Janet Jackson has never been one of those divas to bring the house down with her powerful vocals. However, that has never mattered to anyone because Janet is an amazing entertainer. Her strategy for pop domination was to win audiences over by putting on a show–a damn good one at that. Her world tours will go down in history as some of the most iconic live performances a stage has ever seen.
So for her birthday (May 16th), I decided to show some love to one of the baddest female performers in the game. Wish Janet Jackson a happy birthday and countdown her 10 best dance videos with us. Let me know your favorite Janet dance routine in the comments.
Janet Jackson was reaching her sexual peak in the early nineties. After giving men around the world a sneak peek of her glorious thickness in the “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” clip, Janet dipped it low and brought it up slow before any pop songbirds knew what dipping it was. “You Want This” was memorable because it’s Janet Jackson elevating the temperature in the desert by busting it open with the butterfly dance moves. Excuse me while I fan myself.
Any time a sexy a woman opens a song talking about the size of a man’s private package, she’s immediately got the opposite sex’s attention. Our queen of pop kept us yearning for more when she busted out the slick dance moves and barely there ab-baring tops. According to Michael’s little sister, this was a first for her. It was the first time she danced in a video with no shoes. Not really important, but it’s Janet so we’ll accept any details even the most mundane.
Once Janet musically emancipated herself from the vice grip of her svengali father, the youngest Jackson asserted her independence through dancing…in a pizzeria. In her kiss off to a boyfriend who has stopped doing the things he used to do, Janet and her girlfriends bust a move all over said boyfriend’s heart. Did I mention they look damn good doing it too?
The few years preceeding 1997 were trying for the legendary pop diva. She had gone through bouts of depression and the ever-present weight fluctuation. Besides dealing with her own personal demons, Janet was forced to cope with a host of her friends dying of HIV/AIDS. In order to heal, she recorded “Together Again” which featured one of her more memorable dance breaks. Sure people remember the full-on sexpot dancing she was putting on display in other visuals, but the pure joy she had in this clip.
From the grand opening to the grand closing, Janet Jackson and her dancers put it down in “Nasty.” When you first hear Ms. Jackson demand to be given a beat, you know there’s no way Paula Abdul was coming with any weak choreography. Although steeped in the traditions of jazz dance, Janet and company brought jazz hands to the street and made it authentic. Shout out to that.
“Miss You Much” is one of those Janet Jackson songs you can’t help but see the video in your head when the song comes on. After you get your fill on the inescapable pop melody and lyrics, Janet asks, “Is that the end?” To which, we all yelled a resounding “No!” Never one to disappoint her fans, Janet performs one of the illest chair routines ever in the history of chairs and dance routines. Answer honestly, how many times did you hit yourself with a wooden chair trying to emulate this video?
If we’re going to talk about Janet Jackson dance videos, there’s no way we can omit “Scream.” In the only duet with Michael Jackson, the two most popular Jacksons prove why they will forever reign over the music industry. After railing against the media for being judgmental and spreading lies, Michael and Janet throw down a gauntlet no other performer has picked up and matched yet. i can’t tell you how many times I bruised my knees trying to drop to my knees and jump right back up. You know you did too.
“Rhythm Nation” was Janet’s perfect blend of social commentary with dance beats. The stark black-and-white video featured an army of dancing warriors trying to rid the world of color lines. Though the message was important for the world to hear, some paid more attention to the choreography. I mean really, who wouldn’t want to be a member in an army where you don’t need guns just great timing and a sick running man skills. I bet you there would never need to be a draft if that were the case. Well, then again…
So what you don’t understand a word she sings on “If.” She fully explains every freaky detail with her dance routine. I used to wish I was the guy whose head Janet threw around and thrust into her pelvic region. I used to wish I was him until I heard an interview he did where he said Janet gave him whiplash and he had to seek medical attention. it’s a good thing I like it rough. Yeah, that was too much information for y’all.
Nothing really needs to be said as to why “Pleasure Principle” is Janet’s best dance video. Seriously, how many whippings did you get for breaking a kitchen chair trying to do that one move? On another note, why did Janet have to tease the fellas with those awesomely tight jeans enslaving her lovely lady lumps?
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