Despite it being her brother Michael that was crowned ‘Prince of Pop’, Janet Jackson is still flying the flag for true pop music – and all that goes with it. Following the release of her 2015 album Unbreakable, Janet has now released her slick new video for Dammn Baby. An apt week for her to do so, as the singer also announced her pregnancy.
The clip is a classic affair in black and white, harking back to an iconic formula as Janet performs her trademark moves ahead of her backing dancers. The track itself has a smooth funk feel, in true Jackson style it’s riddled with hooks across vocals and instrumentation. But without being overwhelming, Janet pins the kind of danceable sensuality that she’s kicked so well throughout her career.
The result of Jackson’s desire to “have one more uptempo funky record that I can really dance to”, the video for Dammn Baby is just that. Slinky and chic, it’s all about the pop as she breaks out familiar moves. Jackson worked with long time collaborator, director Dave Meyers for the video, and choreographer Gil Duldula. Meyers commented on the making of the clip that, “When she’s comfortable, she smiles and she giggles and she laughs at things, and at the same time hit that serious sexy stuff that she does.”
The video for Dammn Baby may be a slight consolation for those who were hoping to catch Jackson on her Unbreakable tour in North America. The singer recently announced that shows would be postponed until 2017. She asked for her fans understanding regarding the delay, revealing that her and husband Wissam Al Mana are “planning a family”. Hinting at just a possible pregnancy at that time, Jackson stated, “Please if you can try and understand that it’s important that I do this now. I have to rest up, doctor’s orders.”
The planned tour would be her biggest road show since 2011, but has unfortunately been earmarked for delay as the first leg was postponed due to problems with Jackson’s vocal chords. Having cancelled the European leg of the tour completely, the singer has assured American ticket holders that new dates will be announced, refunds will be available but tickets will also be honoured for rescheduled dates.
Image: Breathe The Heavy