From The Vault: Michael Jackson & Janet – ‘Scream’

Published: Sunday 26th Jun 2011 by David

This week’s From The Vault celebrates the careers of two of Pop-Culture’s biggest phenomenons: brother and sister Michael and Janet Jackson.

With the 25th of June (yesterday) marking the 2 year anniversary of the Legend’s passing, That Grape Juice once again tribute him and his unmatchable talent.

And since little sister is touring Europe at the moment and will be coming very soon to our hometown of London, what better time than the present to reflect on the output of two of music’s great stars. What better way to do that than with their 1995 epic duet, ‘Scream’.

Released as the first single from Michael’s ‘HIStory’ album and produced by Janet’s longtime producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the track serves as an open letter to the press following MJ’s 1993 legal drama. Janet’s participation was her way of supporting her big bro’.

The high-octane cut  sees Mike and Jan flaunt a  more aggressive tone, which in tandem compliments their controversial lyrics (“Just stop pressuring me, stop f*cking with me”).

A dream collaboration on paper, the blissful reality was rendered ever better with the help of ‘Scream’s award-winning video.

At the time the most expensive music visual ever made, the futuristic black & white clip is a classic for many a reason, although it’s the iconic dance-break that generates the most praise to this day.

The world had been waiting for a joint performance of the track for years, but instead had to settle for a virtual showing in 2009 when Janet tributed her brother at the VMA’s. An amazing performance to say the least, yet still heart-wrenching knowing that we’ll never get to see them set the stage a ablaze together.

Many a fan have expressed desire for Janet to return to the creative force that are Jimmy & Terry. A sentiment we co-sign; they are after all the ones who’ll provide songs in the vein of this one (i.e. stellar production + non-standard lyrics), as well as the wealth of hits she amassed under their guidance.

As for Michael, this piece of art right here is one of the many reasons he will NEVER be replaced. Even though this vid saw the light of the day more than 15 years ago, it is aesthetically leaps and bounds better than most of what is out today.

MJ may be gone, but his art and legacy live on! Forever and a day.

Your thoughts?

Comments 16

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  1. Matthew Charlery-Smith June 26, 2011

    Drastic man! There was so much to learn from Michael! I’d have loved to spend some time asking him about his music, influences and production etc. I’m sure I’ll get to speak to one of his brothers one day!

  2. UGh June 26, 2011

    I still don’t understand up to this day why people wouldn’t just leave him alone. How could you not like him? He had the personality and aura about him. r.i.p MJ forever in my heart ♥

  3. UGh June 26, 2011

    This video is bomb by the way. Your favs could never!!!!

  4. KAT DELUNA FAN June 26, 2011

    NOT ONE OF MY FAV BUT THE VIDEO IS STILL SUPER DOPE

    RIP MJ

  5. Justin C. June 26, 2011

    Michael and Janet are pure class. Thriller, Scream, If, Love Will Never Do, Rhythm Nation are my favorite videos EVER!!! WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!! KING OF POP!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. WWW.TWITTER.COM/ESSENCE_OF_SEAN June 26, 2011

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS FOR “SCREAM”

    ICONIC
    EPIC
    LEGENDARY

    ROYAL ENTERTAINMENT!

    I LOVE THEM BOTH! R.I.P MJ.

  7. browngirl June 26, 2011

    love this video, and this song.

    i feel lucky that i was around when these two legendary people released this. like my dad tells me about how good his hero’s used to be, but i guess i will never know them like he did. i’m glad i knew MJ.

    He will live forever!

  8. Stoney-Brie June 26, 2011

    THE BEST brother and sister ever! long live the King and Queen Of POP!

  9. Tru June 26, 2011

    I think Michael would have had a lot to say about the financial depression in America today
    “they dont care about us”
    true true

  10. PYTFROMAL June 26, 2011

    I love Janet and of course my King! The glove lives on:)

  11. ~aMaZiNG.Lee~ June 26, 2011

    I know I sound like a stan but….

    That dance break>>>>>>>your life!

    LOL!

  12. jaybaby June 26, 2011

    EPIC!! I just got chills watching this. Such an amazing talent that Mike possessed and Janet still has today. They just grab you and make you want to watch. This video definitely set the bar is indeed leaps and bounds over 99.9% of videos produced.

  13. nice_gurl June 26, 2011

    Michael will be remembered 100 years from now. Rest in peace Michael. Wish you could have stayed around longer.

  14. C June 28, 2011

    Yes! One of Michael’s best songs/videos. RIP MJ!

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