JANET JACKSON: LET'S CHAT... Documentary Thoughts So Far... 

"I live in a very black world and I do that for my own peace." -Calvin Michaels A word!

And you’re so right about his vocal ability, people need to go back and listen to his older stuff - his vocals were absolutely incredible and so original for the time he was singing. He changed the music industry in so many ways, artistically and business wise, he opened so many doors for so many people. The idea that people are writing Michael off based on what they saw at the end of his career is embarrassing to me. Most vocalists only thrive for the first 15 years. Michael still sounded great for a good 30. Come on y’all.

Thank you for watching my “Touring with Janet Jackson” series and mentioning it! I enjoy your work. You really know your stuff to be so young. Continued blessings! Romeo

The documentary was really good, people forget how private Janet is, so for us to even see some of the personal footage was crazy. I’ve been streaming her music non stop since it aired. Can’t wait for tonight.

In my humble opinion, one of Janet's best collaborations is with Busta Rhymes "What's it Gonna Be". And I don't think "No sleep " feat J Cole gets enough recognition

Loved her vunerability. Hearing more her relationship with James, the baby rumors and how her relationship with MJ shifted was interesting. The Jacksons really were epitome of the rags to riches in America. The fame came with a lot but to see a household of 11 people in a less than 700 sq ft house to what they became is badass.

The Jackson Family is epic, even though theirs some lost souls who are desperate to erase them. Off the Wall is my favorite album even over Thriller,!

Janet is part of the R&B Royal family. Of course, she’s relevant. She will always be relevant.

I was in elementary school (4th grade) when Rhythm Nation came out & I can’t believe I was witnessing history in the making back then. Wow it blows my mind! Janet is iconic, a true legend!

Rene seemed controlling in a less tyrannical way than Joe but she seemed at that time in her life to be attracted to controlling guys that looked like DeBarge 🤦‍♀️

Calvin: this won’t be too long. I don’t think we’re even gonna be on here an hour Video length: 2.5 hours 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Love it! Giving us all the great content! Take your time sir!!! ( in my church mother voice)

The relationships were sad, Janet went through a lot of regular woman stuff, I'm glad she's talking about it.

The Velvet Rope tour was the best. Madison Square Garden was on fire. 💓💓💓

Wow Calvin I feel old now! 😄 I remember when the Janet Jackson album Control debuted. I was getting my hair done and the radio station played the whole album. (Anyone woman knows in a salon getting your hair done takes time) It was amazing listening to a journey of songs that clicked for me. Shortly after, I bought the cassette.

Your so right about them humanizing Joe!!! It’s because of him the family made it to the heights they have. I found it sweet he gave his blessing for his secretary to go work for Janet!!!

I was completely captivated by the documentary. After watching both parts, I can't thank Janet enough for sharing what she did. As a private person, that must have been frightening to open up her personal life to world. I loved the footage Rene took.

The Janet documentary had 15 million viewers across all platforms. A lot of people definitely LOVE JANET. And a lot of the new gen is getting introduced to her for the first time.

Janet stans unite. I hate that I missed this live :(

So far so good!!! Luv Janet for sure one of my favorite artist of all time!!! Glad it has Janet speaking on her own life as well as her family and close friends….feels very honest and authentic!!!

I loved this documentary to bits. Janet and the rest of the family are so iconic and influencial. I most definitely cried in certain parts while watching this. Sidenote somebody in the chat said that thriller was a curse for Michael I honeslty believe that. As much a I love that album/era, it seems like everything went left for him in all aspects soon after.

I love the documentary so far. I think it's very well done.

I saw her at the Velvet Rope tour at MSG. Great seats a few rows from the stage. The best entertainer. Loved it ❤️.

Watch the Jackson's tv variety shows from the 70's they were fire. I watched them every week. Any clown that says Michael can't sing watch those episodes or "The Wiz" movie. He was in search of his style of singing that became his signature voice from "Off the wall/Thriller" onward. Which is different than his actual voice range and skill.

I am blown away by your vast musical knowledge. This discussion was excellent. Thank you.

At some point, mainstream media, across the board, decided to make a cash cow caricature out of Michael. Sometime in the 80s, they all started conspiring - and ever since then, they’ve been financially benefitting from (milking) his fame - they are very calculated and they’ve blatantly slandered him repeatedly, with no remorse. They saw how much their ratings spiked anytime they said his name, but only when it was negative “news”. It’s come in waves, every few years. My personal opinion is that this doc, and the current social landscape, will lift his name up again - despite them still grasping for straws with the “fat shaming” thing. However, that means at some point in the future, they’ll come up with something else to use him for. Leaving Neverland was the last big one they really ate up - and when we saw it being fairly criticized for all its problems and lies, the media stayed silent. A few outlets let the Jackson’s come on, but only for the sake of seeming fair - they never let anyone who could demolish that movie for what it was - a bad movie, 4 year train station discrepancy and all. I’m sure they’ll come up with something else in a few years, but it looks like Robson and Safechuck are losing in court at every turn, so who knows. Regardless, they’ve spun so many false narratives about Michael because it financially benefits them, literally to the point of his death. Even when he was vindicated in court on all counts, the media was iffy about it, and they chose to ask random passerby’s about it - because they knew the fans would lay down the law on how it all went down - accurately. But no, they’ve always framed us as “crazy” fanatics who don’t live in reality. I can’t see Michael or Janet ever be dethroned, though, in the public’s eye - same with Prince; we will never forget the impact they had on our lives through their song and dance. But to ensure that, we have to make sure we’re passing their legacies down to the younger generations - to show them how true musicians did it the best. Artists today aren’t even true musicians anymore, and hey, I get it, but it is certainly why the music coming out today isn’t nearly as uplifting or as heart wrenching as it used to be. Listen to We’re Almost There by Michael, it is master class material imo.

I agree she could have absolutely done stadium tours and always wondered why she did not do so. I clearly remember waiting in line to buy tickets for rhythm nation , Janet, Velvet Rope, All 4 U tours. The wait would start hours before tickets went on sale. It was so disappointing after the second person in line purchased their tickets- An employee would walk out of the store and announce all 3 shows were sold out but she’s adding two more. etc. It was crazy!I Luuuuv Janet❣️

52:26 this is quite interesting. I have a 60 year old aunt who has kids 15 years apart. The youngest who is 29 today got a completely different version of my aunt than my older cousin. She got a more patient, logical and, more mature parent.

The Janet Jackson Doc is AMAZING!! 🙌🏽

I loved the documentary it was excellent. She is the blueprint print. Thanks for your commentary

Hey Calvin you see our girl Documentary did amazing numbers. Over 15.7 million total viewers and #1 show both nights. We also got 6 of her albums are in the top 10 of the Top 100 album on Itunes with Control soaring back to #1. The Empress continues to rule. One Love Calvin!

Janet Jackson’s documentary awesome!!!!🎤🎶🎶🎶 She has always kept it real even though she had a shyness, all the Jacksons are shy to a point!!! I’m loving it!! I saw her in concert 2015 it was straight Fire!!🔥 Yesss JDJ!!!!

You are correct. I think a lot of people don't realize Off the Wall was not Michael's first solo album. "Got To Be There" was his first solo album. So, Michael's first few albums had mixed reviews. It was "Off The Wall" that was the one that really took off to create the solo Michael we think of today.

OMG! He thought the vlog would only be an hour 😂 with a few people. 😂 I subscribed to his channel just b/c he was so passionate abt Janet Jackson even when some attendees went way off tangent. He kept his focus & sense of humor. Great guy. I have already recommended his vlog to Family & Friends! He said this"will not be a 3 HR session" tho' it was close! 😂 Very entertaining.✌🏾

When Paula Abdul spoke about being seen by the Jackson boys but not mentioning Jackie specifically I laughed so hard. Paula you know you was Jackie’s mistresses girl stop…

While watching the documentary I started singing Control and trying to imitate Janet dancing. I didn’t know you could get dizzy and out of my breath at the same time 😰🤤

She was a consummate performer. Definitely, she has earned her flowers.

Even with the later music, people underestimate the skill it takes to sing in the stylized fashion Michael chose. It is actually emblematic of his virtuosity. A restrained high belt is a hard thing to accomplish for even the most talented vocalists.

I love that joe Jackson is finally getting his due. This man stuck with his family in a time when a lot of black men left them to depend on welfare because they couldn’t take the pressure….remember her parents were together for about 25 years before The Jackson 5 hit. Janet did a good job!!!

My introduction to Janet was the “You Want This” video. I was too young to be watching that video but too late I was hooked. If is probably my favourite song. It’s raunchy but still classy, which is Janet’s staple. The video is a masterpiece.

I absolutely love and thoroughly enjoyed how you covered this and the Jackson legacy all together.

This documentary was really moving and interesting. I loved it.

Janet and Blackstreet on So Lonely is phenomenal. I love the Janet and Luther too. And the one with Busta Rhymes... ooh weeee!

What person don't know who Janet Jackson is? Janet is VERY much relevant today! She was on TRL in 2018 and the crowd was diverse! Trust and believe me, she hasn't lost her flavor with people. An artist is and artist is an artist! Music is what people love, and that will continue when you love the music! Heck, I still hear people humming Destiny's Child - Bills, Bills, Bills. Now, let me just say this, I am old enough to remember the Jacksons story line. Michael's first solo song was a BIG hit! The song was "Got to be There" and all the kids wanted that song to play on the radio. He then had the hit song Rockin Robin, so it's not true that his first real hit was "Off the Wall." As far as Janet, Ms Jackson! Honey, you thought people wouldn't care? Are you kidding me? Maybe the people you talk to are not fans but Janet has a huge following. There's a way that artist cheat to make people believe they had a billion hits on RU-vid but Janet won't do that because it's too staged. Other artist are consistently pulling from Janet's blueprint because they can't come up with something original! Janet is a Superstar, A Legend! And, I mean a REAL Legend! People throw that word around as if it's something that you earn at 10-25 years of work. NOT TRUE! Janet's influences alone makes her always relevant! Everything she does is copied by just about EVERY ARTIST and people around the world! When you see people give the heart/love symbol with their fingers -THAT CAME FROM JANET! She started that years ago and over the years it grew unpopularity when other artist copied it and their fans copied it. Janet catalog doesn't stop with her touring and recoding music. Her music is played by jazz artist and sampled on commercials. Janet is a powerhouse business woman and has been since she was 19 years old. She's been a CEO of several companies for decades and that's what I was hoping to see her touch on. Janet is very wealthy and have been dealing with the Middle East before she met Wissam Al Mana. There's so many layers of Janet Jackson that people don't know! Like Kathy Ireland said, Janet is a success business woman! When she does music it's not to stay relevant! She does music because she loves it, so she's not going to come out with music or do tons of interviews or stay in the public eye to stay relevant, like other artist...Jennifer Lopez....even Beyonce scaled down some. But artist like Rihana has taken a page out of Janet's book and become a successful business woman without falling on music. And Janet didn't cover her relationship with her husband Wissam- YES she's still married to Wissam. I am betting that she didn't cover it because it's her son''s father and Wissam has that old money and that comes with lots of power. Wissam is very private, like Janet if more, and I like that Janet respected that. Jermaine said he's been with her longer than any of her marriages is not true. She was with Jermaine for 7 years and married to Rene for 9 years. And, now with Wissam for over 10 years.

One of my favorite Janet Jackson songs that got no play was Night I loved that song, it's such a feel good happy light spirited dancy songs ❤❤❤

I love how he sang BEN back in the day.

" Because of love " is my Jam !!!

I thought it was cool when they showed a clip of Aaliyah saying nice things about Janet. RIP Aaliyah 👑

Mj sang his butt off from 1968-85.... He is THE ultimate tenor is r&b and pop music

Can’t wait to watch the documentary. Part 1 is airing in the uk 🇬🇧 monday

I enjoy your content and love of Ms. Jackson!!

Woke up this morning to this! Thank you Calvin.

I love Janet...periodt❤, yes I could not watc your live...as I'm on the west coast😁...catching the replay!

@17:05 Actually, he had just finished the European leg of the Destiny tour when he released "Off the Wall". Then with the release of hit singles " Don't stop 'till you get enough" and "Rock with You", he started to incorporate those songs in the U.S. leg of the Destiny tour which commenced in September of 1979. MJ was a beast because he did a whole side project (Off the Wall) while touring and doing appearances in Europe for the Destiny tour with his brothers.

Calvin I was excited to watch Janet Jackson the queen of pop on lifetime I might watch part 1 and watch part 2 tonight I am a big fan of the Jacksons family I love them all so much god bless you Calvin and your family and your friends you your family and your friends you all have a wonderful fantastic awesome bless safe beautiful day enjoy the rest of your day love you 🙏😊❤

I looooooove the Feedback video. The song is ridiculous good. My goodness me!

Michael Jackson during the Thriller era was huge. He is known throughout the world before social media. That had to be weird and isolating. I’m sure he changed because he had to to survive it. It’s hard to know what he was thinking about his siblings because the brothers had moments when they had business disagreements and then approached him later about a tour, which was business but not family. Who knows what he thought of it all? Very sad for the entire family

Michael Jackson was a great vocalist that didn’t have the benefit of modern technology. Great voice isn’t about range, it’s about authenticity, Sam Cooke said that.

Janet can definitely hang with the best of them from this current day error 💜

Good to see a smart black man talking intelligently love this channel

I think by the time she got to Velvet Rope she had evolved into true woman hood. She was feeling sexy and embracing it unapologetically in my opinion. Control was her talk back album and Rhythm Nation was her awareness but yet fun stage album. The JANET album was her ok I'm feeling sex symbolish (made up word) 😂around this camp. The Velvet Rope was like ok self let's do this and there's no turning back. I'm enjoying the documentary. Also when Randy would say your father I think it's also like this weird respectful way on how they acknowledge him to one another. We have to understand the dynamics in that household was very unorthodox and controlled to the tenth power. I believe that's all that her and James had in common is coming from households that were controlled & abusive. I believe she loved James but not enough to marry him. That was her way of saying ok Joe and Katherine I'm going to show you b/c her parents knew the struggles that family was having that's the one thing I think Janet was naive to is drugs and alcohol so unfortunately she stepped right into a drug attic war zone. He was on another show (reality) and he truly feels that she had his baby. Now I'm no sure if it's the drugs b/c he's still out there or the story line he just prefers to hold on to b/c maybe of his love for her and in hopes of a lifetime attachment, but he truly feels that he has a little one well hell grown one out here he's never met. I wonder is she going to address her and Bobby and Tupac as well. We could've got 2 more 2 hr episodes out of this. Netflix would've been great too b/c the commercials are killing me too Calvin.

Love the Janet documentary. Can’t wait for part 2. Like you I do wish there was a tad more coverage of her music and accolades, but then I can always come to your videos for that :-). I didn’t know until your comment that 20YO was held off #1 by the competitor dropping the price of his album to $6. Likewise DamitaJo sold more than enough to get to #1 at almost any time, it just happened to come out the week after Usher’s Confessions which was the top selling album in the US of the entire decade.

Thriller sold 65 million copies by 1984, by 2007 Micael said that it had sold 104 million copies.

I mean, let's be real. Madonna isn't a voice nor is she a technician in using what she has to great affect like Janet. And her dancing? C'mon.... privilege and shock value.

"Off The Wall" was MJ's 2nd solo album (around 21/22 yrs old) and his first solo being, "Ben." at like 13/14 yrs old.

Nice chat Calvin Micheals. I enjoyed this.

Out of everything that was featured on her documentary, I had hoped she had expounded on the label wanting her to do a Control follow up called, "Scandal." And she rightfully moved away from that concept and did the 1814 album. I appreciate her talents.

And you thought that u were only gonna do just 30min…! Glad u went longer. I enjoyed hearing you views, thank you.

Hey Mr C you did such a great commentary I love when you come on

I think Janet may have won Rene’s footage in the divorce or something, because the doc does not put him in a good light. That being said, he knew how to make Janet’s image appealing to the masses.

Just ran across your channel and you have another new subscriber. You can definitely tell the difference in documentaries that include the actual input of the subject. I learned a lot of new things about Janet that really gave her more layers and complexity.

Anytime Anyplace, my theme song

I think Paula deserves her flowers also

I'm late subscribing to your channel but I'm a super Janet fan. I have enjoyed all of your reviews and the accuracy!

Velvet Rope was magic

People should really check out the Bad tour Japan shows. Michael’s vocals were live and beautiful. His vocals on the Destiney and Off the Wall albums and tour highlight his vocal range.

Aside for the lifestyle of cheating, joe kept his family together and was indeed head of the family. I respect that

But remember…..they grew up in the straight hood. There was no skateboard park or laxer tag. They lived in a very poor and gang infested area. That’s why joe didn’t let them hangout.

I haven’t watched yet, but I loved all your insight and fandom. And like you said , it’s cool to step into some fun ish and not always into the yang yang going on in the world 🖖🏿. This was fun.

At that point joe didn't have 2 do all that. He could have been loving & sturn & still playful understanding that thr still kids! Not living out ur dreams through them after u had a real life

Patrice Rushen is my favorite ☺️

Calvin: "I don't think we'll be on for more than an hour.... This won't be one of our long ones." Meanwhile, 2+ hours later....😂🤣

I love Janet!!!! She was my friend in my head since I was a little girl (we are the same age). I liked the documentary but I really wish she would have came out straight forward and put the baby rumors to rest. She should have just said “no, I never had a baby back in the day with anyone, at all”. She was going all around the mulberry bush. I personally don’t believe she did because I feel we would have seen it. She was always in the spotlight, she has the tendency to gain weight, so I can’t believe she was able to hide that. I’m sure that if paparazzi pur together all the pictures they took of her from 1984-1987, we could see that she wasn’t pregnant. Also, why didn’t the two nieces also come out and tell the truth. IJS

Not you saying it won’t be an all night live and it’s 2 hrs and 30 mins 😂

My favorite Janet era is Rhythm Nation. Noone can touch that I feel we got cheated because Someday is Tonight and Lonely should have been singles.

Did anyone notice that hot track at the end of the doc ??

I love jakson songs ❤,and nice to meet you ,thanks for be there ,,,,.with love anisley perez carrasco corona

The documentary was good 😊 To see where they came from to the people/person each one of them became is a beautiful story and a testament to their Father. It was sad to see how handsome Michael was to how the limelight and Hollyweird truly got into his head. Actually, I think Hollyweird did a number on all of them. I was waiting to hear if Janet would mention James was struggling with his own demons as the reason for his drug use, but I guess that isn't her story to tell.

I agree with you. Enjoy should of been a single.

thoroughly enjoyed this as usual, can't wait to see more

I love tha Janet Album, man so nostalgic..love Rhythm Nation too..I had tickets to Black Diamond and it would’ve been my first Janet Concert! I hooope she is able to still do it when she’s ready but understand why she didn’t do it. I’m an 80’s 90’s kid and Michael, Janet, Whitney, Mariah were the Superstars!!! I wonder sometimes if kids see stars the same way now..I mean it was crazy especially Michael, when I was a kid I felt like if I would ever meet him I’d feel like the world stopped cause it just wouldn’t be possible 😂 But that fantasticalness was part of the magic in a way. I know Madonna was huge but in a white world (I’m Asian American) these artists were such a cool thing to see Get. So. Big. It made me feel more accepted as a poc for sure. Cool time to grow up.

You're right the thing that was missing there should have been more focus on her music

Love your conversations!!

How come you didn't talk about Les Moonves in the So What Happened episode?

Hello Calvin, have you reviewed Women of the Movement, the Emmit Till story? The mini series that was on earlier this month? Did I miss your review?

Many years ago, one of the Debarge family said the child's name was Renee, and that they had contact with her. Why would people say you had a baby if you didn't? That's such a strange rumour...

The Queen is still here

Calvin I was in that same mood 🛑 don’t call, text, email, fax, mores code, smoke signal or ring my doorbell while the Janet special is airing.

Off the Wall was MJs best album to me. Velvet Rope and Control were hers…. Rhythm Nation is 3rd

Good mentioning the Dixie Chicks also. I love them and will check that doc out also. The JJ doc was good!

Janet would sound really good with janet. We know this cause he sounded good with pebbles in "always"