Remembering 'The Velvet Rope' Era: An Appreciation Thread

Okay, so last week marked 21 years since the release of Janet Jackson's landmark album, 'The Velvet Rope' and I've been pondering on whether to do a thread since Sunday (it's A LOT of work). But I've decided that this masterpiece of an album DESERVES so get into it.

This thread will be similar to the retrospective I did on Beyoncé’s ‘B’Day’ album and in order to get it to the standard y’all love, I might move a little slower in completing it. Bear with me and enjoy! https://twitter.com/coolness1994/status/1036224384770420736?s=21

So let's get a lil' backstory on where Janet was prior to recording 'The Velvet Rope'. In 1995, Janet released her first compilation album, 'Design Of A Decade: 1986-1996'. As a result of this release, her contract with Virgin Records was up which led to a bidding war.

Janet ultimately renewed her contract with Virgin for an unprecedented $80 million which made her the highest paid entertainer in the world. This was the largest recording contract in history at the time—besting figures for her brother Michael and fellow pop diva, Madonna.

While on the 'Janet World Tour', Janet experienced an emotional breakdown which was caused by deeply-rooted issues stemming from her childhood, doubts about whether she was deserving of her success and crippling self esteem.

And thus, Janet created 'The Velvet Rope'. She explained the album's title as follows, "... In 'The Velvet Rope', I'm trying to expose and explore those feelings. I'm inviting you inside my velvet rope. I have a need to feel special, and so do you."

The album's artwork was photographed primarily by Ellen Von Unwerth with a few shots handled by Mario Testino. The risque images gained media attention for Janet's nipple piercing and themes of bondage. Simply iconic.