Janet Jackson’s “Discipline” (Exclusive)

YOUNG VOICES Vol. 1 / Issue 5
17
Editor’s Note: All Pieces in this section are written
by Eboyne’ Jackson, unless otherwise noted. Enjoy.

By Marcus Scott

Only two years ago, Janet Jackson, the queen of New Jack swing and Dance-pop released her ninth studio album promptly titled 20 Y.O. The album, which featured rather reprehensible tracks from Jackson, garnered few hits, and Jackson knew she was ready for a comeback. Known very well for her pop-savvy and love-inspired tunes, including rather eclectic themes into her music (domestic violence, prejudice, depression, bondage), and out-of-this-world music videos, Jackson delivers Discipline. Discipline, Jackson’s 10th studio record is a far departure from the glory days of Control, Janet, and Rhythm Nation 1814, in fact, it’s in its own category. The 41-year-old singer-songwriter, dancer, thespian and record producer has merely recycled the all-too-familiar pop that she is known for, and included digitalized synthesizers and processed falsetto balladry.
On her Island Def Jam Music Group debut, Jackson was expected like megastars Prince and Madonna to leave her red light music and go for a family-focused and world-oriented sound because of ageism. With an all-star production team that consist of The-Dream (Rihanna’s "Umbrella," J. Holiday’s "Bed"), Jermaine Dupri (Mariah Carey’s "We Belong Together"), Darkchild (Britney’s Spear’s "Overprotected (remix)," Destiny’s Child’s "Say My Name"), and Ne-Yo (Beyoncé’s "Irreplaceable," Rihanna’s "Unfaithful"), Jackson delivers a lukewarm album. Ne-Yo, a Jackson fan himself, creates a slow, catlike quality to Discipline, however, falls flat in his enthusiasm. His signature contribution to the record is "Rock with U," a clever amalgamation of Kylie Minogue’s "Can’t Get You out of My Head" and Jackson’s brother Michael’s Off The Wall classic, "Rock With You." While "Rock with U" is a carefree, strobe light manifesto, it’s a sound that recalls Jackson’s 2001 effort, All For You. Other songs seem to be forgettable after their first listen such as the quixotic "What’s Ur Name" and whimsical "So Much Betta."
However, don’t think Jackson’s career has peaked. While the album appears to be merely one to compete with younger superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, there are few gems on this record. "Can’t B Good," a melodic quiet storm that recalls "I Can’t Help It" from her Michael’s soul-pop breakthrough Off The Wall is just exquisite, and the closest flash of depth on the record. Another song that recalls another artist is "LUV," Jackson’s third single released from the record. "LUV," a sound of familiarity to Mariah Carey’s Emancipation of Mimi record, gives Jackson a relaxed and Zen-like quality to her music, a contrast to some of the gaucherie of other songs on Discipline. Truly the stand-out feature is the lead single, "Feedback;" this is a sassy and traffic-stopping, club-stomper produced by DarkChild.
Oddly enough the album, something of a failure, is fastened with its easy transitional interludes. For example, "Bathroom Break," in only 40 seconds, quickly articulates the feel of the record and gives small depth of Jackson’s character. Throughout the record, Jackson even interacts with Kyoko, the record’s emcee to create a futuristic feel; a goal Jackson had intentions to begin with.
Although many may suggest that Jackson drop her knack for cracking whips and lust for voyeurism, and embrace an age-appropriate medium to those of her peers, Jackson releases a wildfire that some may find too hot to handle with this record. Jackson does a great job in creating a seductive climate, and reminds everyone why she is the megastar that she is. However, there are few up-tempo tracks on the record. Do not expect anything reminiscent of her classic records with this one, but look for something for Jackson’s next record; she’s evolving. Jackson, even at 41, is about to turn heads and start collecting.
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Raised in Albany, New York, Marcus Scott is a fan of music (from punk to classical, hip-hop to funk, soul to techno) and with keen interests in culture, fashion and politics, Marcus one day plans to work for or start a successful cultural magazine that stands next to the likes of Anthem, Filter, Ebony, GQ, and Fader. But he still has a long to go. Marcus is both honored and privileged to work with Krave Magazine. Scott has worked with ArtVoice: The alternative newspaper, Nu-Soul Magazine and Krave Magazine. This will be his debut working with Exclusive.

To see original, go here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZi3JtOF1zo/R-wkZ5sQZGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/ABadIIppGEQ/s1600-h/EX-+III.jpg

Be on the Lookout

Baby Brother, Baby Sister

Being the youngest sibling in a family, one can never escape the title of “my baby.” It’s a challenge to get rid of for both the baby and the family.

It takes time for both the youngest to accept it and the family to accept the baby is grown. Embarrassing stories of the past, the “naked-butt” infant photos, and the first time of asking mommy and daddy where babies come from is a part of one’s life history. Unfortunately, there comes a time to say goodbye to that precious baby boy and sweet little girl…because now we are grown folk.

When you’re the youngest in a household, some think that the perks of being the “baby” would be being spoiled by your parents, never getting in trouble and doing whatever you please without worrying about the consequences. Though some of this was true in my case, most of these things backfired on me later down the line. Being the youngest, I would get in trouble because I “didn’t know better”, being spoiled lead me to the mentality of being selfish and wanting everything for myself and not being able to do anything without careful surveillance or criticism. Safe to say, being the youngest isn’t always a fun thing. As a child, instead of doing kid stuff all the time, such as waking up to weekend cartoons or playing with my friends, I was expected to help do chores and handle my responsibilities. I scorned this idea for a long time, but now I’m glad that I got to learn these important skills in life especially at a young age.

The most crucial thing that affected me being young was my ability to be outside and learn how to get around by myself. I always had to stay close or be restrained to the “yard”. I now realize that it was out of protection that I was confined to these boundaries, but it really messed me up when it came to traveling or needing to handle situations by on your own. As the “baby,” you never get to explore your independence fully because there is always somebody doing something for you;”babying” you. In the present, when we, as the youngest sibling finally get to move on, we are properly prepared to handle the “adult” world. Well I’m here to say that I’m not trying to be the baby anymore. It’s time these grown-ups grow up, take the pacifier out their mouths and see us as the young adults we are.

I often wondered how Janet Jackson could deal with the constant reference of the kid sister or baby sister, despite her success and talent as a grown woman. However, one of the best tasks I’ve gain because of my nuclear familial status is observation. I was accused of having a major staring problem as a child, but I was trying to figure out how to think of interpreting the world. Without reading, my tactics involved heavy analyzing of pictures and objects in order to get around in life. I know I can always depend on my siblings for anything and everything; but I also know that one day, I would be on my own, without them. I had to observe what was done, left incomplete, what opportunities weren’t taken, and constantly be reminded that an alternate route doesn’t necessarily end the journey. Being warned of mistakes doesn’t mean that I won’t make my own original mistakes; things happen. How it is handled shows true maturity.

There was a time in which I was sweet, nice, and gentle little girl. I had no problem giving and helping. It becomes a problem when these characteristics are expected to be displayed on a daily basis. The irony is that the ones who teach you to stand up for yourself and not let others neither condescend nor take advantage of you turn into foes when you use their own advice against them. This introduces the feud of respect among one another. It just cracks me up because big brother and sister are too busy enforcing that that baby sister and brother must respect them when they can’t even respect that their little siblings are almost old enough to drink [alcohol]. With regards to constant bullying, respect is not given; it’s earned [Michael Jackson].

When the time came for baby girl to demand respect, she was belittled as either acting silly or nonsensical. The approach may have been confusing and ignorant, but the message is still the same. Challenging my older siblings can help me assert myself as a grown woman, while helping them realize that I’ve learned how to be cruel to be kind.

As the baby brother (V-Jay) and the baby sister (Reggy), all we ask for is some respect. We respect the fact that we’re young, but we are becoming adults day by day. So the next time you call us the baby, remember when you were young, BABY! Peace & Love.

By Regina Rivers(Staff Writer) and V-Jay John (President)
Fahari-Libertad Family Portrait Issue

Keller Williams (never cited as author)

Sunday, March 2

 

Keller Williams

 

Lauded for his nifty and savvy combo of prolific writing and technology, its rare when artist can create a diaphanous amalgamation between inviting harmonies and soothing lyrics. Courtesy of SCI Fidelity records, Keller Williams is looking to create a musical undulation with his twelfth album appositely titled 12. Celebrating nigh 15 years as a one-man band, Williams, guitar’s mad-scientist magically enforces a necromantic blend between classic rock acoustics, jazz, bluegrass, folk and reggae that cites favorites Sublime and The Grateful Dead; recalling a sound familiar to artists Ani Difranco and Jason Mraz. His album 12, a collection of standout tracks from his previous releases, with a newly released single is looking to create an ambient, melodious palpitation through the Buffalo atmosphere on Sunday. A band on the rise from their debut this summer followed by their enlivening rock performance at Bonnaroo, new band The WMB’S, will precede Williams when the doors open at 8 p.m.

 

- Marcus Scott

 

9 p.m. Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. $ 25 at the door, $21 advance. For more information, visit townballroominfo@gmail.com, or call (716) 852-3900

Go see the published link:

http://www.artvoice.com/issues/v7n9/see_you_there/keller_williams_and_the_wmds