From The Vault: Jennifer Lopez – ‘Jenny From The Block’

Published: Sunday 7th Jun 2015 by Joe


After a brief rest on the bench, From The Vault is back with yet another classic. Today’s pick comes courtesy of the ever-epic Jennifer Lopez and her one of her signature jams ‘Jenny From The Block’.

After asserting that she was “real” in 2001, Lopez clearly still had a few concerns on her mind regarding the public’s perception of herself. In late 2002, she unleashed the beast that was the ‘Jenny’ single and pressed on with the idea that fame and money didn’t change her, meanwhile picking herself up a new nickname.

Obviously, not everyone was convinced by the glamorous diva’s theme of humility… still the song was a worldwide hit which peaked at #3 both in the US and the UK, #5 in Australia and in France and #1 in Canada.

The single, the first of Jen’s third offering ‘This Is Me… Then’ was produced by Trackmasters, written by Lopez and Corey Rooney and heavily relies on many samples such as ‘Heaven and Hell Is On Earth’ by 20th Century Steel Band and Boogie Down Productions’ ‘South Bronx.’

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Unafraid of mixing business and pleasure, it wasn’t surprising that Lopez’s then-fiancé Ben Affleck served as the main attraction of the song’s visual. The paparazzi-themed affair is made of a selection of “stolen shots” of Bennifer in their everyday life.
Like the message in the song, the Francis Lawrence-directed video did not sit well with everybody – especially at a time when the couple were undoubtedly overexposed. Still it was a smash and gained even more recognition throughout the years because of its media-voyeuristic theme.

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From where we’re sitting, one of the reasons Lopez is still sought after 20+ years in the game is because she understands the importance of “celebrity culture” and is always willing to play the game.

While some would call her actions (such as this video_ calculated, we see them as smart. Indeed, more often than not, her moves are attached to a greater cause – whether a movie, album or charity. Put simply, unlike some of her peers today, there often is a method to the melee when it comes to J.Lo. And we’re entirely “here” for it.

Your thoughts?

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  1. meiammarie June 7, 2015

    Jlo best album in my opinion love this song and video this album is one I could listen to start to finish

  2. JOHNVIDAL June 7, 2015

    Wasn´t this song featured in From The Vault not that long ago?
    Guys work harder please. There are a lot of great music out there that you can pay tribute, especially if we are talking about the past.

  3. mike June 7, 2015

    She a model not a singer, she a non-talented version of Janet Jackson; she has stolen swag and we in the hood when she is on is a fat ass other than that she worthless to the game of music

  4. Stephy. June 7, 2015

    How many times y’all gon’ “From The Vault” this woman? Her “music” career ain’t nothing to look back on. She’s a model with a mic. And, a decent performer. Das it.

    • S****** Blonde June 7, 2015

      A decent performer?
      Way too much hate man.

      • Stephy. June 7, 2015

        Yes, DECENT. She can dance but that’s it. No vocals at all. No amazing visuals (like Madonna). Just silly ass shaking & low budget Janet Jackson dance moves.

      • S****** Blonde June 7, 2015

        It would be a waste of time to argue with you.

      • Stephy. June 7, 2015

        Good, you know me very well… Todavía te quiero , Paul

    • meiammarie June 7, 2015

      Rihanna is a model with a mic

      • Stephy. June 7, 2015

        Rihanna is the biggest pop star GLOBALLY, since Madonna (singles wise). She’s a certified ICONIC Pop star. J Ho… Not so much

    • meiammarie June 7, 2015

      her music career is iconic shut the f*** up b****

      • Stephy. June 7, 2015

        Good joke hun

      • Legendtina June 7, 2015

        Her fashion career is iconic. Her music is basic and forgotten.

  5. S****** Blonde June 7, 2015

    This video caused a commotion back then, she was the most talked about person on the planet. “This is Me…Then” is one of her best albums, it has quality, “Again” is my favorite song on the album, very underrated album.

    • TheElusiveLamb June 7, 2015

      STFU

    • meiammarie June 7, 2015

      her best album period

  6. #TeamTinashe Stan June 7, 2015

    LEGEND!!!

    • Stephy. June 7, 2015

      Hahahahahahaha

  7. moe June 7, 2015

    gosh . this song will never die . jlo is a true legend

  8. HYISI June 7, 2015

    Who ever does these rewind post really shows how limited their musical ear/taste is. Out of all the great music released pre-2007 and they choose a song by a chick who couldn’t sing to save her life then and still can’t to this very day! Not to mention choosing mediocre songs that have been long forgotten! I understand you might be young but next we’ll get a rewind from Hillary Duff and how she was so great! Get someone who loves music, all types of music! Give us some songs that are past 30 years old and still hold up,not songs that lose their appeal by a couple of years!

  9. Gee June 7, 2015

    Another mediocre song from a decent artist at best.

  10. You wanna love it right bettor like you do then my funky money June 7, 2015

    The video isn’t that bad

  11. Legendtina June 7, 2015

    Never really understood her appeal. I always saw her as the Latina version of Britney with slightly more of a vocal range and slightly more artistry. Her discography overall is basic, this song included.

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