As we celebrate Janet Jackson’s legacy on what has been christened #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay, we journey you back to 2004, when the diva released fan favorite ‘All Nite (Don’t Stop).’
Built on a Herbie Hancock sample, the track was produced by Jackson alongside Swedish producers Bag & Arnthor. Longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis also helped cook up the cut.
Interestingly, the Samba-infused jam was initially intended to be the lead single from the artist’s eight album ‘Damita Jo,’ but was instead issued as the LP’s third offering.
Serviced at a time when Janet was unfairly pegged public enemy #1 – after the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” – this plausible radio hit never even entered Billboard’s Hot 100.
Indeed, not even its slick, choreography driven Francis Lawrence video could save its chart trajectory. Still, it still delivered many a moment.
Armed with an army of funky dancers, Janet leads the “kidz” as they rehearse in the dark after a blackout. Perhaps to offset any potential backlash and encourage mass play, a clean version (sans some of the “edgier” moments) was also rolled out.
‘Til this day, the visual remains a much appreciated gem in Jackson’s videography.
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Unlike numerous artists of her caliber, Janet never lost what made her so special in the first place. Hence, why it was frustrating seeing songs such as ‘All Nite’, ‘So Excited’ and (to a lesser, but still notable extent) ‘Feedback’ given the cold shoulder by radio and music shows at the time of their release. All because of an issue that was (purposefully) blown out of proportion and seemed rooted in both sexism and racism.
As Janet’s guest Justin Timberlake readies his own Super Bowl performance, it’s clear the world is a wholly different place than it was 14 years ago. With the rise of (Black) Twitter and the power of the #TimesUp movement, it seems people are finally waking up to the injustice that played out in the aftermath of “Nipplegate’ and the unjust ramifications it had on Jackson’s releases and career more broadly.
A bit late if you ask us, but better late than never, right?
The dancing here is A1, great video and a very underrated song. This should’ve been a duet with her and Britney imo.
Not sure but I think they credit Britney playing this before her tour in ‘08 or ‘09 for the song randomly rising on iTunes that year and eventually going platinum.
Damita Jo is really a classic album aside from the audio por n that is “warmth”. Sexhibition and Island Life should’ve been #1s with hot dance videos.
Yes. Damita Jo was a really good album. “Like You Don’t Love Me” and “R&B Junkie” still bang to this day.
Damita Jo was and still is such a solid project, the summer feel throughout that entire album is what I love the most. So many songs couldve and shouldve been videos and in the charts.
I can’t wait to read TGJ Justin’s halftime show review, you guys better not disappoint me, I expect that to be TGJ’s most hateful article yet, thank you ?
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S****** the nasty racist f a g g o t constantly thirsting for Justina Timberflake who could care less about you. I already told you that two trashy bottoms can do nothing for each other and Justina is looking for a top with some money. Dream on racist loser b|tch.
That song was a gem
Sami to Join still went platinum and have some iconic songs I Want You, My Baby and Spending Time With You are still my jams ??♂️
Considering all that went on at the time, it’s truly a testament that that album sold over a million copies.
This was a good look for Janet, the style, sound and choreography.
The original is classic but the remix is a classic too featuring Elephant Man. The song was a hit back then and still is to this day. My favorite song during the blacklisting era was So Excited Featuring Khia. I feel like if those two reconciled and recorded another song together it would be another hit.
Someone said a duet with Britney ? I died.
It would’ve been hot 100 #1