Show Me Whatcha Got

Remember when Janet Jackson took off her clothes to promote an upcoming record? That was May 1993 – 21 years ago – for the album janet., and she was as blazing hot as the album (and Rolling Stone) cover was controversial. But the difference between Janet and modern day starlet Nkcki Manaj is that Janet had the goods to back up the controversial cover.

The lead single that followed the photo was That’s The Way Love Goes – a sly, sultry little track with a devastating baseline that had even the hardest hard rocks rushing the dance floor trying to get their groove on. Oh, and the rest of the album? “Throb”, "You Want This", "If", "Again", "Any Time, Any Place" – hit after hit. 20 million copies sold, ranked in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as #86 on their Greatest Albums of All Time List. A collection of soulful pop magic that we may never hear the likes of again.

Yeah, Janet had the body of life and was not afraid to show it off. But she had undeniable talent as an artist and performer. Don't sleep, along with her long-time legendary collaborators, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she not only wrote the lyrics but also produced every song on janet. No, Janet was no one trick pony, not taking off her clothes merely for attention, but to demonstrate the power of a woman taking control of her sexuality. Twenty years ago that was bold and daring – today that’s purely derivative.

So Nicki has the body – we all can see that. But does she have the body of work to back it up? That remains to be seen. Come on Nicki – Show me whatcha got.