Janet Jackson Turns 50! That Grape Juice’s Top 5 Videos

Published: Monday 16th May 2016 by Sam
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Janet Jackson, music’s reigning Queen of Pop, has hit a monumental milestone. The youngest of the legendary Jackson clan celebrates her 50th birthday today!

A trailblazer, a pioneer, and the boldest of blueprints for countless artists after her, Janet’s success narrative is rendered all-the-more resonating because she still possess “it” in abundance.

To mark the momentous occasion, we here at That Grape Juice are counting down our all-time top 5 Janet videos. With a career spanning over four decades and so many classics to choose from, it was no easy task.

Check out our list below and let us know what you think…

5) TIE!

‘All For You’ [2001]

By the year 2001, Janet had amassed a flavour of acclaim that would have easily rendered her a legend had she not released anything else. Yet, instead of resting on her catalogue of classic hits, she instead added another to the lengthy list with the title track to her 7th studio album.

A #1 for 7 weeks on the Hot 100, the song’s success was fuelled by its colorful visual. Flirty, fun, and filled with fierce choreography, this still slays today.

‘Rock With U’ [2008]

This ‘Discipline’ dance jam isn’t even a particular favourite of ours as a song. Yet to deny the brilliance that was its accompanying video would be criminal.

The definition of “ahead of its time,” the clip earns the honour of being one of (if not the first) modern video to employ the “one-take” edit. Note that there aren’t any transitions, no cuts, or jumps – a fact which only adds to its epic-ness.

We love us some ‘Dammn Baby,’ but “this” serves as the definitive mould of what Janet at this stage of her career is capable of churning out. Innovative, effortlessly sexy, and authentically edgy.

4) ‘ The Pleasure Principle’ [1986]

Before becoming famed for her military-like dance formations, ‘Pleasure’ emphasized Ms. Jackson’s ability as a solo force.

Paired with little else than a mirror and a chair, this classic video is one that has been emulated many times. But, as the age old adage goes, nothing tops the original!

 3) ‘Alright’ [1989]

The visual for ‘Alright’ was one of the first (of many) instances when every component that made Janet a superstar aligned in the most mesmerizing of ways. Indeed, its potent blend of dance, theatrics, and untouchable charisma showcased Ms. Janet as the other-worldly star she is.

2) If [1993]

Come the release Janet’s eponymous effort in 1993, she had delivered such compelling content visually that talk turned to whether she could top herself.

‘If’ silenced the speculation – and then some.

Gothic, grand, and gorgeous, the video delivered Janet in dynamite diva mode.

Despite the clip’s moody mise en scène, Jackson remained the sole focus – as a seductress, as a provocateur, and, without doubt, the dominator.

It’s widely accepted that ‘If’ boasts the most legendary dance-break of all-time too.

     1) ‘Rhythm Nation’ [1989]

Need we say more? Every credible artist possess a magnum opus and for Ms. Jackson it’s undoubtedly ‘Rhythm Nation.’

As a song, as an album, and as a movement, it’s her most impactful and enduring output.

Its video served as a visual exclamation mark of the fact that Janet Jackson is not only a singer, dancer, and all-round performer. She is a purpose-filled force!

Happy Birthday!

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Honourable Mention

‘Scream’ [1995]

This veered oh-so-close the #1 spot in our discussions, yet given that it was largely serviced as a Michael Jackson single “featuring Janet” (despite being co-billed), we opted for an exclusively Janet list. Did we make the right choice?

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What do you think of our picks?

Your thoughts?

Comments 63

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  1. Cake like Lady GaGa May 16, 2016

    Happy Birthday Queen

    But I am SCREAMING at the fact that she looks this good, trannyyonce wishes she could look this good and she isnt even close to 50. MESSS!!!!!

    • Maurice May 16, 2016

      what a mess you are for bringing Beyonce into this post that has NOTHING to do with her. And while you are dragging Beyonce, just note that Bey is one of the few that is actually keeping RnB music going.

      • RihNavy May 16, 2016

        @Fistristopher Brown, you Stan for someone who punched his ex-fave back to sleep. Kiiiiii

    • FRANKIE May 16, 2016

      What’s great is with Janet, you can take any 10 of her videos and make an all-time list and it will still be great. With the exception of about 4 or 5 of her videos almost every video she has ever made has been pretty amazing.

  2. Maurice May 16, 2016

    OMG GAGGGGINGGNGNGNGN!! There was a viceo for “Rock With You”???
    Yassssss. Slay me. So Excited another jam. Feedback slayed with that choreography.
    Janet has contributed so much to pop and rnb.

  3. Really Doe?! May 16, 2016

    How can you NOT but Got Til It’s Gone in the list?!

    • Maurice May 16, 2016

      because there are so many janet jams, it’s hard tie them down.
      Like I would have also included that’s the way love goes and Together Again, and Scream, ahhh — so many!!

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

        @maurice exactly!! She has such a plethora of great videos (and songs). To narrow that down to 5 is an impossible task. Lol.

  4. Indie May 16, 2016

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN!!!!! You guys did a great top 5, considering how many other fantastic videos she has done i would have hated having to choose! Escapade, Runaway, Nasty What Have You Done For Me Lately MISS YOU MUCH. TOGETHER AGAIN, I GET LONELY, MAKE ME!!!! And thats just a few of the uptempo’s, ya’ll should have just posted a top 10 lol! Legend!! Icon, Simply THE BEST!!!

    • Royalkev May 16, 2016

      Yea, those videos are amazing too! I’m sure everyone’s top 5 Janet video list will be totally different!

  5. S****** Blonde May 16, 2016

    These are my picks, I think these ones are her most popular videos around the world.
    1- That’s the way love goes
    2- Rhythm Nation
    3- The Pleasure Principle
    4- Together Again
    5- Scream

    • RihNavy May 16, 2016

      You have good taste daddiiii and that’s why i took your ass to Red Lobster last night

  6. Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

    Happy Birthday Empress Janet!!

    My picks:

    1) Pleasure Principal
    2) If
    3) When I think of You
    4) Rock Wit U
    5) The Rhythm Nation short form film with all those videos including “Rhythm Nation” “The Knowledge”, etc.

    Honorable mentions:

    All nite (don’t stop)
    Together Again
    Alright feat Heavy D.
    You want this
    Scream with Michael

    Yas so many great visuals and great songs. Not everyone can claim that. Proud of Janet!!

    #PettyClaps

    • RihNavy May 16, 2016

      @T.I.T.S! NOT the way you were dragging the Aaliyah Stan up and ZZZOWN that other post!!! You might not always make a comment but you’re always on time! Kiiiii ???

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

        Lol. Kii!! Please, that’s Molly the maid trying to get Aaliyah dragged.

        She’s mad the Queen respected Aaliyah’s talent, and saw herself in that girl. While Janet continually ignores captain crump for years now. 🙂

        #OhWell

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 17, 2016

        Yasss baby luv!! Too many great vids to list! Hey Kev luv!! Mym babe!

      • Royalkev May 17, 2016

        Hey boo! MYM(II)! 🙂
        I still can’t believe our queen is 50 Y.O.!

  7. #Jackie May 16, 2016

    Pls @ Annalise trolling as Anastacia Bitchenhaüsen. Lol at y’all being so pressed by my impact, I am the ICONIC Molly. See about me on Twitter if you’re that bish

    • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

      Molly shut hell up. Or I will gather you and all your personalities right here and now you hoodrat trash.

      • #Jackie May 16, 2016

        You couldn’t gather me if you wanted to Annalise. And I’m Molly not Jackie. Know your place nan

      • #Jackie May 16, 2016

        *Jackie, not Molly, you made me type too fast.

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

        I made you type to fast. Lmao! I got you sweating. Can’t remember which personality you are right now, huh.
        Lmao!!

        *Now Playing Ms.Molly by little Richard

  8. RihNavy May 16, 2016

    May 16, 2016 at 12:27 am
    Anastasia Beaverhousen says:

    +7
    0

    Vote
    All her shows were sold. Molly you have her confused with your fave.
    I suggest you get some help to integrate your thousands of sick personalities.
    Go watch Mama I want to sing, no one else did. Support your fave!!
    Reply

    I AM HOLLERING AT THE LAST PART “GO WATCH MAMA I WANT TO SINGEJSBSJSVSJAB” ??

    • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

      Poor captain crump fan. She has splintered into so many personalities. So sad. 🙂

      • #Jackie May 16, 2016

        HΠBYE! NOT WHEN YOU WERE TROLLING AS HAILBEYSUS AND ANNALISE

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

        B**** keep trying to reverse it!! Everyone I put my foot on your neck, you change personalities and accounts!! You demon ass b****!

        #ThePowerOfChristCompellsYou
        #SomeExorcistShit

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

        **every time

  9. RihNavy May 16, 2016

    May 16, 2016 at 12:50 am
    Anastasia Beaverhousen says:

    +7
    0

    Vote
    If only your mom would have passed the blood clot, you were meant to be, into the toilet. What a shame you lived..
    Reply

    SNATCH HA BYHAEDGES

  10. RihNavy May 16, 2016

    May 16, 2016 at 2:32 am
    Anastasia Beaverhousen says:

    +4
    0

    Vote
    You said that already(12:25am,lol), you dizzy b****. Molly this is like the 25,009,009 troll acct for you.
    If you want to be convincing @ least change it up. It’s funny really.
    Claiming rih, Aaliyah, Bey, everyone one but the one you Stan for because she is a no one in music.
    Well she still has male model left. Giving Fabio teas..
    Bye b****
    Reply

    PUT THE NAIL IN HA COFFIN DAUGHTUH!

  11. Anastasia Beaverhousen May 16, 2016

    I don’t dislike Mr. Sister, but if you try my fave. When I’m around, I’m coming for that throat.

    Point, blank, period.

    #KeepItAllTheWayCute

    • RihNavy May 16, 2016

      FIRST HEHE AND NOW “MR. SISTER” hasjwhsjshwjwhejevhsbsh I HATE Y’ALLL?????????⚰⚰⚰⚰⚰⚰????????⚰

  12. King B May 16, 2016

    Happy Birthday! God bless ?

  13. Cake like Lady GaGa May 16, 2016

    Getting Molly d***-riding teas from @RihNavy.

  14. FC/JC May 16, 2016

    Kiiii

  15. Mark & Stephy’s Phone Calls May 16, 2016

    This post is a mess

  16. Yes May 16, 2016

    Where is All Nite (don’t stop) at???

    • MUSICHEAD May 16, 2016

      That choreography is sick!

  17. Lake Erie May 16, 2016

    Wow! I’m content with TGJ’s selection even though I love then all. Lol. But yes, I couldn’t agree with Janet being one of the first to do a “One Take Edit” Video with “RockWitChu”. And yes, that video was also very ahead of its time. Everyone is hopping on the “Dark” side not.. Discipline was innovative period.

    .
    I will always love her “All For You” choreography. I don’t think no one has come close to making a cohesive “All Dance” video with out it being so CHOPPY. I think “Aaliyah” did with her “Try again song” and Ciara came close with ” GOT me good”. But yes, “All for you” dance track especially her dance break at the end is still epic to this day.

    .
    I could talk about Janet all day! I love that woman!! Happy Birthday Ms.Janet!!!!! ❤ Turn up with a foot massage, strawberries dipped in chocolate. ?

    • Lake Erie May 16, 2016

      *I couldn’t agree MORE LOL with hER being the first to do a one take edit video”

  18. #JACKIE May 16, 2016

    Not RihGayvy trolling as me again. The obsession.

  19. Arx May 16, 2016

    Most of her music sounds so dated. Only one of those videos is iconic and thats Rhythm Nation which is still classic today. Happy Birthday Whisper Queen.

    • Sean May 16, 2016

      The hell?

      Got Til It’s Gone, I Get Lonely, All For You, All Nite (Don’t Stop), Love Will Never Do and Someone To Call My Lover all sound current.

      Janet’s music is timeless. Thankfully she was never one to follow trends but she blazed her own trail and set them.

  20. pat May 16, 2016

    most if not all of those videos have been duplicated…..the original queen

    • Lake Erie May 16, 2016

      And you know it! Lol

    • Sean May 16, 2016

      Lord I know….

      The Pleasure Principle, That’s The Way Love Goes, If, I Get Lonely, You Want This, Scream, Runaway, Miss You Much, Rhythm Nation, Alright, Got Til It’s Gone…

      So many trying to recreate the magic.

  21. Matthew Charlery-Smith May 16, 2016

    Where’s “Runaway”? Where’s “Miss You Much”?

    Happy B’day, Janet!

  22. MUSICHEAD May 16, 2016

    1. I Get Lonely
    2. All for You
    3. So Excited
    4. Anytime Anyplace
    5. Love Will Never Do

    • Royalkev May 16, 2016

      Yessss @ Anytime, Anyplace!

  23. Coolness May 16, 2016

    Happy Birthday Queen ????! She and my Mom share the same born day so May 16th has always been special. I LOVE her smile! It’s so bright, carefree and gorgeous.This is a really good top 5 five list. If it were up to me, it would go something like this:

    1. Love Will Never Do
    2. Pleasure Principle
    3. All For You
    4. I Get Lonely
    5. That’s The Way Love Goes

    • Royalkev May 16, 2016

      I just can’t! Not Love WILL NEVER DO! When a slayful video skips your mind…

  24. Danny Bey May 16, 2016

    1. I Get Lonely
    2. All For You
    3. Doesn’t Really Matter
    4. That’s The Way Love Goes
    5. Scream/Alright

  25. Sheeno May 16, 2016

    Happy birthday Ms.Jackson!!!.

    1)All Night (Don’t Stop)(Without Kia)
    2)All For You
    3)Runaway
    4)Love Will Never Do
    5)Together again

    Honorables:
    1)What About(Live From Madison Square)
    2)Trust A Try (Live From Hawaii)
    3)Doen’t Really Matter
    4)Scream
    5)Rhythm Nation

    • Jhonny Kravitz May 17, 2016

      Perfect arrangements!.

  26. Del May 16, 2016

    Happy 50th Birthday Queen! I’ve always been a fan (some would say Stan) and will continue to be. Thank U for everything! You deserve it all!

  27. Royalkev May 16, 2016

    Ya’ll better talk about the force that is Damita Jo! Janet just gives me so life and it’s hard to believe that she’s turning 50 and about to create one!
    I love the commentary in this post, but I must switch up the order (for the first 3 listed)!

    #5 Rhythm Nation –
    This is Janet’s movement … It’s one of the most powerful statements ever made in pop culture history!

    I have a tie for #4th …

    I Get Lonely –
    This was just the most sleek and sophisticated choreographed mid-tempos I ever seen!

    & Doesn’t Really Matter –
    The vibrant colors and Janet’s dance break…

    #3 Scream –

    I didn’t know what Janet was going to do next in that video! You can’t watch that video and not say this bish – 10, 15, 20 times! I feel like the Janet in that video can take on anyone … and everyone at the same damn time!

    #2 If –
    Ya’ll said it best … This particular dance break is iconic!!! The seduction, the confidence, the allure in this visual >>>>>>>>>> … Let me calm TF down! Janet Damita Jo Jackson did that shyt!

    #1 Pleasure Principle –
    Now this is an EPIC video if I ever saw one! Janet’s raw talent + magnetic presence + exquisite dancing = Slayage!

    Janet is so GODDESS level on this one!

    • Royalkev May 16, 2016

      … and Happy Birthday Dunk!~

  28. Sean May 16, 2016

    1. Got Til It’s Gone
    2. Alright
    3. Love Will Never Do (Without You)
    4. If
    5. Rhythm Nation

    I swear, I can’t just stop there…

    6. Scream
    7. I Get Lonely
    8. The Pleasure Principle
    9. You Want This
    10. Runaway

  29. Coolzeroing ink reddish ivy bloper tran anti girl lemond time May 17, 2016

    Happy belated birthday Janet Jackson-Mana

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