Tunes Du Jour Presents Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has long been a force in the world of popular music, carving out a distinct legacy that spans decades. Her impact can be seen not only in her numerous chart-topping hits but also in the cultural shifts she helped to inspire through her music and public presence. From the assertive beats of “Rhythm Nation” to the smooth, sultry tones of “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Jackson’s versatility as an artist has made her a pivotal figure in shaping the sound and style of contemporary pop and R&B.

Starting her career at a young age under the watchful eyes of the public, Janet Jackson quickly emerged from the shadow of her famous brothers to forge her own path. With the release of her breakthrough album, Control, in 1986, she established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry. Hits like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” showcased her assertive new persona and introduced the world to a young woman taking charge of her destiny both professionally and personally. This album not only solidified her place in the music industry but also became a cultural milestone, empowering a generation of listeners.

Jackson’s contributions to music extend far beyond her powerful voice and infectious beats. Her albums, particularly Rhythm Nation 1814, are noted for their social consciousness. With songs like “Rhythm Nation” and “State of the World,” she addressed pressing issues such as racism, poverty, and substance abuse. These tracks became anthems for social change, illustrating how pop music could be both entertaining and enlightening. The album’s commercial success, coupled with its profound messages, cemented Janet Jackson’s reputation as an artist with both substance and style.

Throughout her career, Jackson has amassed a multitude of accolades, reflecting her influence and success. She has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Her innovative music videos and dynamic stage performances have also earned her the MTV Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her profound impact on the music video landscape.

Beyond her musical achievements, Janet Jackson is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has supported a variety of causes, from AIDS research and cancer awareness to child education and poverty alleviation. Her involvement in these causes underscores her commitment to using her platform for positive change, further enhancing her legacy as not only an entertainer but also a humanitarian. Janet Jackson’s career is a testament to her enduring talent, her willingness to tackle significant social issues, and her generosity offstage. With a catalog of hits that have shaped the sound of modern music, and a heart dedicated to making the world a better place, Jackson’s contributions are both vast and profound. She remains a luminary in the music world, inspiring future generations to find their own voices and make their own impacts.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Q-Tip & A Tribe Called Quest

If you’re looking to delve into some classic hip-hop with a sophisticated twist, then look no further than Q-Tip and his legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest. This playlist offers an introduction to their work, blending catchy rhymes with smooth jazz influences that will have you tapping your foot in no time.

Q-Tip, the group’s mastermind, is a true artist. His rapping style is intelligent and witty, avoiding the braggadocio that can sometimes dominate the genre. Tracks like “Can I Kick It?” and “Scenario” showcase his playful wordplay and knack for storytelling. But A Tribe Called Quest is more than just clever lyrics. The production, often featuring jazzy samples and soulful melodies, creates a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.

This playlist goes beyond just A Tribe Called Quest, though. It highlights Q-Tip’s collaborations with other artists, demonstrating his versatility. Tracks like “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” with Janet Jackson and “Go” with The Chemical Brothers proves his influence extends beyond hip-hop.

So, whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or just curious to explore the genre’s more thoughtful side, this playlist is a great place to start. With its infectious grooves and insightful lyrics, A Tribe Called Quest’s music is sure to become a new favorite for listeners of all ages.

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My Top 100 Songs Of 2021

Prince, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Kool & the Gang. It must be my list of favorite songs of 198-, uh, 2021. The aforementioned veterans rub elbows with Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Wet Leg, serpentwithfeet, Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, The Avalanches, Adele and Little Simz.

Here are my top 100 songs of 2021:

  1. Same Size Shoe – serpentwithfeet        
  2. Love Again – Dua Lipa                                
  3. Body – Megan Thee Stallion                    
  4. Black Like Me – Mickey Guyton             
  5. Easy On Me – Adele                                   
  6. Thot Shit – Megan Thee Stallion            
  7. Up – Cardi B                                                   
  8. Save Your Tears – The Weeknd             
  9. Good Days – SZA                                          
  10. Under the Table – Fiona Apple              
  11. Wet Dream – Wet Leg                               
  12. Rumors – Lizzo & Cardi B                           
  13. Find My Way – Paul McCartney             
  14. Levitating – Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby        
  15. Chaise Longue – Wet Leg                         
  16. I Love You, I Hate You – Little Simz       
  17. Best Friend – Saweetie feat. Doja Cat 
  18. Brando – Lucy Dacus                                   
  19. So I Lie – Miguel                                           
  20. We Go On – the Avalanches feat. Cola Boyyy & Mick Jones                                
  21. Twerkulator – City Girls                             
  22. MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) – Lil Nas X                                                          
  23. Butter – BTS                                                   
  24. Cold Heart – Elton John & Dua Lipa       
  25. Therefore I Am – Billie Eilish                    
  26. Your Power – Billie Eilish                           
  27. INDUSTRY BABY – Lil Nas X feat. Jack Harlow                                                             
  28. Point and Kill – Little Simz feat. Obongjayar                                                                
  29. Scratchcard Lanyard – Dry Cleaning      
  30. Security – Amyl and the Sniffers           
  31. Puppy and a Truck – Jenny Lewis          
  32. Don’t Judge Me – FKA twigs, Headie One, Fred again…                                        
  33. Pursuit of Happiness – Kool & the Gang                                                                       
  34. Savage Good Boy – Japanese Breakfast                                                                       
  35. Pay Your Way in Pain – St. Vincent       
  36. ARE YOU WITH THAT? – Vince Staples
  37. Hot Summer – Prince                                 
  38. Diamond Studded Shoes – Yola             
  39. Solar Power – Lorde                                   
  40. chinatown – Bleachers feat. Bruce Springsteen                                                        
  41. The Divine Chord – the Avalanches feat. MGMT & Johnny Marr                       
  42. Don’t Go Yet – Camila Cabello                
  43. Strong Feelings – Dry Cleaning               
  44. Rainforest – Noname                                 
  45. Working for the Knife – Mitski               
  46. Take My Breath – The Weeknd             
  47. Boomerang – Yebba                                   
  48. ooh la la – Run the Jewels feat. Santa Fe Klan & Mexican Institute of Sound                                       
  49. Candypaint – Joey Purp                            
  50. Free from Gravity – Django Django      
  51. Spanish Doors – Liz Phair                          
  52. Roaring 20s – Flo Milli                                 
  53. Rhetorical Figure – John Grant               
  54. THAT’S WHAT I WANT – Lil Nas X           
  55. The Doll – Audiobooks                               
  56. Strange – Celeste                                        
  57. WUSYANAME – Tyler, the Creator feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign                    
  58. White Dress – Lana Del Rey                     
  59. family ties – Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar                                                                 
  60. Starlight – Yola                                              
  61. The Melting of the Sun – St. Vincent   
  62. Pick up Your Feelings – Jazmine Sullivan                                                                      
  63. I am not a woman, I’m a god – Halsey 
  64. Hertz – Amyl and the Sniffers                 
  65. Please – Jessie Ware                                  
  66. The Adults Are Talking – the Strokes   
  67. Got Me – Laura Mvula                               
  68. We’re Good – Dua Lipa                             
  69. Kiss Me More – Doja Cat feat. SZA       
  70. I Don’t Live Here Anymore – The War on Drugs feat. Lucius                                
  71. Magnificent Hurt – Elvis Costello & The Imposters                                                  
  72. 34+35 – Ariana Grande feat. Doja Cat & Megan Thee Stallion                             
  73. Just One Sec – the Antlers                       
  74. Love Is Back – Celeste                                
  75. Let Me Love You Like a Woman – Lana Del Rey                                                         
  76. Down – St. Vincent                                     
  77. Amoeba – Clairo                                           
  78. Don’t Forget Your Neighborhood – Cola Boyy feat. The Avalanches                
  79. All My Favorite Songs – Weezer            
  80. Sober & Skinny – Brittney Spencer       
  81. Unblu – Jenny Lewis/Serengeti             
  82. Living Proof – The War on Drugs            
  83. Prisoner – Miley Cyrus feat. Dua Lipa  
  84. NDA – Billie Eilish                                          
  85. In His Arms – Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall                                     
  86. Walking at a Downtown Pace – Parquet Courts                                                        
  87. Lost Cause – Billie Eilish                             
  88. Dancing with the Devil – Demi Lovato 
  89. Hope – Arlo Parks                                        
  90. Oh My God – Adele                                    
  91. My Path – Raphael Saadiq                        
  92. Unsmart Lady – Dry Cleaning                  
  93. t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l – Willow feat. Travis Barker                                                
  94. Reason to Believe – Vagabon feat. Courtney Barnett                                            
  95. Paprika – Japanese Breakfast                 
  96. Thumbs – Lucy Dacus                                 
  97. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish              
  98. Be Sweet – Japanese Breakfast             
  99. Hurt – Arlo Parks                                          
  100. More Life – Cordae feat. Q-Tip

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Throwback Thursday: 1997

“I wanna really really really wanna zig-a-zig-ah”

“Beep beep, who got the keys to the Jeep? Vroom”

“Pissin’ the night away”

“Joni Mitchell never lies”

“Poppa been smooth since days of Underoos”

“Love me, love me / Pretend that you love me”

“What I look like? Patti LaBelle or somebody?”

“Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky-panky”

“Mmm bop ba duba dop / Ba du bop ba duba dop / Ba du bop ba duba dop / Ba du yeah yeah”

“Woo-hoo!”

So many memorable lyrics emerged in 1997. Hear the ones above and then some below:

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