Janet Jackson has joined the billion dollar club.
The All For You hitmaker has boasted a multi-million dollar fortune for years, but now she has joined her new husband, retail entrepreneur Wissam Al Mana, and the elite group of moneymakers whose bank balances top $1 billion, according to industry publication Variety.
The singer has raked in a total of $260 million in album sales thanks to the success of Control, Janet and Rhythm Nation 1814, and she has also taken in another $81 million from music and book publishing fees.
Jackson’s multiple sold-out world tours have contributed another $458 million to her net worth, with an additional $81.5 million coming from tour sponsorships and licensing fees.
The 47 year old has also banked an impressive $304 million from her box office roles in 2000′s The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, Poetic Justice and For Colored Girls.
The superstar’s whopping personal fortune puts her in good company – Madonna, filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey have all made the ultra-exclusive list.
Janet Jackson says she has listened to new music and loves Kendrick Lamar’s “Poetic Justice,” and she is also working on a new project.
The most radio-friendly single on Kendrick Lamar’s debut studio LP, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was the Drake-featured “Poetic Justice” which had a smooth sample from a classic Janet Jackson joint. Now, Miss Jackson says she is actually working on a new project, and says she has been listening to recent music including K.Dot’s single.
Janet has taken a five year hiatus from music, and who would blame her as she has recently married a Qatari billionaire, but this year marks the 20th anniversary of her immensely successful album janet, so she is making the media rounds and talking music. While not offering up much information, the R&B sensation says that she has begun conceptualizing the new project, “I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music.”
Eager fans shouldn’t get overly amped to hear new music soon, as Janet plans to take her time in creating this album, “I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”
Scoop Deville made incredible use of her voice on the track “Any Time, Any Place,” for Kendrick’s cut on GKMC, and the Compton rapper has openly reached out to Janet before saying he wanted her part of the music video. The good news for the rising hip hop star is that Jackson has heard his track, and is a big fan, “I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s ‘Poetic Justice.’”
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‘I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. ‘ – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s “janet.” celebrates its 20th anniversary today, May 18. Her groundbreaking fifth album has sold over 7 million copies and spawned six Hot 100 singles. The album was a sexual awakening for both Jackson and American culture. Hits like “That’s The Way Love Goes” and “Any Time, Any Place” were some of the most sexually frank to reach the upper reaches of the charts at the time.
Janet Jackson, ‘janet.’: Classic Track-By-Track Review
Though she’s kept a low profile since 2011, when she released her self-help memoir “True You” and toured behind her “Number Ones” greatest hits set, Janet Jackson spoke with Billboard for an exclusive Q&A where she revisits the making of “janet.,” discusses its current influence and teases her next album (“I am working on a new project now.”).
May 18 marks the 20th anniversary of “janet.” How would you describe what that album captures about your life at that time?
I can’t believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in… I want my fans to really know me. The ‘janet’ album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me.
Although you worked primarily with Jimmy and Terry again on “janet.,” you explore a lot of different genres on that album – from dance to soul to rock to opera on “This Time.” Did you have to fight to keep some of the bolder songs on there – was anyone telling you this wasn’t “pop” enough?
I’ve been exposed to all types of great music. I like to collaborate on my music. The creative process is fun and you get a lot of ideas from having discussions about it. Ultimately, the final decision is mine.
There are musical references and direct samples of janet. songs all over the place now, most notably on Kendrick Lamar’s “Poetic Justice.” Have you heard most of these re-interpretations (Moon Boots’ “Sugar,” which samples “If,” How To Dress Well’s cover of “Again,” MNEK’s “That’s The Way Love Goes” etc?) And how does it feel to see your work have such impact on new artists?
I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s “Poetic Justice.” There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.
Several of the songs on janet. and their accompanying videos were groundbreaking at the time for their overt sexuality. Why was it so important for you to express that part of yourself in your work, and how did you convince others around you at the time to let you take those risks?
Like I said before, I write about my experiences or things that touch me deeply. I was really beginning to get in tune with my sexual self. This is what I wanted to express so I did. The decision to move forward in an artistic way is mine. I didn’t need to convince anyone.
The videos and tour for “janet.” featured some iconic choreography from Tina Landon, most notably on ‘If.’ Do you have a favorite dance or video from that period?
Tina Landon and Omar Lopez choreographed “If”. I love “That’s The Way Love Goes,” “You Want This” and especially “If.” I don’t think people really realize what we were showing in that video that wasn’t available with technology then. The video featured futuristic technology, specifically high definition touch screens. I wanted the actors in the video to use these screens to communicate, and relate with each other in the clubs. Similar to what we all do with our smart phones and tablets today. As I look at our lives now, it seems that life is imitating art. I have seen different elements from all of these videos in lots of artists work and it’s a great feeling to know that you have inspired them in such a way.
Many artists cite you as a role model and a huge influence on their career and image. Which artists today do you admire?
I’m flattered that other artists consider me a role model. I’m really enjoying what Bruno Mars and Adele are doing, a lot of artistry there.
It’s been five years since your last album, and nearly four since your last single. Have you been working on new music, and when can we expect it if so?
I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.
Thank u for all the birthday wishes! I loved reading them. Love u! MYM!
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) May 17, 2013
Janet you are very welcome! We love you!!
