Riding high on the wave of praise her latest LP ‘Redemption’ has secured, the vocalist has surprised her fans with a new number named ‘Stars‘ today.
With production built by Machine Drum the song adds a fresh layer of creativity to her album’s exploration into femininity, sexuality and the African-American experience and is now hoping to impress you below.
People of the world unite, strength in number we can get it right…
In 1989, Janet Jackson released her fourth album, the socially conscious ‘Rhythm Nation 1814.’ Given recent political events, we thought there was no better time to spotlight the album’s title track as our From The Vault pick.
Released as the LP’s second single, ‘Nation’ was – once again – the result of the work between Jackson and legendary duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It contains a sample from Sly & The Family Stone’s ‘Thank You’. Like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell before her, Jackson used this track to urge the youth to join forces and work together in order to improve their way of life.
A Pop-song-with-a-message, the release caused a colossal storm on a global scale. And although it missed the top of the US charts by one position – peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, it still it reached #1 on the Hip-Hop/R&B tally.
Dominic Sena took the directorial helm of the anthem’s Grammy-winning video – which skewed more mini-movie that any of Jackson’s prior or subsequent efforts.
Set in a post-apocalyptic warehouse, it is arguably one of the most iconic dance videos and sequences in Pop Culture. Influenced by brother Michael’s own short film ‘Captain Eo’, the hard-hitting choreography remains a staple and an inspiration for even today’s biggest stars.
Ever the idealist, Janet’s idea behind shooting the video in black and white was so that everybody had the same skin color: grey. A minor detail to some, but the semantics of this reaffirm how well-thought-out the message and execution were.
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From the US President-elect, to the BREXIT, to the one year anniversary of the Parisian terrorist attacks, it tends to be complicated to keep a positive outlook on life in such uncertain times.
Songs like ‘Rhythm Nation’ are what the world at large needs at this very moment; songs about hope, love, peace and unity.
Unfortunately, over 25 years after its release, the need for people to unite is stronger than ever. Hopefully 25 years from now we’ll finally be singing another tune.
Alicia Keys brought her ‘HERE’ album campaign to British shores tonight, taking to the stage on ‘The X Factor UK.’
Marking her first UK televised performance of the “era,” the 15-time Grammy winner aimed to make it count with a spirited rendition of ‘Blended Family.’
As Kanye West’s beef with Beyonce heats up, Ava DuVernay‘s spat with social injustice continues as her new documentary ‘13th’ drives thousands to its platform Netflix.
One of those was Oprah Winfrey.
Moved by its raw exploration into how corrupt criminal justice system pumps money into the pockets of corporate America by jailing people of colour, Winfrey invited Ava to discuss the project and its damning exposures.
Donald Trump’s problems continue to augment this week.
Forced to dish up $25 million to college students he is said to have scammed via his ‘Trump University’, the President-Elect now finds himself under mounting pressure to denounce supporters who plan to target the play ‘Hamilton.’
Madonna has long established herself as a tour de force and will remind the masses why on December 9th when her ‘Rebel Heart Tour’ hits Showtime.
The mammoth trek, which serves as the star’s 10th, played to over 1 million across the globe and amassed well over $200 million at the box office. It also helped further establish the singer as the third highest grossing live artist ever at $1.31 billion.
In its televised form, the special will broadcast the concert in HD and inter splice it with exclusive behind the scenes footage.
To titillate ahead of its premiere, Madge has released a new trailer.
During the Sacramento stop of his Saint Pablo Tour tonight (which he ended after just three songs), Yeezy began another rant. And we’re certain the Carters won’t be happy.
Kelly Rowland served as the ‘Motivation’ for many when she wowed at the 2nd Annual Stylemakers Awards in West Hollywood this week.
The R&B star turned heads as she arrived in a striking black ensemble at the WWD + Variety hosted event.
Ms. Kelly’s appearance comes on the heels of a number public showings of late.
Hopefully there’ll be new music on the horizon soon, because it’s crazy how time flies. It’s been three-almost-four years the 35-year-old released her last album ‘Talk A Good Game.’
While we wait, check out stunning snaps after the jump…