TGJ Replay: Janet Jackson’s ‘Damita Jo’

Published: Sunday 2nd Feb 2014 by Rashad

After a lengthy break on the bench, ‘TGJ Replay’ is back!

Designed much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ segments, ‘Replay’ is That Grape Juice‘s newest retrospective segment – a written quest, if you will, to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase entire albums (and eras) from a library of pop and Urban pop music hits.  As this weekend marks the 10th anniversary of her epic Super Bowl showing, today’s ‘Replay’ revisits ‘Damita Jo‘ – the ensuing era of pop icon Janet Jackson.

The debacle that followed Janet Jackson’s now infamous 2004 Superbowl showing (co-starring Justin Timberlake) was indeed, as Miss Jackson herself would say, nasty.  With weeks upon weeks of fines, court hearings, apologies, and finger-pointing galore to follow, Timberlake emerged from the ashes virtually unscathed while Janet, on the other hand, could not boast the same.

Undeterred by the swarm of bad press from the event that forever changed live television, the then-5 time Grammy winner continued work on the follow-up to her blockbuster 2001 album ‘All For You’.  As if dealing with the negative publicity around her name didn’t already seem like enough of an insurmountable task, following up ‘All For You’ with it’s mega-selling title track and subsequent tour would prove no easy task.

To ensure she put her best foot forward, Jackson not only called on longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, but also enlisted an all-star team of producers that included Dallas Austin, Scott Storch, Rich Harrison, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and more.  Helping to craft what would be Jan’s “new sound”, the album would also allow the pop icon to tap into her alter ego “Damita Jo” (for which the album was christened).

“Just A Little While”
‘I Want You’

Kicking the album off with the funky ‘Just A Little While’, the song’s success – despite the large U.S. blacklist of her music – proved the star power of the ailing diva.  Yes, it became Janet’s first song since 1982 to miss the top 40 on Billboard Hot 100 – a sore, yet direct reflection of many U.S. station’s refusal to play her music, but the tune still fought its way to the top of dance, pop airplay, and international charts.

Appointing the John Legend/Kanye West-crafted number ‘I Want You’ as the album’s second single, the tune – drenched in a retro-Motown feel – would not only show-off Jackson’s vocals, but also make her sexuality less of a focal point.  Unfortunately, with her blacklisting from many-a-major radio format still in play, ‘I Want You’ (with critical acclaim in tow) would suffer a similar fate as its predecessor.

JANETJACKSON1-THATGRAPEJUICE

 By the time the album neared its spring release date it, unlike her six albums that preceded it, would ultimately have to sell on Janet’s name alone.  With no hit singles, little radio airplay of singles, minimal video spins, and overall industry-blacklisting, the album was released on March 30th 2004.

Selling 381,000 in its first week, ‘Damita Jo’ landed the singer her second highest first week sales to date. A feat all the more commendable given the presence of an industry-wide blacklisting and the absence of hit singles leading up to its release. Interestingly, the numbers were considered a disappointment because of the massive success of its predecessor ‘All For You’.

Conversely, the overtly-sexual album was met with thunderous critical acclaim.  Featuring some of Janet’s most damning, yet adventurous lyrics to date, the album was soaked in heavy dance tracks that arguably would help pave the way for what music lovers now know as EDM. Evidence of this was found in the album’s next single ‘All Nite’.

‘All Nite (Don’t Stop)’
‘All Nite (Don’t Stop)’ (live)

Again, with the blacklist put in place by some of the entertainment industry’s biggest players (as a result of their respective finings from the SuperBowl Half-time Show), ‘All Nite’s fate would prove worse than its two preceding singles.  Yet, like them, the tune and its accompanying high octane video would be greeted with a wealth of critical acclaim.  Fans and critics alike were mesmerized by the songstress, then 38, and her energetic dancing that thrilled just as it had a decade prior.

With seemingly no plans of slowing down despite the onslaught of industry attacks against her, Janet tapped into the then-rising trend of Caribbean/dance hall-tinged sounds and enlisted Elephant Man for the song’s official remix (as seen as the 2004 BET Awards).

‘All Nite (Don’t Stop) Remix’ (Live at BET Awards)

While lauded for their brazenness, the abundance of sexual tunes on ‘Damita Jo’ did not exactly help the case for Janet as, some argued, she seemed to revel in her new hyper-sexualized image.  Songs like ‘Moist’, ‘Sexhibition’, and ‘Warmth’ left listeners hot, bothered, and often times, jaw-dropped.

But, it definitely didn’t stop them from continuing to support the project via grassroots campaigns of their own.  Helping hoist the album to its present day count of over 3 million sold, the platinum-project would also see some industry acclaim via a 2005 Grammy nomination for ‘I Want You’.

Ten years later we still express regret and disappointment for the mistreatment of this gem of an album. Still bobbing our heads to the likes of ‘Strawberry Bounce’, we can’t help but wonder how well this album would’ve performed had the blacklist not been so extensive.

Furthermore, how much better the two albums that followed it would’ve perform had the residue from the Superbowl incident not carried on through most of the noughties.  Either way, we celebrate and salute Janet’s most lyrically brazen set yet and await news on her newest project.  Until then, you tell us:

JANETJACKSON-THATGRAPEJUICE

 


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  1. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Who?

  2. great album February 2, 2014

    The album was overlooked! I love it! It’s so s*** and smooth! A very solid R&B album that deserved more recognition.

  3. Kareem Williams February 2, 2014

    I love this TGJ concept, I am a new commenter of this blog so this is my first one with janet jackson. This is really cool, thanks a million for doing this.

  4. YOUNG BRODIE February 2, 2014

    B**** WORRY ABOUT MARIAH

  5. Truth Tea February 2, 2014

    My Queen!!!! Incredible album and THE BEST Super Bowl performance EVER!

  6. Queen Brit Brit February 2, 2014

    Queen JJ!!! That last pic>>>>> This album deserved to sell alot more than it did. I cant help but think it would’ve done better if she had waited awhile to release the album. Such a shame 🙁

  7. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    I have said this over a million times,JANET IS THE GREATEST FEMALE ARTIST EVER.A woman who racked up EIGHTEEN CONSECUTIVE TOP TEN hits out of FIVE CONSECUTIVE #1 ALBUMS suddenly can’t even score 1 top 10 is plain joke.Anybody who has been a fan of this woman can vouch for her consistency and DISCIPLINE is enough to put all these little girls to shame.Oh her last album topped the charts so i know she’s fine

  8. Jmoore February 2, 2014

    This album is still in rotation in my ride. From Sexhibition to all nite mos def one of my fav albums of miss jackson. I still cant believe that All Nite wasnt a smash from the song itself to the choreography..man peep the Saturday Night Live performance of all nite… I cant wait to hear and see whats next for miss jackson!

  9. BOOM February 2, 2014

    Beyonce is way better than this nobody.

    Like why would you post this of this artist that nobody remembers? When you can post “B’Day” or “4”.

    Beyonce is LEGEND!

  10. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    Slayriah please,save the ignorance for somewhere else…I like you,like i do all my fellow lambs but kindly exit this post

  11. Hadley February 2, 2014

    Stop trying to get Beyoncé dragged^^

  12. Ohmy February 2, 2014

    this one is more joyful than lifeless ‘Just Whitney’ that was released same year.

  13. coolness February 2, 2014

    First off, Janet is a five-time Grammy winner not 11! You guys should do more research (and improve some writing) other than that I love this whole replay feature. I do not recall this album receiving wide critical acclaim though, it was mostly mixed (you guys sometimes over write stuff). Anyway, I loved the album and even though it paled in comparison to her best works of the 90’s, it was still very cohesive and s***. Nobody does these sexually charged slow jams like Janet. Nobody! There’s a certain conviction that she sings with which allows her to pull off the most shocking lyrics without sounding forced. Some of these pop girls could never because Janet has what some of them lack, legit s** appeal. It’s more than what you wear, it’s a state of mind and Janet understood that. It’s really sad what became of her career post-Superbowl because up until that point, she could do no wrong. #JusticeforDamitaJo

  14. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    but kindly exit this post

    Are you fried? I will not be dismissed and will exit whenever I please.

    @Ohmy

    Whitney >>>>>> Michael’s little sister.

  15. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Btw, Just Whitney was released in 2002 whole Damita Flop was released in 2004.

  16. Ohmy February 2, 2014

    yeah, Whitney is my love

  17. BOOM February 2, 2014

    Beyonce is highly regarded as The Greatest Black Female In Music Of All Time.

    She’ll finish all your faves especially lipsyncing Janet. Even Ciara can sing better than Janet….. Now that’s just bad.

  18. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    Lol,is it just me who thinks sam really wants to drag jt but can’t/won’t due to his affiliation with a certain couple?Anyone that’s been here for over four years knows sam can’t stand jt but has only been playin nice since suit n tie…anyway let’s move on from the nip saga,just like janet has and celebrate the icon she is

  19. Lmfao_Hoe February 2, 2014

    B**** I love Beyonce but you will respect Janet F***** Jackson who paid the way for Bey to be doing such music she doing now. Btw if you haven’t notice the same s*** they did Janet they doing to Bey calling her a s*** cause of her Grammy performance so lets not.

  20. Ohmy February 2, 2014

    @Slayriah yeah right, thanx, I confused the dates. supposed to mean their last studio albums at that time.

  21. Xoxo February 2, 2014

    Hope she comes back, if Madonna, Miley and all the fakes can be up there on stage, so can miss Jackson

  22. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    “Beyonce is highly regarded as The Greatest Black Female In Music Of All Time.”

    The delusion. Whitney will always be the biggest black female musician to ever walk earth. Biggest selling soundtrack album of all time. Three diamond albums. Successful film career. The most influential female vocalist ever. Most awarded female artist ever.

  23. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    @BOOM is obviously fake lol.

  24. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    TGJ STAFF leave the long essays for that guy who used to work here 😉 ..it clearly isn’t your forte

  25. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Miguel’s highest charting position on Billboard is #beautiful…. By Mariah Carey. Lol

  26. Lmfao_Hoe February 2, 2014

    No lies were said or shade just FACTS hell Bey can’t even hit the notes as Nippy on IWALY.

  27. Sean February 2, 2014

    I agree! Her album catalog is the strongest of any female artist, too.

    Control
    Rhythm Nation 1814
    janet.
    Velvet Rope
    All For You
    Damita Jo

    Spectacular top to bottom and changed pop & r&b music forever.

  28. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    But his biggest success was with the queen though. You should be bowing down since my fave helped Miguel to get a top 15 hit and some recognition.

  29. Lmfao_Hoe February 2, 2014

    This album is HIGHLY UNDERRATED. Smh makes no damn sense like everyone never seen a nipple before!, but now a days b****** are half-dressed on stage. Damita Jo was ahead of its time back then. Had it recieved its proper dues and respects it would had shiited/put to shame all over Madonna’s Muisc and American Life albums all put together.

  30. Trace February 2, 2014

    I love this album!
    Janet got so much slack for the superbowl incident!
    2004 was one of the last times that we got music quaters filled with great solid album releases.
    Beyond 2007 everything just went downhill…
    R.I.P Quality music 1930-2007
    @that guy…I love Beyonce but Janet should be respected!
    Janet held her own against so many greats and paved the way for people like Beyonce. Hell most of the TRL generation artist that were becoming superstars all loved Janet! Iclduing Beyonce!

  31. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    No Miguel got recognition thanks to that song. #Beautiful may have charted higher but Adorn smashed all year and into 2013, it still gets played in clubs. #Beautiful came and went thanks to payola.

  32. Sean February 2, 2014

    This album is definitely a grower. It doesn’t go as hard as any of the albums before it. I love its mix of tropical vibes, hip hip, throwback jams and smooth deep house.

    Stand out tracks for me:
    – All Nite (Don’t Stop)
    – Truly
    – Spending Time With You
    – Island Life
    – Moist
    – Sexhibition
    – SloLove

    Also, I love the bonus track, Put Your Hands On.

  33. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Adorn was only top 20 in one country. #beautiful charted better worldwide. Mariah helped your fave. Accept it, move on.

  34. Sean February 2, 2014

    Speaking this truth!

  35. Truth Tea February 2, 2014

    Let’s be real, this was her first bad album. People don’t realize that behind all of the “Nipplegate” bullcrap, Damita Jo was actually a bad album not worthy of Janet’s greatness. It sounded like left-over fillers from All For You. Judge by the music itself and the lead singles.:

    1986: Control’s lead single “What Have You Done for Me Lately”
    1989: Rhythm Nation’s lead single “Miss You Much”
    1993: janet’s lead single “That’s The Way Love Goes”
    1997: Velvet Rope’s lead single “Together Again/Got Til It’s Gone”
    2001: All For You’s lead single “Doesn’t Really Matter/All For You”
    —>insert trash<—
    2004: Damita Jo's lead single "Just A Little While" (SUGARY TRASH)
    2006: 20 Y.O.'s lead single "Call On Me (ft. Nelly)" (EQUALLY TRASH LEAD SINGLE)

    Damita Jo represented the start of Janet losing her grit-n-edge with tracks like You/What About/Trust a Try, her soul from tracks like "I Get So Lonely, That's the Way Love Goes" and the bubbly-pop and slick dance tracks that spanned 15 years all the the way to Come On Get Up and Someone to Call My Lover turned into what? Island Life? Strawberry Bounce? JustALWhile? Girl,bye.

    Let's face it, anyone that was a Janet fan in the 80's or 90's would never have thought Janet's creative pot would be putting out Call On Me (ft. Nelly) as singles, but that's where the 2000's took her starting with the demise we saw in Damita Jo. I realized after my first listen to 20 Y.O., we'd never get another good Janet album.

  36. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    Who cares? Ask anyone what was a bigger R&B smash they will say Adorn. The song slayed and had longevity.

  37. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Sorry. I’ve never heard of Adorn until you brought it up a few minutes ago. Lol it only “smashed” (lol @ the lie) in the US but failed everywhere else. Mariah is the queen. Bye.

  38. BOOM February 2, 2014

    BEYONCE forever slays this nobody at everything.
    It’s true Bey DECIMATED Janets & Ciara’s career ALTOGETHER.
    “YESSUH!” *Beyonce Voice*
    http://youtu.be/Gm8_Ekft_TE

  39. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    Slayriah gurl,this doesn’t have anything to do with mariah but did u lie tho?these kids never want to give her props but the girl gave luther his highest charting hit,gave jay z his first #1,The same with joe,gave busta,babyface and miguel their biggest hits..ABMB is dupri’s biggest catalog seller as a producer just as AIWFCIY is for afanasieff.Her impact>>>>>No need to argue with dem lessors 🙂

  40. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    You’ve never heard of Adorn lolzz! So you’re basically admitting you have no life then. The song is Grammy award winning. And lies. I am from London. The song still gets spun in clubs here. It was a huge R&B hit that year. No one cares about #Beautiful. It ran its course for a few weeks and I havn’t heard it since.

  41. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Death @ Kaleidoscope Flop selling less than Memoirs. Lol I can’t.

  42. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    Death @ Miguel getting more critical acclaim than a ‘legend’ with that album though.

  43. BOOM February 2, 2014

    I don’t know why @SlayRiah is talking.

    Mariah Carey is no match to a BEYONCE! Mariah and Tamar Braxton can take several seats together.

    Mariah’s career right now is a FLOP! She needs other artists nowadays to help her score a hit. She can’t do it alone.
    http://youtu.be/xu9PK7bA4lQ

  44. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Miguel is irrelevant. No one is checking for him here in Canada. #beautiful charted here while Adorn barely made top 70. So maybe that’s why I never heard it before. Like I said, it only “smashed” (still lol) in the US.

  45. Stephy Tha Lambily February 2, 2014

    Slayriah, you give us LAMBS a horrible name. How can you bash Janet Jackson but praise her lessor Britney Spears. Bye, Go Take That Nap Babe.

    Janet Jackson’s albums Discipline & Damito Jo are as good as Madonna’s Music & American Life Albums…

    Janet Jackson does NOT have the strongest female catalogue but it is one of the most almost pitch perfect due to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis genius.

    Jackson, gave us 7 great albums in a row.

    Control: 1986 ****1/2

    Rhythm Nation: 1989 ***** (One of the best pop/R&B albums ever created imo)

    Janet: 1993 ****1/2

    Velvet Rope: 1997 ***** (Masterpiece)

    All For You: 2001 **** (Solid Pop/R&B Effort)

    Damito Jo: 2004 ***1/2 (Good but was overshadowed by MJ’s trail & Superbowl) Also, this album needed a World Tour…

    Discipline: 2008 **** (This album was ahead of its time with the computer robotic sounds & all the videos were on point)

    20 YO is her worst album. That album was rushed & horrible!

  46. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    More critically acclaimed than Mariah’s later albums? Yes. But Not Mariah’s earlier releases such as Daydream and butterfly which received universal acclaim from music critics. You tried. It still doesn’t change the fact that it flopped. & you were shading Memoirs on the previous post when it still sold more than your real fave’s album. Lol

  47. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    Sorry but not everyone sits behind their computer analysing chart position. In the real world The Grammy Award winning Adorn>>>>> The Payola winning #Beautiful. Adorn is the reason your fav used him for some relevancy.

    And you should be more appreciative of Miguel for saving Mariah’s awful performances on several occasions.

  48. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    But Mariahs a ‘legend’, she should be moving up with critical acclaim not down. Oh no I forget, she clings to artists like Miguel and Rick f****** Ross of all people for relevancy. And people say she’s not bothered about proving anything.

  49. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    “Adorn is the reason your fav used him for some relevancy.”

    You continue to show everyone how delusional you are sweetheart. Why would Mariah use Miguel for relevancy when is own album sold less than her lowest selling album. I can’t. Adorn was only top twenty in the US. No one knows or cares for it else where.

  50. CERITIFIED LEGEND February 2, 2014

    Flopppppppp, the album is trash and this b**** will always be MJ’s understudy. When people mention female legends, there is big 6 – Madonna, Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Barbara and Tina. Tranet is not even close to them. This generation barely knows about her existence and outside of USA 90% of people can’t name a single song by her. Bye with this flop article.

  51. CERITIFIED LEGEND February 2, 2014

    Not Faguel stan trying it. That ugly flop f** ain’t s***. His music is trash and he sucks.

    We want an article about Shania Twain’s Up!. Such an amazing album.

  52. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    I don’t see why anyone would cling to Miguel for relevancy while he can’t even score a top ten hit or get a gold certification for his album. Mariah would be better off clinging to Ciara for relevancy than miguel tbh

  53. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    @stephy,which female has a stronger catalog than janet?…Imo janet rules,madonna comes really close,then kylie,then mariah

  54. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    The same reason she used these two on this mess. Its not rocket science. Bandwagon to people who are hot. You denying Miguel and Adorn just shows how delusional you are since your fave can stoop as low to collaborate with Meek Mill for some relevancy.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM156Pkfg70

  55. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    If Mariah wanted to cling to another artists for relevancy she would have called up her good friend Beyonce, who would gladly collaborate with Mariah since she is a huge fan. Lol

  56. CERITIFIED LEGEND February 2, 2014

    2DOSSOME

    H** HUSH!

    SHANIA TWAIN >>> ALL THOSE H*** COMBINED.

  57. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    If you knew Mariah’s catalogue you’d know that she always features rappers on her songs. ODB for Fantasy in 1995. Jay-Z for Heartbreaker in 1999. Diddy, Mase, etc for Honey in 1997. Why are you trying? Lol

  58. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    Lol Mariah would never call Beyoncé now because she knows who would take the shine. Not to mention they’d never be able to perform the song together, someone would have to glue Beyoncé down because any movement she makes would slay Mariah’s whole stage presence.

    And why did she do a song with Nicki then when she clearly doesn’t like her if it wasn’t for relevancy?

  59. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Mariah collaborated with Missy Elliot and Da Brat before she did with Icki flop ass. Again, why are you trying? And stop bringing up all these people to distract from the fact that Miguel is a certified flop. His album still can’t scan gold and al of his singles flopped.

  60. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Musicians collaborate with each other all the time. Don’t see the big deal. Mariah has been collaborating with rappers since 1995. She’s always loved and praised Hip Hop. Still doesn’t change the fact that Miguelina is a flop

  61. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) February 2, 2014

    But why did she do a song with Nicki when she doesn’t like her?

  62. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    But why did Miguel’s album flop hard like that?

  63. S****** Blonde February 2, 2014

    Madonna’s name is always on Janet’s post, same with JT. They blame everybody for Janet’s decline but herself. Plays: Obs. by Mariah.

  64. CERITIFIED LEGEND February 2, 2014

    @S****** Blonde

    Shania Twain >> Madonna

    Deal!

  65. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    Lol,shania is queen tbh….When will our faves be certified 11XPLATINUM for selling ONLY 5.4 Million copies like queen shania did with UP! 😉

  66. RUSTIC February 2, 2014

    To me, this album is like Part 2 of “ALL FOR YOU”. Had it not been for the wardrobe malfunction which propelled Justin Timberlake to higher heights, it would’ve been just as good as its predecessor.

  67. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    Apparently Mariah and Nicki were friends before Nicki flop ass disrespected her on idol. Nick Cannon said Nicki sent gifts for the babies after Mariah gave birth. Where is Miguel’s relevancy?

  68. S****** Blonde February 2, 2014

    @Certified
    I don’t have to deal with your taste, it’s a personal preference.

  69. Stephy Tha Lambily February 2, 2014

    @DOSSOME…

    In all in a matter of opinion but when it comes to sales, charts, worldwide success. Memorable music on all major markets its Madonna.

    Madonna has the strongest female catalog. She has the strongest when it comes to sales & charting everywhere.

    Madonna only flaw is she did not capture the BLACK/URBAN audience. Thats the only market she did not DOMINATE.

    Now, when it comes to the most memorable music from a Female artist it would be Whitney Houston.

    I Wanna Dance With Somebody
    The Greatest Love Of All
    I Will Always Love You
    I Have Nothing
    Waiting To Exhale
    Saving All My Love For You

    are probably some of the most memorable songs in history. Those songs are always covered & sung in singing shows all over the world.

    But overall Madonna has the strongest due to she simply has MORE than most females.

    But in the BLACK FEMALE department Janet Jackson has the strongest catalog followed by Mariah & Whitney…

    If Madonna would’ve got threw to the Urban community she would’ve sold another 100+ million records…

    But Madonna was never big in black households at all.

    I only learned about MAdonna by researching her. I never herd any of her songs growing up at all///

  70. Mark111 February 2, 2014

    Queen! But this was not a good album. I still haven’t heard 20YO, but her last o e was good.

  71. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    But s******,nobody is blaming madonna for anything hun…I hope you ain’t referring to me,you know damn well i stan for janet,but i never disrespect madonna like some other guys here.

  72. SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) February 2, 2014

    What? Madonna’s music is definitely more memorable than Whitney’s. Whitney’s death (R.I.P Queen) helped bring some of those songs back to light. Only IWALY and I wanna Dance were really remembered.

  73. Navy nick February 2, 2014

    Amazing album, amazing woman, shes my everything!!!!

  74. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    Mark,dont bother with 20YO,It is her weakest.DISCIPLINE is amazing…..

    stephy,well that’s my point.it all boils down to opinion,at times i feel mariah has the strongest catalog but most times it’s janet and madge

  75. Stephy Tha Lambily February 2, 2014

    Blondie, take your stinkin’ attitude else where!

  76. S****** Blonde February 2, 2014

    @Dossome
    No baby!, i know Janet is Queen of Pop for you, just like Mage is , for me, i’m ok with that, the whole J vs M, is so frust. to me, both women are the best in their own unique way when it comes to Pop Music, who’s the best, it’s not a fact, it’s a preference.

  77. Royalkev February 2, 2014

    Janet would have continued her winning streak of landing at #1 (BB200) and earning #1 hits/top 10’s had it not been for the blacklisting. She suffered cruel and unusual punishment for a decade after this career crippling incident. This incident wouldn’t have tarnish the reputation of some of her peers (which is obvious if you look at Justin Timberlake as an example). She had several things working against her. She was a Jackson and a hugely successful African American artist (both of these factors made her a target). ‘Damita Jo’ would have sold quite nicely like all her other 5 albums before it, had Janet been given the chance to be promoted fairly on radio. SB has hurt her to this very day! I think Janet is owed for her mistreatment. The very things that she took a stand on (prejudice, ignorance) is what worked against her!

  78. DOSSOME February 2, 2014

    @s******,i get what u mean and i completely agree

  79. Stephy Tha Lambily February 2, 2014

    Dossome, why the hell would you put Kyle over Mariah Carey lolololol

  80. Stephy Tha Lambily February 2, 2014

    S****** & Dossome!

    What are you guys favorite track off of Mariah’s Daydream album.

  81. S****** Blonde February 2, 2014

    @Royalkev
    The SB did hurt her, like Madonna during AL, she was blacklisted, radio stations, negative press but the ones to blame, are us fans, we could have buy their records but we didn’t, sales has nothing to do with America ignorance. Sorry for my typos, phone problems.

  82. Royalkev February 2, 2014

    @S******
    There are a lot of things that artists with blockbuster sales. Artists don’t just cater to their die hard fans, they also try to appeal to the casual listener. If your songs aren’t being played on the radio, it’s a disadvantage that your forced to work around. JJ found substantial success despite her issues with being blacklisted, but if she didn’t have them to begin with she would have found even greater success. Radio isn’t always the end of every artists career, but it does benefit every one of them.

  83. Royalkev February 2, 2014

    *things that assist artists with blockbuster sales…

  84. Greg February 2, 2014

    I luv the Damita Jo era. Blacklisted and yet was able to sell over 3million. It was crazy to hear @ the time how “Janet Jackson” that iconic force underperformed. This is what started the obsession of sales from music fans. Yet forward to today and ppl are bragging about albums selling 2.5 million claiming their Queen. Janet said it best, when she sells its consider a flop but if anybody else bring in those #’s its the biggest defeat in the world. Lol mess! Personally I think Damita Jo is classic and should be up there with her iconic 5.

  85. Mark111 February 2, 2014

    Look @S****** Blonde all grown up. You’re right, both are Queens, they both brought a lot to Pop music and set the bar for the later gen. Both are Queens and Britney is their love child.

  86. Legendtina February 2, 2014

    So we’re still blaming Justin Timberlake for the demise of Janet Jackson’s career. I think its time to move on. This album is not Janet’s best work, not even close. It’s my second least favorite, only ahead of 20 Y.O. Her best still remains Velvet Rope.

  87. Marcus February 2, 2014

    Are you kidding me? This is a damn good album, which influenced all your faves! The emancipation of Mimi, I am Sasha Fierce, and Britney Jean! Don’t play!

  88. FierceRobert February 3, 2014

    “I Want You” is amazing. One of my favs. That should’ve been an RNB #1 and charted higher on the Billboard Hot 100. Love the Motown feel.

    All Nite (Don’t Stop) is also another great track which should have had greater success.

    The whole Superbowl scandal overshadowed this album, its videos and live performances.

    Janet’s appearance on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” was amazing. Youtube it to relive those great performances

  89. wow February 3, 2014

    This album really is trendsetting. Janet is the first woman (that I can think of) that actually did an “alter-ego” album. Just A Little While was released on Feb. 1, 2004. It actually got A LOT of radio requests, but was later banned because of the lynch mob that FCC’s ex-chairman created from a FAKE reaction to Janet’s Super Bowl halftime show. Btw, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that the true brains behind Janet’s great albums is JANET! JJ and TL haven’t been as successful w/o Janet! And no Mariah is no Whitney! The ONLY reason that Mariah sold more is because she had that black/white girl thing working for her. It made her more appealing for the masses. I love Mariah, but you lambs STAY trying it! And yes, Janet is known out of the states. I’ve seen her taking pictures with groups of fans internationally.

  90. History83 February 3, 2014

    Damita Jo is an awesome album. I love that album. Not only did DJ sold over 3 mil, “I Want You” went platinum (over 1 mil) as well. It would have charted higher if it wasn’t for the blacklist bs. She has ha other success post SB. 20 YO went platinum. She had a few platinum singles as well. All this while being blacklisted.

  91. Antonio February 6, 2014

    Damita Jo sold 1.3 mil in the US and 3 mil WW while being blacklisted. I Want You was certified platinum, but what’s funny is JT walked away the SB as if nothing happened. America did not want to think they’re golden boy did anything wrong. Just a Little While, All Nite, R&B Junkie, I Want You, Island Life, Strawberry Bounce and a few others would’ve slayed the Urban and Pop charts back in 2004/2005 and Damita Jo would’ve easily sold twice as much… 2.5-3 mil US/6-7 mil WW and the tour would’ve slayed as usual. Go read most the critic reviews, they all damn near bring up the SB. That incident could’ve their reviews just like critics will forever be biased against Chris Brown for the Rihanna incident, Ciara for the huge drop in album sales and Xtina for her over singing. Has anyone else noticed that after Janet released Damita Jo, a lot of female artists dropped albums that showed the birth of their alter egos (Emancipation of MiMi, I Am… Sasha Fierce, Fantasy Ride, Britney Jean)… #IJS

  92. L.T. February 19, 2014

    Big 6 Legends? What list are you referencing with those names. Your legends are as following: Aretha, Diana, Barbra, Whitney, Mariah, and yes Janet. Madonna’s a legend but not because of her music and Celine, get the hell out of here. What are you smoking?????

  93. navy Nick March 13, 2014

    JANET IS QUEEN – period, I love love beyonce, BUT even Queen B says she did all of janets stuff growing up…recognize people-JANET IS THE REAL DEAL-PERIOD! this album still plays on my iPod (every song)

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