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?