4:38 1993 All For You (Video Single Mix) 4:32 2009 Diamonds Herb Alpert and Janet Jackson 2009 What's It Gonna Be?!

• • • • Rhythm Nation Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Known for sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and elaborate stage shows, she has been a prominent figure in for over thirty years. The youngest child of the, she began her career with the television series in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including and. After signing a recording contract with in 1982, she became a following the release of her third (1986).

Her collaborations with record producers incorporated elements of,,, and beats, which led to crossover success in. In 1991 Jackson signed the first of two record-breaking multimillion-dollar contracts with, establishing her as one of the highest-paid artists in the industry. Her subsequent fifth album (1993) saw her develop a public image as a as she began to explore sexuality in her music. That same year, she appeared in her first starring film role in; she has since continued to act in feature films. By the end of the 1990s, she was named by magazine as the second most successful recording artist of the decade after. Her seventh album (2001) coincided with a celebration of her impact on popular music as the inaugural.

After parting ways with Virgin Records, she released her tenth album (2008), her first and only album with. In 2015, she partnered with to launch her own record label, Rhythm Nation, and released her eleventh album the same year. Having sold over 100 million records, Jackson is one of the in the history of. She has amassed an extensive catalog, with singles such as ', ', ', ' and '; she holds the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US singles chart by a female artist with 18. In 2008, Billboard placed her number seven on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, and in 2010 ranked her fifth among the 'Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years'.

Janet Jackson - RUNAWAY Video - ARTISTdirect Music. Tom DeLonge's To The Stars Academy Crosses $2M Fundraising Mark, Hires Pentagon UFO Expert. Janet Jackson song lyrics collection. Browse 449 lyrics and 324 Janet Jackson albums.

In December 2016, the magazine named her the second most successful dance club artist of all-time after. One of the world's most artists, she has been cited as an. 'Nasty' was written as a response to an incident of sexual harassment Jackson faced during the recording of Control. The song features a triplet swing beat and is considered to be a precursor to the development of. Problems playing this file? After her second album, Jackson terminated business affairs with her family, commenting 'I just wanted to get out of the house, get out from under my father, which was one of the most difficult things that I had to do.' Attempting a third album, Jackson teamed with producers.

They set out to achieve crossover pop appeal, while also creating a strong foundation within the market. Within six weeks, Jackson and the duo crafted her third studio album,, released in February 1986. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, and was certified fivefold platinum by the (RIAA), selling over ten million copies worldwide. Control was declared 'remarkably nervy and mature' for a teenage act, also considered 'an alternative to the sentimental balladry' which permeated radio, likening Jackson to 's position of 'unwilling to accept novelty status and taking her own steps to rise above it.'

The album spawned five top five singles, ', ', ', ', and ', and a top fifteen hit with '. 'When I Think of You' became her first number one hit on the Hot 100. Control received six, including 'Top Pop Singles Artist', and three nominations, most notably '.

It also won four from twelve nominations, an unbroken record. At this point, Jackson was successfully 'shaking off the experience of being a shadow Jackson child', becoming 'an artist in her own right'. The album's lyrical content included several themes of empowerment, inspired by an incident of sexual harassment, with Jackson recalling 'the danger hit home when a couple of guys started stalking me on the street. Instead of running to Jimmy or Terry for protection, I took a stand.

I backed them down. That's how songs like 'Nasty' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately' were born, out of a sense of self-defense.' Its innovative fusion of and with and undertones influenced the development of the genre by bridging the gap between the latter two styles. The accompanying music videos shot for the album's singles became popular on, and obtained a then-unknown a recording contract for her choreography work with Jackson. Stated '[Jackson's] accessible sound and spectacularly choreographed videos were irresistible to MTV, and helped the channel evolve from rock programming to a broader, beat-driven musical mix.' 1989–1992: Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 [ ].

'Rhythm Nation' features use of sample loop and a triplet swing beat, while vocals for the song are alternatively sung in octaves or rapped in spoken verse. It embodies the full range of while incorporating elements of. Problems playing this file?

Jackson released her fourth album,, in September 1989. Although her record label desired a direct sequel to Control, Jackson chose to include a socially conscious theme among various musical styles. She stated, 'I know an album or a song can't change the world. I just want my music and my dance to catch the audience's attention, and to hold it long enough for them to listen to the lyrics.' The album's central theme of unity was developed in response to various crimes and tragedies reported in the media. Peaking at number one on the Billboard 200, the album was certified sixfold platinum by the RIAA and sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

Observed Jackson's artistic growth shifted from 'personal freedom to more universal concerns—injustice, illiteracy, crime, drugs—without missing a beat.' The album was also considered 'the exclamation point on her career', consisting of a 'diverse collection of songs flowing with the natural talent Jackson possesses', which effectively 'expanded Janet's range in every conceivable direction', being 'more credibly feminine, more crucially masculine, more viably adult, more believably childlike.'

With singles ', ', ', ', ', ' and ', it became the only album in history to produce number one hits in three separate calendar years, as well as the only album to achieve seven top five singles on the Hot 100. Famous for its choreography and warehouse setting, the 'Rhythm Nation' video is considered one of the most iconic and popular in history, with Jackson's military ensemble also making her a fashion icon. The video for 'Love Will Never Do (Without You)' is notable for being the first instance of Jackson's transition into sexual imagery and midriff-baring style, becoming her trademark. Rhythm Nation 1814 became the highest selling album of 1990, winning a record fifteen Billboard Awards. The long-form 'Rhythm Nation' music video won a. Jackson's became the most successful debut tour in history and set a record for the fastest sell-out of Japan's.

She established the 'Rhythm Nation Scholarship,' donating funds from the tour to various educational programs. As Jackson began her tour, she was acknowledged for the cultural impact of her music. Joel Selvin of the wrote 'the 23-year-old has been making smash hit records for four years, becoming a fixture on MTV and a major role model to teenage girls across the country', and William Allen, then-executive vice president of the, told the, 'Jackson is a role model for all young people to emulate and the message she has gotten to the young people of this country through the lyrics of 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is having positive effects.' She also received a star on the in recognition of her impact on the recording industry and philanthropic endeavors. The massive success experienced by Jackson placed her in league with,, and for her achievements and influence. Magazine remarked: 'No individual or group has impacted the world of entertainment as have Michael and Janet Jackson,' arguing that despite many imitators, few could surpass Jackson's 'stunning style and dexterity.'

With her recording contract under A&M Records fulfilled in 1991, she signed a multimillion-dollar deal with —estimated between thirty-two to fifty million dollars—making her the highest paid recording artist at the time. The recording contract also established her reputation as the '.' In 1992, Jackson provided guest vocals on 's ', becoming a top ten Billboard hit and reaching the top ten internationally.

1993–1996: Janet, Poetic Justice, and Design of a Decade [ ]. Jackson performing during one of the dates of her 1993–95 During this time, her brother Michael was immersed in a, of which he denied any wrongdoing. She provided moral support, defending her brother, and denied abuse allegations regarding her parents made by her sister. She collaborated with on ', the lead single from his album, released 1995.

The song was written by both siblings as a response to media scrutiny. It debuted at number five on the Hot 100 singles chart, becoming the first song ever to debut within the top five. Its music video, directed by, was broadcast to approximately 64 million viewers and listed in as the 'Most Expensive Music Video Ever Made', costing $7 million. The clip won the for. Jackson's first compilation album,, was released in 1995. It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200.

The lead single, ', became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100, reaching number three. Design of a Decade 1986/1996 was certified double platinum by the RIAA and sold ten million copies worldwide. Jackson's influence in pop music continued to garner acclaim, as remarked 'If you're talking about the female power elite in pop, you can't get much higher than Janet Jackson,, Madonna and. Their collective influence.

Is beyond measure. And who could dispute that Janet Jackson now has more credibility than brother Michael?'

Jackson renewed her contract with Virgin Records for a reported $80 million the following year. The contract established her as the then-highest paid recording artist in history, surpassing the recording industry's then-unparalleled $60 million contracts earned by Michael Jackson and Madonna.

1997–1999: The Velvet Rope [ ] Jackson began suffering from severe and, leading her to chronicle the experience in her sixth album,, released October 1997. Jackson returned with a dramatic change in image, boasting vibrant red hair, nasal piercings, and tattoos. The album is primarily centered on the idea that everyone has an intrinsic need to belong. Aside from encompassing lyrics relating to social issues such as, and, it also contains themes of and is considered far more sexually explicit in nature than her previous release, Janet. The record was hailed as 'her most daring, elaborate and accomplished album' by, while Billboard ranked it as 'the best American album of the year and the most empowering of her last five.' The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum, selling over ten million worldwide.

Lead single ' was released in August 1997, featuring guest vocals from folk singer and rapper. The song's music video, depicting a pre- celebration, won the. ' became Jackson's eighth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, placing her on par with, Diana Ross, and.: 28, 120 It spent a record forty-six weeks on the Hot 100 and nineteen weeks on the United Kingdom's singles chart. It sold six million copies worldwide, becoming one of the of all time.

' peaked at number three on the Hot 100, and received a Grammy nomination for. As Jackson's eighteenth consecutive top ten hit, it made her the only female artist to garner that achievement, surpassed only by and. Several other singles were released, including ' and ballad ', which was controversial for the nudity displayed in its music video. The album fully established Jackson as a for its themes regarding homosexuality and protesting homophobia. 'Together Again', a 'post-Aids pop song', and 'Free Xone', considered 'a paean to homosexuality' and an 'anti-homophobia track', were praised for their lyrical context, in addition to Jackson's lesbian reinterpretation of 's '. The Velvet Rope received an award for 'Outstanding Music Album' at the 9th Annual and was honored by the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum.

A portion of the proceeds from 'Together Again' were donated to the. Jackson embarked on, traveling to Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The tour received praise for its theatrics, choreography, and Jackson's vocal performance. It was likened to 'the ambition and glamour of a Broadway musical', and exclaimed as 'only fitting that the concert program credits her as the show's 'creator and director'.' The tour's special, The Velvet Rope: Live in Madison Square Garden, garnered more than fifteen million viewers. It surpassed the ratings of all four major networks among viewers subscribed to the channel.

The concert won an from a total of four nominations. Jackson donated a portion of the tour's sales to, an organization founded by to assist disenfranchised youth.

As the tour concluded, Jackson lent guest vocals to several collaborations, including ', used for the film, as well as ' with 's group, and ' with. The latter two music videos are both among the ever produced, with 'What's It Gonna Be?!' Becoming a number-one hit on the and charts, reaching the top three of the Hot 100. Jackson also contributed the ballad 'God's Stepchild' to the soundtrack. Jackson recorded a duet with titled 'I Know the Truth,' included on the soundtrack to. At the 1999, Jackson received the Legend Award for 'outstanding contribution to the pop industry'. Billboard ranked Jackson as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind.

2000–2003: Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and All for You [ ] In July 2000, Jackson appeared in her second film,, as the role of Professor Denise Gaines, opposite. Director stated 'Janet Jackson was a natural fit, and an obvious choice.' The film became her second to open at number one, grossing an estimated total of nearly $170 million worldwide.

Jackson's single ', used for the film's soundtrack, became her ninth number-one single on the Hot 100. The same year, Jackson's husband Rene Elizondo Jr. Filed for divorce, revealing their private marriage to the public.

Reported for eight of the thirteen years she and Elizondo had been acquainted, '[they] were married—a fact they managed to hide not only from the international press but from Jackson's own father.' Elizondo filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against her, estimated between $10–25 million, which did not reach a settlement for three years. Preceding the release of her seventh album, honored Jackson with the network's inaugural ' ceremony, honoring her 'significant contributions to music, music video and pop culture while tremendously impacting the MTV generation.' The event paid tribute to Jackson's career and influence, including commentary from,,, and, and performances by,,,,,,, and. The also honored Jackson with the for 'her finely crafted, critically acclaimed and socially conscious, multi-platinum albums.' Jackson's seventh album,, was released in April 2001. It opened at number one on the Billboard 200 with 605,000 copies sold, the highest first-week sales of her career, and among the highest first-week sales by a female artist in history.

The album was a return to an upbeat dance style, receiving generally positive reception. Jackson received praise for indulging in 'textures as dizzying as a new infatuation', in contrast to other artists attempting to 'match the angularity of hip-hop' and following trends. All for You was certified double platinum by the RIAA and sold nine million copies worldwide. Jackson's 'All for You' peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, breaking several radio airplay records at the time of release. It is a mid-tempo song which fuses pop, R&B and disco music, built upon a sample of ', performed. Problems playing this file? The album's lead single, ', debuted on the Hot 100 at number fourteen, setting a record for the highest debut by a single that was not commercially available.

Jackson was titled 'Queen of Radio' by as the single made airplay history, being 'added to every pop, rhythmic and urban radio station' within its first week. The song broke the overall airplay debut record with a first week audience of seventy million, debuting at number nine on the chart.

It topped the Hot 100 for seven weeks, also reaching the top ten in eleven countries. The song received a for. ' peaked at number three on the Hot 100.

Built around a sample of the iconic 1972 hit ' by, ' featured Simon herself, along with on remixes of the single. In July 2001, Jackson embarked on the, which was also broadcast on a concert special for watched by twelve million viewers. The tour traveled throughout the United States and Japan, although European and Asian dates were required to be canceled following the. The complimented Jackson's showmanship. Richard Harrington of the said Jackson's performance surpassed her contemporaries, but Bob Massy of thought her dancers 'threw crisper moves' and her supporting singers were mixed nearly as high, though declared 'Janet cast herself as the real entertainment.' Jackson donated a portion of the tour's proceeds to the. The following year, Jackson began receiving media attention for her rumored relationships with, actor, and record producer.

Upon the release of Timberlake's debut solo album, Jackson provided vocals on '(And She Said) Take Me Now' per Timberlake's request, with the song initially planned as a single. Jackson collaborated with artist for the song ', produced. 2004–2005: Super Bowl XXXVIII controversy and Damita Jo [ ]. Main article: Jackson was chosen by the and MTV to perform at the halftime show in February 2004. She performed a medley of 'All for You', 'Rhythm Nation', and an excerpt of 'The Knowledge' before performing ' alongside surprise guest.

As Timberlake sang the lyric 'I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song', he tore open her costume, exposing her right breast to 140 million viewers. Jackson issued an apology after the performance, saying that the incident was accidental and unintended, explaining that Timberlake was only meant to pull away a and leave the red-lace bra intact. She commented, 'I am really sorry if I offended anyone. That was truly not my intention.

MTV, CBS, the NFL had no knowledge of this whatsoever, and unfortunately, the whole thing went wrong in the end.' Timberlake also issued an apology, calling the accident a '.' The incident became the most recorded and replayed moment in history, enticing an estimated 35,000 new subscribers. It is regarded as one of the most controversial television events in history, and Jackson was later listed in Guinness World Records as the 'Most Searched in Internet History' and the 'Most Searched for News Item'. CBS, the, and MTV denied any knowledge of the incident and all responsibility for it.

The heavily fined all companies involved and continued an investigation for eight years, ultimately losing its appeal for a $550,000 fine against CBS. Following the incident, CBS permitted Timberlake to appear at the ceremony but did not allow Jackson to attend, forcing her to withdraw after being scheduled as a presenter. The controversy halted plans for Jackson to star in the biographical film of singer and activist, which was to be produced. Horne was reportedly displeased by the incident, but Jackson's representatives stated that she withdrew from the project willingly. A statue wearing Jackson's iconic 'Rhythm Nation' outfit was mantled at theme park the previous year to honor her legacy, but it was removed following her controversial performance. Jackson's eighth studio album was released in March 2004, titled after her middle name.

It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The album received mixed to positive reviews, praising the sonic innovation of selected songs and Jackson's vocal harmonies, while others criticized its frequent themes of carnality. However, several critics' reviews focused on the Super Bowl incident, rather than critiquing the album itself. It was certified platinum by the RIAA within a month, and sold over three million copies worldwide.

The album's performance was largely affected by public backlash and the from radio and music channels. Conglomerates involved in the boycott included and CBS, subsidiaries MTV,, and, the latter two among the largest radio broadcasters. The blacklist was placed into effect preceding the release of Damita Jo and continued throughout the course of Jackson's following two albums. Entertainment conglomerate owns MTV, VH1, and many radio formats, and a senior executive commented that they were 'absolutely bailing on the record.

The pressure is so great, they can't align with anything related to Janet. The high-ups are still pissed at her, and this is a punitive measure.' Prior to the incident, Damita Jo was expected to outsell prior release All for You. Its three singles received positive reviews but failed to achieve high chart positions, although each was predicted to perform extremely well under different circumstances. Billboard reported that Damita Jo 'was largely overshadowed by the Super Bowl fiasco. The three singles it spawned were blacklisted by pop radio—they were also the album's biggest highlights'. For the album's promotion, Jackson appeared as a host on performing two songs, and she was also a guest star on sitcom portraying herself.

Jackson received several career accolades upon the album's release, including the 'Legend Award' at the, 'Inspiration Award' from the, 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the, and a nomination for 'Favorite Female.' In November 2004, she was honored as a role model by, Inc. And presented with the organization's Artistic Achievement Award saluting 'a career that has gone from success to greater success.' The organization responded to criticism for honoring Jackson in light of the Super Bowl incident by saying that 'an individual's worth can't be judged by a single moment in that person's life.'

In June 2005, she was honored with a Humanitarian Award by the and as recognition for her involvement in raising money for AIDS charities. 2006–2007: 20 Y.O. And Why Did I Get Married? Jackson promoting her ninth studio album, Jackson began recording her ninth studio album,, in 2005. She recorded with producers Dupri, Jam and Lewis for several months during the following year. The album's title was a reference to the two decades since the release of her breakthrough album Control, representing the album's 'celebration of the joyful liberation and history-making musical style.' To promote the album, Jackson appeared in various magazines, and performed on the and.

Jackson's cover, revealing her slim figure after heavy media focus was placed on her fluctuations in weight, became the magazine's best-selling issue in history. Was released in September 2006 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The album received mixed reviews, with multiple critics chastising the production and involvement of Jermaine Dupri.

Rolling Stone disagreed with the album's reference to Control, saying 'If we were her, we wouldn't make the comparison.' Jackson's airplay and music channel blacklist remained persistent, massively affecting her chart performance and exposure.

However, lead single ', which featured rapper, peaked at number twenty-five on the Hot 100, number one on the chart, and number six in the United Kingdom. The video for the album's second single, ', was directed by and portrayed Jackson's clothes disappearing through a complex dance routine. Was certified platinum by the RIAA and sold 1.2 million worldwide, also receiving a nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album. After the album's release, Dupri was condemned for his production and misguidance of the album, and subsequently was removed from his position at Virgin Records. Stated, 'After promising a return to Janet's dance-pop origins, [Dupri] opted to aim for urban audiences, a colossal mistake that cost Dupri his job and, probably, Janet her deal with Virgin.'

Jackson was ranked the seventh richest woman in the entertainment industry by Forbes, having amassed a fortune of over $150 million. In 2007, she starred opposite Tyler Perry as a psychotherapist in the film. It became her third consecutive film to open at number one at the box office, grossing $60 million in total.

Jackson's performance was praised for its 'soft authority', though also described as 'charming, yet bland'. In February 2008, Jackson won an for 'Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture' for the role. Jackson was also approached to record the lead single for the film. 2008–2009: Discipline and Number Ones [ ]. Jackson performing during the Jackson signed with after her contract with Virgin was fulfilled.

She interrupted plans for touring and began recording with various producers, including,, and. Her tenth studio album,, was released in February 2008, opening at number one. Despite radio blacklisting, the album's first single ' peaked at number nineteen on the Hot 100 and nine on, her highest charting single since '. Jackson was awarded the at the 19th annual, honoring her contributions in promoting equal rights among the gay community. The organization's president commented, 'Ms. Jackson has a tremendous following inside the LGBT community and out, and having her stand with us against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant.'

Jackson's fifth concert tour, the, began in September 2008. Jackson parted with Island Records through mutual agreement. Billboard disclosed Jackson was dissatisfied with 's handling of the album and its promotion, saying 'the label agreed to dissolve their relationship with the artist at her request.' Producer expressed 'I felt like it wasn't pushed correctly.

She just didn't get her just-do as an artist of that magnitude.' In June 2009, Jackson's brother Michael at age fifty. She spoke publicly concerning his death at the 2009, stating 'I'd just like to say, to you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much.'

In an interview, she revealed she had first learned of his death while filming. Amidst mourning with her family, she focused on work to deal with the grief, avoiding any news coverage of her sibling's death. She commented, 'it's still important to face reality, and not that I'm running, but sometimes you just need to get away for a second.' During this time, she ended her seven-year relationship with Jermaine Dupri.

Several months later, Jackson performed a tribute to Michael at the, performing their duet 'Scream'. MTV stated 'there was no one better than Janet to anchor it and send a really powerful message.' The performance was lauded by critics, with affirming the rendition 'as energetic as it was heartfelt'. Jackson's second hits compilation, (retitled The Best for international releases), was released in November 2009. For promotion, she performed a medley of hits at the, 's at London's, and.

The album's promotional single ', produced with Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins, debuted in September. It became Jackson's nineteenth number one on the chart, making her the first artist to have number-one singles in four separate decades. Later that month, Jackson chaired the inaugural benefit of, held in in conjunction with. The foundation's CEO stated 'We are profoundly grateful to Janet Jackson for joining amfAR as a chair of its first event in Milan. She brings incomparable grace and a history of dedication to the fight against AIDS.'

The event raised a total of $1.1 million for the nonprofit organization. 2010–2014: Film projects, True You, concert tour, and philanthropy [ ] In April 2010, Jackson reprised her role in the sequel to Why Did I Get Married?

The film opened at number two, grossing sixty million in total. Jackson's performance was hailed as 'invigorating and oddly funny', and praised for her 'willingness to be seen at her most disheveled'. Her performance earned an for 'Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture'. Jackson recorded the film's theme, ', released as a promotional single.

The song was performed on the finale of along with 'Again' and 'Nasty'. In July, Jackson modeled for the clothing line featuring fur, which was criticized by the animal rights organisation PETA. Jackson then helped design a signature line of clothing and accessories for Blackglama, to be sold at and.

Universal Music released the hits compilation as the debut of the compilation series. In November 2010, Jackson starred as Joanna in the drama, the film adaptation of 's 1975 play. Stated Jackson 'recites verses written by Ntozake Shange, the author of the play that inspired the film. But instead of offering up a mannered coffeehouse reading of the lines, Jackson makes the words sound like ordinary—though very eloquent—speech.' Jackson's portrayal the film was likened to as in. Her performance earned nominations in the categories of and.

Jackson performing during the tour Jackson announced plans to embark on her largest world tour in support of her second hits collection, Number Ones. The tour, entitled, held concerts in thirty-five global cities, selected by fans who submitted suggestions on her official website.

During the tour, Jackson performed thirty-five number one hits and dedicated a song to each city. Released a limited-edition of Jackson titled 'Divinely Janet', auctioned for over $15,000, with proceeds donated to. Jackson released the book in February 2011, co-written with David Ritz. It chronicled her struggle with weight and confidence, also publishing letters from fans.

It topped the following month. Additionally, she signed a film production contract with to 'select, develop and produce a feature film for the independent studio.'

Jackson became the first female pop singer to perform at the glass pyramid at the, raising contributions for the restoration of iconic artwork. Jackson was selected to endorse fashion line Blackglama for a second year, being the first celebrity in the line's history chosen to do so.

She partnered with the label to release a fifteen-piece collection of luxury products. In 2012, Jackson endorsed, sponsoring their weight-loss program after struggling with weight fluctuations in the past.

With the program, she donated ten million dollars in meals to the hungry. She was honored by amfAR for her contributions to AIDS research when chairing the Cinema Against AIDS gala during the. She also participated in a public service announcement for to help starving children. In February 2013, Jackson announced she was married to her third husband, businessman, during a private ceremony the previous year. 2015–present: Rhythm Nation Record Label, Unbreakable and Motherhood [ ] On May 16, 2015, Jackson announced plans to release a new album and to embark on a world concert tour.

She outlined her intention to release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed. The launch of Rhythm Nation established Jackson as one of the few African-American female musicians to own a record label. On June 15, 2015, Jackson announced the first set of dates for the North American leg of her. On June 22, the lead single ' was released from the album. Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the Hot 100 at number 67, marking her 40th entry on the chart. The song went to number 1 on the Billboard + Twitter Trending 140 immediately following the release. The album version featuring enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63, while also topping the chart.

Jackson performing during the presented Jackson with their inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award at the, which also featured a dance tribute to her performed by, and. It was announced she would launch a luxury jewelery line called the 'Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds collection,' a joint venture between herself and Paul Raps New York. On August 20, she released a preview of a new song 'The Great Forever,' while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis stated that Jackson's concept for the album was developed simultaneously with the accompanying tour's production and that its composition will differ from the majority of her catalog. They also stated that the album's theme reflects 'being able to be vulnerable and to be able to withstand what comes to you,' drawing on Jackson's experiences over the past several years. The album's title track ' was released on September 3, 2015, debuting on 's Beats 1 radio station, hosted. The album was also made available for pre-order on the same day. ' featuring debuted on on September 24, 2015.

Unbreakable was released on October 2, 2015. It received largely positive reviews, including those by,,,, and.

The following week, Jackson received her first nomination to be inducted into the. Her album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming her seventh album to top the chart in the United States. On April 6, 2016, Jackson announced that she was 'planning her family' with husband Wissam Al Mana, resulting in her postponing her tour.

In October that same year, Jackson confirmed she was expecting her first child with Al Mana. Their son Eissa was born on January 3, 2017. That April, Jackson's representative confirmed Jackson and Al Mana had separated on an undisclosed date.

On May 1, 2017, Jackson announced she would resume her Unbreakable World Tour, now known as the. The revamped tour launched on September 7, 2017. Refocusing the tour's theme to reflect socially conscious messages from Jackson's entire music catalog, a number of songs selected for the concert set list along with corresponding imagery depicted on stage address,,, and. The tour opened to positive critical reception, with several commentators praising Jackson's post-pregnancy physical fitness, showmanship and socially conscious messages. Her emotional rendition of 'What About', a song about originally recorded for The Velvet Rope, drew media attention highlighting her recent separation from her husband; Jackson's brother, who was accused of and sentenced to one month in prison for domestic violence in 1991, alleges she suffered verbal abuse by Al Mana which contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. Proceeds from the September 9, 2017 concert at the in were donated to relief efforts supporting evacuees of.

Jackson met with Houston mayor and evacuees at the prior to the performance. Artistry [ ] Music and voice [ ] Jackson has a vocal range. Over the course of her career, she has received frequent criticism for the limits of her vocal capabilities, especially in comparison to contemporary artists such as and. In comparing her vocal technique to Houston and, vocal coach Roger Love states that '[w]hen Janet sings, she allows a tremendous amount of air to come through. She's obviously aiming for a sexy, sultry effect, and on one level that works nicely.

But actually, it's fairly limited.' He adds that while her voice is suitable for studio recording, it doesn't translate well to stage because despite having 'great songs, incredible dancing, and her star like presence, the live show is still magnificent. But the voice is not the star.'

Biographer David Ritz commented, 'on Janet's albums—and in her videos and live performances, which revealed a crisp, athletic dance technique [.] singing wasn't the point,' saying emphasis was placed on 'her slamming beats, infectious hooks, and impeccable production values.' Eric Henderson of claimed critics opposing her small voice 'somehow missed the explosive 'gimme a beat' vocal pyrotechnics she unleashes all over 'Nasty'.

Or that they completely dismissed how perfect her tremulous hesitance fits into the abstinence anthem 'Let's Wait Awhile'.' Classical composer has praised Jackson for her ', sense of rhythm, sensitivity, and the childlike quality of her strangely erotic voice.'

Several critics also consider her voice to often be enveloped within her music's production. Music critic noted 'on albums, Jackson's sound isn't defined by her voice so much as by the way her voice is framed by the lush, propulsive production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.' Wendy Robinson of said 'the power of Janet Jackson's voice does not lie in her pipes. She doesn't blow, she whispers. Jackson's confectionary vocals are masterfully complemented by gentle harmonies and balanced out by pulsing rhythms, so she's never unpleasant to listen to.' Matthew Perpetus of suggested Jackson's vocal techniques as a study for music, considering it to possess 'a somewhat subliminal effect on the listener, guiding and emphasizing dynamic shifts without distracting attention from its primal hooks.'

Perpetus added: 'Her voice effortlessly transitions from a rhythmic toughness to soulful emoting to a flirty softness without overselling any aspect of her performance. A continuum of emotions and attitudes that add up to the impression that we're listening to the expression of a fully-formed human being with contradictions and complexities.' Written solely by Jackson, 'Black Cat' was recorded using a mixture of Rockman and Marshall amplifier to give it a sound. The song's lyrics convey a stance against substance abuse. Problems playing this file? Jackson's music has encompassed a broad range of genres.

Her records from the 1980s have been described as being influenced by, as her producers are ex-members of. Sal Cinquemani wrote that in addition to defining radio, she 'gave Prince's a distinctly feminine—and, with songs like 'What Have You Done for Me Lately?,' 'Nasty,' 'Control,' and 'Let's Wait Awhile,' a distinctly feminist—spin.'

On Control, Richard J. Ripani documented that she, Jam and Lewis had 'crafted a new sound that fuses the rhythmic elements of funk and disco, along with heavy doses of synthesizers, percussion, sound effects, and a rap music sensibility.' Author stated that she has often been credited for redefining the standard of popular music with the -strength beats of the album. She is considered a trendsetter in pop balladry, with Richard Rischar stating 'the black pop ballad of the mid-1980s had been dominated by the vocal and production style that was smooth and polished, led by singers Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and.' Jackson continued her musical development by blending pop and urban music with elements of hip-hop in the nineties.

This included a softer representation, articulated by lush, soulful ballads and up-tempo dance beats. She is described by music critic as 'an artist who has reshaped the sound and image of rhythm and blues' within the first decade of her career. Critic Karla Peterson remarked that 'she is a sharp dancer, an appealing performer, and as 'That's the Way Love Goes' proves—an ace pop-song writer.'

Selected material from the following decade has been viewed less favorably, as Sal Cinquemani comments 'except for maybe R.E.M., no other former superstar act has been as prolific with such diminishing commercial and creative returns.' Jackson has changed her lyrical focus over the years, becoming the subject of analysis in,, and. David Ritz compared Jackson's musical style to Marvin Gaye's, stating, 'like Marvin, autobiography seemed the sole source of her music. Her art, also like Marvin's, floated over a reservoir of secret pain.' Much of her success has been attributed to 'a series of powerful, metallic grooves; her chirpy, multi-tracked vocals; and a lyrical philosophy built on pride and self-knowledge.' Ritz also stated, 'The mystery is the low flame that burns around the perimeters of Janet Jackson's soul. The flame feeds off the most highly combustible elements: survival and ambition, caution and creativity, supreme confidence and dark fear.'

During the 1980s, her lyrics embodied, feminist principles, and politically driven ideology. Gaar described Control as 'an autobiographical tale about her life with her parents, her first marriage, and breaking free.' Jessie Carney Smith wrote 'with that album, she asserted her independence, individuality, and personal power. She challenged audiences to see her as a transformed person, from an to a grow-up, multi-talented celebrity.'

Referring to Rhythm Nation 1814 as an embodiment of hope, Timothy E. Scheurer wrote 'It may remind some of prior to and other African-American artists of the 1970s in its that the world imagined by is still possible, that the American Dream is a dream for all people.' On Janet, Jackson began focusing on sexual themes. Shayne Lee wrote that her music over the following decade 'brand[ed] her as one of the most sexually stimulating vocalists of the 1990s.' Goren observed 'Jackson's evolution from politically aware musician to sexy diva marked the direction that society and the music industry were encouraging the dance-rock divas to pursue.'

Declared Jackson's public image over the course of her career had shifted 'from innocence to experience, inspiring such carnal albums as 1993's 'Janet' and 1997's 'The Velvet Rope', the latter of which explored the bonds—figuratively and literally—of love and lust.' The song 'Free Xone' from The Velvet Rope, which portrays in a positive light, is described by sociologist Shayne Lee as 'a rare incident in which a popular black vocalist explores romantic or sensual energy outside the contours of, making it a significant song in black sexual politics.' During promotion for Janet, she stated 'I love feeling deeply sexual—and don't mind letting the world know. For me, sex has become a celebration, a joyful part of the creative process.' Upon the release of Damita Jo, Jackon stated 'Beginning with the earlier albums, exploring—and liberating—my sexuality has been an ongoing discovery and theme,' adding 'As an artist, that's not only my passion, it's my obligation.' Stephen Thomas Erlewine has found Jackson's consistent inclusion of sex in her music lacking ingenuity, especially in comparisons to other artists such as Prince, stating 'while sex indisputably fuels much great pop music, it isn't an inherently fascinating topic for pop music—as with anything, it all depends on the artist.'

Videos and stage [ ]. See also: Jackson drew inspiration for her music videos and performances from musicals she watched in her youth, and was heavily influenced by the choreography of and, among others.

Throughout her career, she has worked with and brought numerous professional choreographers to prominence, such as,, and Michael Kidd. Veronica Chambers declared, 'Her impact on pop music is undeniable and far-reaching,' adding, 'A quick glance at the Billboard chart reveals any number of artists cast in the Janet Jackson mold.' Chambers observed numerous videos which 'features not only Ms. Jackson's dancers but choreography and sets remarkably like those she has used.' Janine Coveney of Billboard observed that 'Jackson's musical declaration of independence [ Control] launched a string of hits, an indelible production sound, and an enduring image cemented by groundbreaking video choreography and imagery that pop vocalists still emulate.'

Ben Hogwood of applauded the 'huge influence she has become on younger pretenders to her throne,' most notably Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and. Qadree EI-Amin remarked that many pop artists 'pattern their performances after Janet's proven dance-diva persona.' Smith-Shomade wrote that 'Jackson's impact on the music video sphere came largely through music sales successes, which afforded her more visual liberties and control. This assuming of control directly impacted the look and content of her music videos, giving Jackson an agency not assumed by many other artists—male or female, Black or White.'

Parallel Lines: Media Representations of Dance (1993) documents that her videos have often been reminiscent of live concerts or elaborate musical theater. However, in her 30-minute Rhythm Nation 1814 film, Jackson utilizes street dancing techniques in contrast to traditional choreography. The group dynamic visually embodies a gender neutral equality, with Jackson 'performing asexually and anonymously in front of, but as one of the members of the group.' Her music videos have also contributed to a higher degree of sexual freedom among young women, with Jackson 'heavily implying male-on-female oral sex in music videos by pushing down on a man's head until he's in exactly the right position.' However, accusations of cosmetic surgery, skin lightening, and increasingly hypersexual imagery have led to her being viewed as conforming to a white, male-dominated view of sexuality, rather than liberating herself or others. Jackson received the for her contributions to the art form, and became the first recipient of the tribute, celebrating her impact on the music industry as a whole.

In 2003, named 'Rhythm Nation' and 'Got 'til It's Gone' among the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time, ranked at number 87 and number 10, respectively. In 2011, 'Rhythm Nation' was voted the tenth best music video of the 1980s by Billboard. Journalist Nicholas Barber stated 'Janet's concerts are the pop equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie, with all the explosions, special effects, ersatz sentimentality, gratuitous cleavage and emphasis on spectacle over coherence that the term implies.' Jet magazine reported 'Janet's innovative stage performances during her world tours have won her a reputation as a world-class performer.' Chris Willman of stated the 'enthralling' choreography of Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour 'represents the pinnacle of what can be done in the popping 'n' locking style—a rapid-fire mixture of rigidly jerky and gracefully fluid movements.' When Jackson was asked 'do you understand it when people talk about [The Velvet Rope Tour] in terms of Broadway?' , she responded, 'I'm crazy about Broadway.

That's what I grew up on.' Her 'Number Ones: Up Close and Personal' tour deviated from the full-scale theatrics found in her previous concert arena settings in favor of smaller venues.

Critics noted being scaled down did not affect the impact of her showmanship, and in some cases, enhanced it. Greg Kot of the wrote, 'In past tours, Jackson's thin voice was often swallowed up by the sheer size of her production. In the more scaled-down setting, Jackson brought a warmth and a passion that wasn't always evident in stadiums.

The best Janet Jackson performance I've covered in 20-plus years.' Thor Christensen of reported Jackson often in concert; he wrote: 'Janet Jackson—one of pop's most notorious onstage lip-syncers—conceded. She uses 'some' taped vocals to augment her live vocals. But she refused to say what percentage of her concert 'voice' is taped and how much is live.' Michael MacCambridge of the, who reviewed Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour, described lip-syncing as a 'moot point', stating 'Jackson was frequently singing along with her own pre-recorded vocals, to achieve a sound closer to radio versions of singles.' MacCambridge also observed 'it seemed unlikely that anyone—even a prized member of the First Family of Soul Music—could dance like she did for 90 minutes and still provide the sort of powerful vocals that the '90s super concerts are expected to achieve.'

Similarly, Chris Willman commented, 'even a classically trained vocalist would be hard-pressed to maintain any sort of level of volume—or, more appropriately, 'Control'—while bounding up and down stairs and whipping limbs in unnatural directions at impeccable, breakneck speed.' Critics observed that in the smaller scale of her 'Number Ones: Up Close and Personal' tour, she forewent lip-syncing. Chris Richards of The Washington Post stated 'even at its breathiest, that delicate voice hasn't lost the laserlike precision. Barcode Pdf 147 Font Awesome Icons. ' Influences [ ] Jackson describes as a profound inspiration, for entertainers of several generations as well as herself. Upon Horne's death, she stated '[Horne] brought much joy into everyone's lives—even the younger generations, younger than myself. She was such a great talent.

She opened up such doors for artists like myself.' Similarly, she considers to be one of her idols.

Jackson has declared herself 'a very big fan', explaining 'As a kid I was drawn to Joni Mitchell records [.] Joni's songs spoke to me in an intimate, personal way.' She holds reverence for Tina Turner, stating 'Tina has become a heroic figure for many people, especially women, because of her tremendous strength. Personally, Tina doesn't seem to have a beginning or an end in my life.

I felt her music was always there, and I feel like it always will be.' She has also named other socially conscious acts, such as,,, and as sources of inspiration. In her early career, Jackson credited her brothers Michael and Jermaine as musical influences. According to and, other artists attributed as influences are,,,,,,,,, and Legacy [ ].