[youtube id=”OAwaNWGLM0c”]Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” took on social and political issues with a bassline designed by Sly and the Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again).” Jackson and super-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis took prominent news headlines and made a song about the kind of world they wanted to see united on the dance floor. Stones’ reworked funk, the intensity of the New Jack Swing beats and Jackson’s passionate vocals combined still has many fans and critics calling “Rhythm Nation” her greatest song. The video’s black and white cinematography was intended to symbolize racial unity and the military-style outfits of Jackson and her dancers were unisex to represent gender quality. Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” choreography is her most famous and all of the well-planned elements earned the video multiple MTV, Billboard and Grammy awards.”Rhythm Nation” came from Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 album and the whole project was one of Jackson’s signature songs and albums. Her fourth studio album is recognized as a defining moment in pop music for its continual influence on successive generations. Beyoncé and Rihanna are two contemporary artists who have shared their appreciation for “Rhythm Nation” with tributes to the fashion and dance moves. Janet Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and will open her Las Vegas residency May 17th.Â
