the songs on janet. and their accompanying videos were groundbreaking at the time for their overt sexuality. Why was it so important for you to express that part of yourself in your work, and how did you convince others around you at the time to let you take those risks?Like I said before, I write about my experiences or things that touch me deeply. I was really beginning to get in tune with my sexual self. This is what I wanted to express so I did. The decision to move forward in an artistic way is mine. I didn’t need to convince anyone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wyciLWAv9BA The videos and tour for "janet." featured some iconic choreography from Tina Landon, most notably on 'If.' Do you have a favorite dance or video from that period?Tina Landon and Omar Lopez choreographed "If". I love "That’s The Way Love Goes," "You Want This" and especially "If." I don’t think people really realize what we were showing in that video that wasn’t available with technology then. The video featured futuristic technology, specifically high definition touch screens. I wanted the actors in the video to use these screens to communicate, and relate with each other in the clubs. Similar to what we all do with our smart phones and tablets today. As I look at our lives now, it seems that life is imitating art. I have seen different elements from all of these videos in lots of artists work and it’s a great feeling to know that you have inspired them in such a way. Many artists cite you as a role model and a huge influence on their career and image. Which artists today do you admire?I'm flattered that other artists consider me a role model. I’m really enjoying what Bruno Mars and Adele are doing, a lot of artistry there. It's been five years since your last album, and nearly four since your last single. Have you been working on new music, and when can we expect it if so?I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it... I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process. Billboard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loser 784 Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 wow 20 yrs congrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 18, 2013 Author Share Posted May 18, 2013 wow 20 yrs congrats Yeah! I loved that album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HYPER+BALLAD 469 Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I love Janet Jackson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 18, 2013 Author Share Posted May 18, 2013 It's been 5 years since her last studio album. She's taking her time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocumentaLy 6,033 Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I'm ready for a new Janet album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
based satan 64 Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 u go girl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 I think she'll probably release this new album either before this year is over or sometime next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 Sources say that she started working on her new album about a month ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senpai 240 Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 i'm excited for the new album Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 It's official: Janet's a billionaire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catarsis 32 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 i've actually been on a janet binge lately... im realizing her noughties albums had more gems then i thought... this album still is amazing tho! Thats the way love goes Throb If You want this? Anytime any place >>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki B. 3,177 Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 i've actually been on a janet binge lately... im realizing her noughties albums had more gems then i thought... this album still is amazing tho! Thats the way love goes Throb If You want this? Anytime any place >>> Me too! That album is 20 years old. Dang! This makes me feel so old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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