In the midst of breaking out from behind her family’s shadow and deeply wanting to communicate something meaningful in the face of great pressure to conform to corporate formulas, Janet Jackson released her iconic fourth studio album - Rhythm Nation 1814. (At the age of just 23 years old, mind you!) This landmark album fused Jackson’s personal and political voice together, creating a cultural ripple effect that broke down race barriers and shook the respective social divide. Joe and Toby hail the greatness of her record breaking hit song, “Rhythm Nation,” while digging through the past to find its original sound.
What we geek out over in this episode: Bootsy Collins (again), Shrek the Third, powerhouse songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson’s mystery daughter, Babyface, and the hit movie & soundtrack Waiting to Exhale.
Bonus Material: Additional Sly and the Family Stone samples and covers - “You Can Make It If You Try” (1969) sampled by Ice Cube; “If You Want Me To Stay” (1973) covered by Snoop Dogg and Red Hot Chili Peppers
Owl City "Fireflies"
Pharrell Williams "Happy"
Naughty By Nature "O.P.P."
Beyoncé "TEXAS HOLD 'EM"
Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"
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Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
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