Janet Jackson will celebrate the 35th anniversary of her seminal album ‘Control’ with a series of NFT (Non-fungible token) releases.
The star’s third album, released in 1986, came packed with seven singles, including the hits What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, Control and The Pleasure Principle.
And following its milestone anniversary in February, Janet has partnered with gaming and augmented reality firm RTFKT on the NFTs and “augmented experiences,” which are set to drop soon.
It’s not just fans who’ll benefit from the new releases – Janet, who recently teased a comeback, is donating part of the money made from the NFTs to the American child sponsorship and Christian humanitarian aid organisation, Compassion International.
Randy Jackson, the founder of The Association Entertainment Corporation, said in a statement “Once again technology through NFTs creates a new lane for artists to express their art in an innovative way throughout the world.
“RTFKT is the leader in this medium. Janet and I are grateful to be working with them.”
“Janet’s longevity is a testament to her forward-thinking. Working with Randy Jackson, Janet and the Rhythm Nation team has been creatively refreshing,” added RTFKT President and Chief Strategy Officer, Rocky Mudaliar.
“Our partnership will bring rare and highly interactive experiences to the blockchain and social media. We are thrilled to welcome Janet Jackson to the RTFKT family.”
NFTs are an emerging market within blockchain where single-impression unique digital art and goods known as the ‘token’ can be sold.
‘Control’ gave Janet her first in a string of US No. 1 albums and delivered five Top 10 hits, including her first No.1, When I Think of You.
In honour of its anniversary (February 4), fans pushed ‘Control’ to the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top 40 Pop Album Chart, prompting the star to share a candid clip on social media thanking her followers for their support through the years.
“I was at home just the other day by myself and I began to cry,” she said in the video.
“I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with, all that he has given me and I’m so thankful for him being in my life, and I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life.”
Janet continued: “You’re so special to me and I want to thank all of you for making Control No. 1 once again after 35 years.
“I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen. I really appreciate you and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
It’s been six years since Janet released her last album ‘Unbreakable’, featuring the singles No Sleeep, Unbreakable and Dammn Baby. Follow-up ‘Black Diamond’ is on our list of albums we can’t wait to hear in 2021.
