Janet Jackson recently opened up about her ongoing struggle with the loss of her brother, Michael Jackson, who passed away 15 years ago.
In a heartfelt conversation with the BBC, Janet shared insights into their collaboration on the 1995 hit “Scream.”
This track came at a pivotal time in Michael’s career, following the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations that deeply affected him both personally and professionally.
Now 58, Janet is currently on her Together Again tour, where she performs “Scream” alongside video footage of Michael.
This nightly tribute brings a flood of emotions as she connects with her brother’s memory.
Janet describes the experience as bittersweet, saying, “Listening to him every night, seeing him, remembering us,” and reflects on how they created the song together in Michael’s New York apartment.
Janet reminisces about their time working on the track, highlighting how she relives the moments of Michael’s struggle to rebuild his career amid the fallout from the allegations.
“Being his little sister, always by his side, that’s been my role,” Janet explained.
The song’s lyrics, which express Michael’s frustration with the media and injustice, reflect the turbulent period he was going through.
Behind the Scenes of “Scream”
The music video for “Scream” was a significant project for both siblings, though Janet revealed that the process was fraught with challenges.
In her 2022 Lifetime docuseries, she spoke about how the music industry executives tried to create a competitive atmosphere between her and Michael. “Michael shot nights; I shot days,” Janet recounted.
“His record company blocked off his set so I couldn’t see what was happening.
It felt like they were trying to make it competitive, which hurt me because I was there to support him, not to battle him.”
Nostalgia and Industry Challenges
Reflecting on the production, Janet admitted that the nostalgia she hoped to capture fell short.
“I wanted it to feel like old times between he and I, but it didn’t,” she said, acknowledging that those moments had long passed.
Additionally, Janet discussed the sexism she faced throughout her career, despite the success of her albums like “Control,” “Rhythm Nation 1814,” and “The Velvet Rope.”
She recalled being told, “You’re a girl. Girls don’t do that,” and countered with her determination to prove otherwise.
Remembering Michael
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50 from a cardiac arrest due to an overdose of Propofol.
A biopic about his life, titled *Michael*, is currently in the works, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying him.
Through her ongoing tribute and personal reflections, Janet Jackson continues to honor her brother’s legacy and their shared artistic journey.