We are back for PART 2 of our Janet Jackson “The Velvet Rope” journey. In this episode, Angie and Steffi break down the era! 

This week, Angie is back for our intro and we catch up on our Oscar & Razzie Moment of the Week. We also read an updated review from THE Nicole Scherzinger (Nicole, this is between me, and you, and you) and discuss our thoughts on Janet’s - if we can call it that - The Velvet Rope 25 campaign. 

In our Era Breakdown episodes, we touch on so many topics like career context, controversies/scandals of the era, marketing, music videos, live performances, album stats, and the album & era’s ultimate impact and legacy. For this episode, we talk about the relationship between Janet & René Elizondo Jr. and how that ultimately fell apart during The Velvet Rope era. We also discuss mental health & the way 90s media sensationalized depression, queer identity, piercings, tattoos, Janet’s iconic RED hair, and the undeniable impact of The Velvet Rope on today’s R&B music scene. The Janet propaganda continues. Sign up for the cause today.

Again, this is part 2 of the conversation! So make sure you listen to part 1 where we discussed the album track by track.

We hope you enjoyed our Janet Jackson “The Velvet Rope” journey!

Album Info: The Velvet Rope is the sixth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. The album was released on October 7, 1997, through Virgin Records. Prior to its release, she renegotiated her contract with Virgin for US$80 million, the largest recording contract in history at that time. Upon experiencing an emotional breakdown, Jackson began facing a long-term case of depression. She in turn developed her new record as a concept album, using introspection as its theme. Its title is a metaphor for emotional boundaries, as well as an allusion to an individual's need to feel special. Its lyrics address subject matter such as depression, self-worth, social networking, and domestic violence. It also encompasses themes of sexuality, including BDSM, sexual orientation and same-sex relationships. Due to its sexually explicit content, the album reinforced Jackson's public image as a sex symbol and as one of the most erotic vocalists of the 1990s. Its incorporation of social issues regarding sexual orientation and combating homophobia also established her reputation as a gay icon and received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music.

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TIME STAMPS:

- Housekeeping (01:55)

- Listener Feedback (03:13)

- Oscar & Razzie Moment of the Week (04:59)

- Our Thoughts on The Velvet Rope 25 (13:08)


Era Breakdown (17:43)

- Pop Corn & Pop Stars (19:28)

- Spill the Technicolor Tea (27:32)

- But We Need the Audience to Buy the Album (60:21)

- Video Killed the Radio Star (70:29)

- The Mic Is On (83:47)

- Show Me the Receipts (90:19)

- Impact/ Closing Thoughts (93:28)

- Preview Next Week’s Episode (99:23)