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
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?
![Chance the Rapper's Wife Officially Files for Divorce After Months of Separation [#ICYMI]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chance-rapper-divorce-kirsten-conley-bennett-2024-thatgrapejuice-464x260.png "Chance the Rapper's Wife Officially Files for Divorce After Months of Separation [#ICYMI].")
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!!!!!
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.
@Fistristopher Brown, you Stan for someone who punched his ex-fave back to sleep. Kiiiiii
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.
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.
Is that you in the DP?
No that’s @StreetFighterBrown
Yeah, why?
http://www.inquisitr.com/author/mauriceca/
How can you NOT but Got Til It’s Gone in the list?!
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!!
@maurice exactly!! She has such a plethora of great videos (and songs). To narrow that down to 5 is an impossible task. Lol.
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!!!
Yea, those videos are amazing too! I’m sure everyone’s top 5 Janet video list will be totally different!
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
You have good taste daddiiii and that’s why i took your ass to Red Lobster last night
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
@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 ???
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
Omg, You want this!!!! You’re going to make me change my list! Love your list babe! … I just remembered ‘Son of a Gun’ too! Ugh! So many good ones. This one too! …
https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-12/18/15/enhanced/webdr11/anigif_original-grid-image-11736-1418933286-16.gif
Yasss baby luv!! Too many great vids to list! Hey Kev luv!! Mym babe!
Hey boo! MYM(II)! 🙂
I still can’t believe our queen is 50 Y.O.!
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
Molly shut hell up. Or I will gather you and all your personalities right here and now you hoodrat trash.
You couldn’t gather me if you wanted to Annalise. And I’m Molly not Jackie. Know your place nan
*Jackie, not Molly, you made me type too fast.
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
May 16, 2016 at 12:27 am
Anastasia Beaverhousen says:
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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
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I AM HOLLERING AT THE LAST PART “GO WATCH MAMA I WANT TO SINGEJSBSJSVSJAB” ??
Poor captain crump fan. She has splintered into so many personalities. So sad. 🙂
HΠBYE! NOT WHEN YOU WERE TROLLING AS HAILBEYSUS AND ANNALISE
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
**every time
May 16, 2016 at 12:50 am
Anastasia Beaverhousen says:
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0
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If only your mom would have passed the blood clot, you were meant to be, into the toilet. What a shame you lived..
Reply
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SNATCH HA BYHAEDGES
May 16, 2016 at 2:32 am
Anastasia Beaverhousen says:
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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****
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PUT THE NAIL IN HA COFFIN DAUGHTUH!
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
FIRST HEHE AND NOW “MR. SISTER” hasjwhsjshwjwhejevhsbsh I HATE Y’ALLL?????????⚰⚰⚰⚰⚰⚰????????⚰
Happy Birthday! God bless ?
Getting Molly d***-riding teas from @RihNavy.
Kiiii
This post is a mess
Where is All Nite (don’t stop) at???
That choreography is sick!
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. ?
*I couldn’t agree MORE LOL with hER being the first to do a one take edit video”
Not RihGayvy trolling as me again. The obsession.
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.
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.
most if not all of those videos have been duplicated…..the original queen
And you know it! Lol
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.
Where’s “Runaway”? Where’s “Miss You Much”?
Happy B’day, Janet!
1. I Get Lonely
2. All for You
3. So Excited
4. Anytime Anyplace
5. Love Will Never Do
Yessss @ Anytime, Anyplace!
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
I just can’t! Not Love WILL NEVER DO! When a slayful video skips your mind…
1. I Get Lonely
2. All For You
3. Doesn’t Really Matter
4. That’s The Way Love Goes
5. Scream/Alright
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
Perfect arrangements!.
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!
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!
… and Happy Birthday Dunk!~
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
What legends do:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7370513/janet-jackson-50-accomplishments-birthday
Happy belated birthday Janet Jackson-Mana