Janet Jackson Announces New Album Plans

It’s been 20 years since Janet Jackson released her fifth album janet. On the anniversary, she looks back on the iconic project and shares her plans for the future.

The pop icon, who secretly wed Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana last year, reminisced on her 1993 album, which sold 7 million copies and spawned six Billboard Hot 100 singles.

“I can’t believe it is already 20 years!” the 47-year-old singer told Billboard. “I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in… I want my fans to really know me. The janet. album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me.”

Despite a five-year absence from music, Janet is back in the studio working on her first album since 2008’s Discipline. She is still in the early stages and is in no rush to release it.

“I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music,” she said. “I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”

She also gave the stamp of approval to Kendrick Lamar, who sampled her janet. single “Any Time, Any Place” on his hit “Poetic Justice.” “I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s ‘Poetic Justice,'” said Janet, who also enjoys Adele and Bruno Mars. “There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.”