Janet Jackson - It's a career wrap. You are done...

Family,

"I know you used to do nice things for me, but what have you done for me lately??"

Almost 20 plus years ago, a young, newly re-energized Janet Jackson, fresh off her re-occurring role on "Fame" and a hit single "Dream Street", came back on the scene with "What Have You Done For Me Lately." The song was a bonafide smash and it became the new women's anthem for the mid 80's. This was "Independent Woman" before "Independent Woman." Under the guidance and tutelage of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the brilliant producer duo crafted and shaped a young girl with a famous name into an indomitable world reknown force.

Needless to say, Janet would go on to be extremely successful. Follow up albums such as "Rhythm Nation" and the self titled "janet." would solidify her reign as the "Princess of Pop." Unfortunately after a failed relationship with her then husband Rene, four lackluster albums in a row, (Velvet Rope, Damita Jo, All 4 U and 20 Y.O.) and the dismissal of long time collaborators Lewis and Jam, Janet's legacy began to spiral out of control. The Janet that declared and ordered you to call her "Ms. Jackson" became a shadow of her former self.

Like any fan, I of course bought all of her albums and tried to fake myself into believing that Janet would bounce back. However, after the recent announcement of her tour cancellation, it has become painfully obvious that Janet just doesn't have it anymore or has become bored with performing.

So why has Janet fallen the kcuf off? Well, I am going to share my reasonings. I know my opinions may once again put me in the proverbial hot seat, but what the hell...it's a blog and that's what blogs are made for.

The reasons why Janet fell the kcuf off....

1. Janet became wayyyyy too sexual - I blame her handlers for this. When "janet" dropped, Janet was a legend, a trendsetter, a musical goddess. As she progressively gotten older, for some reason, she felt the need to explain that she was a woman with sexual needs and fantasies. She started to transform into a musical cougar. With the "janet" album, she had the controversial boob grabbing cover. She tried to become Madonna with the "Velvet Rope" album, doing interviews where she was talking about her nipple rings on her breast, favorite sexual positions among other unnecessary things. We grew less and less interested in her music and became temporarily satiated with her sexual prowess and fetishes. Once she closed shop on that we began to lose interest.
   


2. Janet still tries to be too young - Janet is damn near 45 years old. At this stage of her career, she should not have to prove herself to no one. Beyonce, Ciara and all the "young'uns" can never be Janet or have the impact that she has had in musical history. But for some reason, Janet feels like she still has to prove that she had the goods still. Babygirl, you are a legend. Legends don't do that isht!!! You never saw Tina Turner get the Neptunes to lace her with beats! Patti Labelle isn't out there dropping it like it's hot!! Anita baker ain't saying, "work that pole" or "pop that thang!" So why are YOU demoralizing yourself? Let's face it...Janet, you are older...losing the pounds takes a lil' more effort now. That's okay, ma!! Just work on the craft and leave the young stuff to the young girls!!!
   


3. Janet allowed her boyfriend Jermaine Dupri to produce her albums - This was a huge mistake. I understand Def Jam's and Virgin's rationale though. Dupri was hot..white hot after resuscitating the career of Mariah Carey and producing key cuts on Usher's "Confessions" album. The record labels thought he had the "Clive Davis" touch and wanted him to do the same for Janet. The problem is that when you are kcufing your client, that causes all sorts of problems, namely lack of focus, musical objectivity and direction. Dupri is a mogul because he creates new stars out of young people or people in his age group. Janet is significantly older than Dupri. She needs a producer who can deliver a fresh sound with out making her look ridiculous. The last straw was when Dupri allowed Khia (of "My Neck, My back" infamy) to rock on a track with Janet. You let Khia rock on a track with Janet??? Wow... Khia, if you are reading this, ma, I hope you got all of your stacks. I ain't mad atcha'
   


4. Janet relied on the "Jackson mystique" for too long - 20 years ago, you could do an album, take four years off and come back to hungry and eager fans. If you are a Jackson, you can take eight years off. However, we are in the age of the Internet. Music fans demand their artists to create music more frequently, in addition to remaining visible. Janet can no longer expect new fans to wait for her drop an album. Also, by waiting so long between albums, you allow the Ashantis, Ciaras and Beyonces to take your space....
   


5. "Nipplegate" - Nuff said...
   
   
6. Janet took way to long to cancel her horrendous tour - First the cancelled dates, then LL leaves because ya'll can't pay him his stacks, then the sudden "medical illness"? C'mon ma...your fans aren't stupid. That's why you are being flamed to death by that youtube Janet fan. The scary part is that he has more views on his video than the seats you filled at your last concert venue.
   


7. Janet finally had to come to grips with her Achilles heel...her voice - Janet has never had to rely on her abilities of being a powerhouse singer until now. She always brought it with the shows, stage theatrics, innovative dance moves and fashions. Now that she is older, lost a step or two, is visibly a few pounds heavier and the budget to rock those venues has dropped significantly, Janet's singing ability and material selection becomes critical. Do you know why Aretha is still doing the damn thing despite her weight gain?? It's because she has a voice, timeless hits and she actually studied the craft of singing. Yes, I know it's unfair of me to compare Janet to Aretha, but you get my point.
   


8. Ciara, "The Janet Jackson Killer" - Say what you want, but this bubblegum sweet star is killing the fans with janet's own game... To top it off, she's younger, more svelte, and is bit more timely for the younger fans. Ciara is continually eating into Janet's younger fan base. Soon enough, Ciara could bite into the older ones as well... Am i saying Ciara will ever top janet? Probably not, but her "janet style of song and dance is having a huge effect on her sales. Janet knows this and that's why Jermaine brought her in to duet Janet's remixed lead single off of "Discipline."
   

I know...I really went in on Ms. Jackson. But when I "go in on someone," it's because I am mad and disappointed. Unrealistically, you want your stars to remain on top forever and when they show the first ounce of humanity, you want them to step up and correct isht. Maybe Janet's tired of the rat race. I understand that. She has a grueling and demanding schedule. But Janet, be honest with us and with yourself. Stay in your lane with your career and realize that even the best ultimately have to move to the side or adjust their game plan for the better.

"Funny how time flies when your having fun."

One - Cap D