Dammn Baby

Last updated
"Dammn Baby"
Janet-Jackson-Dammn-Baby-2016.jpg
Single by Janet Jackson
from the album Unbreakable
ReleasedMay 4, 2016 (2016-05-04)
Genre
Length3:55
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Janet Jackson
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
  • Dem Jointz
Janet Jacksonsingles chronology
"Unbreakable"
(2015)		"Dammn Baby"
(2016)		"Made for Now"
(2018)
Music video
"Dammn Baby" on YouTube

"Dammn Baby" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). [1] It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional songwriting and production contributions by Dem Jointz. The official music video was released on YouTube, on May 4, 2016. The single subsequently debuted on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20 and later peaked at number eight, becoming the album's third consecutive top ten single on the chart, after "No Sleeep" and "Unbreakable".

Contents

Background

After a period of hiatus and numerous rumours about whether she was recording a new album or not, [2] [3] Janet Jackson officially announced her return on May 16, 2015. [4] Jackson announced she had founded her own label, Rhythm Nation, becoming the first African-American female recording artist to do so, while also planning the album to be distributed by BMG, as well as preparing herself for a new world tour in the same year. [4] During the video announcement, an instrumental of the album's first single, "No Sleeep", was previewed, [5] and later the full song was released on June 22, 2015. [6] A week earlier, she also announced that her world tour was called Unbreakable World Tour, [7] and on August 20, 2015, while revealing lyrics of the song "The Great Forever", it was confirmed that Unbreakable was also the album's title. [8] On September 3, 2015, its track list was revealed, with a song titled "Dammn Baby" being one of the seventeen tracks on the album. [9] The song was produced by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and was the first collaboration between them in nearly a decade. "Dammn Baby" was final song completed during sessions in 2015. Jackson was already working with choreographers and dancers at the studio when she told the producers, "You know, it would be cool to have one more uptempo funky record that I can really dance to", and the result was "Dammn Baby". [10]

Composition

"Dammn Baby" was written and produced by Janet Jackson, Dem Jointz, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It has hints of trap bass and percussion, and an interpolation of "I Get Lonely", a single from her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope , into its breakdown, in which Jackson repeats the phrase "gonna break it down, break it down". [11] Chris Ingalls from PopMatters described it as a "R&B dance groove" with female vocals cooing "dammn, dammn" over the beats. [12] According to PopCrush's Bradley Stern, "Dammn Baby" "blends in slick synths and DJ Mustard-esque beats" for a "solid, motivational groove", while referencing to the singer's own originality: "Can't nobody tell you what you can't do, shut that down automatic / And I guarantee they'll all fall in line". [13] Jackson also sings, "It's all about love" / And how we ain’t gonna never let words get in the way". [14] Anupa Mistry of Pitchfork said that the "lazy bass and airy vocals" of "Dammn Baby" sounded like "Tinashe-meets-Teena Marie". [15]

Critical reception

Desiree O from Brit + Co website gave the song a positive review, saying that "with shades of the signature Jackson sound, a totally fun beat and a chilled-out breakdown mid-song, this could very well be your fave jam of the summer. When you hear Janet’s final "dammn" at the end, you’ll be hooked!". [16] Saeed Saeed from The National deemed it "irresistibly funky with its super-fat bass lines". [17] Alex Macpherson from The Guardian simply said "The chunky bass of Dammn Baby hits the dancefloor spot". [18] Rob Tannenbaum from Billboard magazine noted that "Dammn Baby" and another song on the album, "2 B Loved", were "pretty explicit nods to DJ Mustard's "ratchet" sound". [19] PopMatters' Evan Sawdey shared a similar sentiment, saying "the excellent and not-misspelled" song "betters DJ Mustard as his own low-end synth game", although he noted that the song's breakdown was "pure Janet". [20] Michael Arceneaux of Complex opined that he was more partial to songs like "Dammn Baby", "Dream Maker/Euphoria", "No Sleeep" and "Night". [21] In a more balanced review, AllMusic's Andy Kellman noted that the song's "probing synthesizers, booming bass, and relatively detached vocal" came across as "conscious concessions to commercial radio". [22] In a separate review, Emannuel Elone from PopMatters website was critical of "I Get Lonely"'s interpolation, saying the idea was "cute", but not enough to "lift this song up quality-wise to where it should be". [12]

Chart performance

"Dammn Baby" debuted on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20 and later peaked at number eight, becoming the album's third consecutive top ten single on the chart, after "No Sleeep" and "Unbreakable". [23]

Music video

An accompanying music video for "Dammn Baby" was directed by Dave Meyers and choreographed by Gil Duldulao, Jackson's longtime choreographer, Luther Brown and Denzel Chisolm in a location outside Los Angeles, California. [10] It was released through her Twitter page, at the midnight of May 4, 2016, [24] amid reports that she was expecting her first child and after teasing GIF images of a new video on social media. [25] The black-and-white video shows Jackson and her dancers in a choreography routine. [26] According to MTV, the singer is "decked out in a latex and leather getup complete with flared combat boots like she's ready to hop onboard the Serenity at any moment". The Fader 's Ben Dandridge-Lemco commented that the video "features classic group choreography, some more abstract solo steps from Jackson during the breakdown, and interesting uses of lighting all around". [25] Carey O'Donnell from Paper deemed it "a doozy of a video", while also noting that the "icon busts some seriously stellar dance moves, and shows us her prowess is utterly timeless". [27] i-D magazine said the video was "classic Janet -- breathy percussion, whispered lyrics and body popping video". [28] Hot Press noted that it had a "true Single Ladies vibe". [29] Rachel Sonis from Idolator said that the black-and-white feel of the video was "very reminiscent of the visual for her 1989 hit 'Rhythm Nation'", [30] while Hayden Wright from Radio.com website noted that the video "takes a monochromatic cue from past videos like 'Scream' (which she shot with her late brother Michael) and 'Rhythm Nation'". [24]

Live performance

Jackson performed "Dammn Baby" on her 2017 State of the World Tour, later transitioning to the song it interpolates, "I Get Lonely". [31]

Charts

Chart (2016)Peak
position
US Adult R&B Songs ( Billboard ) [23] 8

Related Research Articles

Janet Jackson American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress (born 1966)

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content which focused on social issues set her reputation as a role model for youth.

The Pleasure Principle (song) 1987 single by Janet Jackson

"The Pleasure Principle" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese. The song was released on May 12, 1987, by A&M Records as the album's sixth single. "The Pleasure Principle" is an "independent woman" anthem about love gone wrong, built around a dance beat. The photo for the single cover was shot by fashion photographer David LaChapelle.

Escapade (song) 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Escapade" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released on January 8, 1990, by A&M Records as the third single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). "Escapade" was released following Jackson's iconic "Rhythm Nation" single and became the third of the historic seven top-five singles released from the Rhythm Nation 1814 album, reaching the top spot.

Come Back to Me (Janet Jackson song) 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Come Back to Me" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson in collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The R&B ballad talks about a lover trying to rekindle a romance that faded away a long time ago. It was released as the fifth single from the album on June 18, 1990. Jackson also recorded a Spanish version of the song titled "Vuelve a Mí".

All for You (Janet Jackson song) 2001 song by Janet Jackson

"All for You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the lead single from her seventh studio album of the same name on March 6, 2001. Written and produced by Jackson and Jam and Lewis, "All for You" is a dance-pop song that heavily samples "The Glow of Love" by Change, while lyrically is about flirting with someone on the dance floor. It received positive reviews from critics and was noted for its transition to a brighter and more optimistic sound from the darker tone of the singer's previous album The Velvet Rope.

Again (Janet Jackson song) 1993 single by Janet Jackson

"Again" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, appearing first as the closing song to the 1993 film Poetic Justice, and later included on Jackson's fifth album, Janet (1993). Written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the ballad was released as the album's third single on October 12, 1993, by Virgin Records, and talks about the reconnection with an old lover. Originally an experimental sound Jam and Lewis was considering for the album, they did not give the song serious contemplation until the film producers from Poetic Justice requested a ballad for the soundtrack.

Any Time, Any Place 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"Any Time, Any Place" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson along with production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and released as the album's fifth single on May 11, 1994, by Virgin Records. A remix produced by R. Kelly was also released.

You Want This 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"You Want This" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). Released as the album's seventh single in October 1994, the track was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The single version, also used in the music video, featured an additional rap verse from MC Lyte. The song was listed in the Rock Song Index: The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock and Roll Era (2005) by Bruce Pollock.

Runaway (Janet Jackson song) 1995 single by Janet Jackson

"Runaway" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson for her first greatest hits album, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995). Written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the track was released as the album's lead single on August 29, 1995, by A&M Records. The song became another hit for Jackson on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number three, and it was successful abroad, peaking at number two in Canada, number three in New Zealand, number six in the United Kingdom and number eight in Australia. It reached the top 40 in at least 12 additional countries.

Doesnt Really Matter 2000 single by Janet Jackson

"Doesn't Really Matter" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from the soundtrack to the 2000 film Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, and her seventh studio album All for You (2001). It was written and produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The track was sent to contemporary hit radio in the US on May 23, 2000, after an unmastered version was leaked to several radio stations. It is an upbeat electropop, R&B and dance song with a syncopated drum loop and bassline. Based on a previously discarded poem Jackson wrote, the lyrics are about her film character's love for The Nutty Professor.

I Get Lonely 1998 single by Janet Jackson

"I Get Lonely" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope (1997). It was written by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Jackson's then-husband, René Elizondo Jr. It was released on February 24, 1998, by Virgin Records as the album's third single. The track is a departure from Jackson's signature brand of crossover dance-pop and R&B into a pure R&B and soul vibe. Lyrically, it expresses loneliness and the desire for an estranged lover. A remixed version of the song featured American R&B group Blackstreet.

Nasty (Janet Jackson song) Janet Jackson song/single

"Nasty" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was released on April 15, 1986, by A&M Records as the album's second single. It is a funk number built with samples and a quirky timpani melody. The single peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and remains one of Jackson's signature songs. The line "My first name ain't baby, it's Janet – Miss Jackson if you're nasty" has been used in pop culture in various forms.

Throb (song) 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"Throb" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson, James Harris III and Terry Lewis and is a house song with a nu jazz influence. It was released commercially in the Netherlands as the album's sixth single on June 18, 1994, while in the United States it was a radio-only release.

Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)

The Unbreakable World Tour was the seventh concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. It was in support of her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). In addition to Live Nation and Rhythm Nation, the tour is also sponsored by Nederlander Concerts, Jam Productions, Another Planet Entertainment, Bamp and Tommy Meharey. When the tour was announced in June 2015, multiple legs were planned for North America, Asia and Europe. However, in December 2015, Jackson announced that tour dates beginning in 2016 would be postponed and in April 2016 announced the summer dates would be rescheduled due to her pregnancy. In May 2017, she announced the tour would resume beginning in September, renamed as the State of the World Tour.

No Sleeep 2015 single by Janet Jackson featuring J. Cole

"No Sleeep" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). Co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it is the first record to be released under Jackson's independent label Rhythm Nation Records, distributed by BMG Rights Management. It was made available as the lead single from the album digitally on June 22, 2015, in addition to vinyl copies being sold on Jackson's official website in conjunction with pre-sale orders for the studio album and Unbreakable World Tour concert tickets. Lyrically, the song depicts Jackson longing to reunite with her lover, anticipating that when she does, the couple will get "no sleep". Due to its slow tempo and sentimentality, it has been described as embodying traits of the quiet storm radio style.

<i>Unbreakable</i> (Janet Jackson album) 2015 studio album by Janet Jackson

Unbreakable is the eleventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on October 2, 2015, and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with Island Records in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album, Discipline (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins the following year, but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and in 2013 announced her third marriage to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015, Jackson announced that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release Unbreakable.

Burnitup! 2015 promotional single by Janet Jackson featuring Missy Elliott

"Burnitup!" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson featuring rapper Missy Elliott recorded for Jackson's eleventh studio album, Unbreakable (2015). It was written and produced by Jackson, Dem Jointz, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Elliott. The song marked the fourth time Jackson and Elliott collaborated. "Burnitup!" was released as a promotional single from the album on September 25, 2015, while a digital promo single containing the album's version and a radio edit was released on October 5, 2015 by Rhythm Nation Records and BMG Rights Management.

Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song) 2015 single by Janet Jackson

"Unbreakable" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional writing by Thomas Lumpkins and additional production by Tommy McClendon and Dem Jointz. The song debuted on September 3, 2015 on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station and was made available for digital download on the same day Jackson officially announced the studio album's release date and track list. It was subsequently released to urban contemporary radio on September 29, 2015 and to urban adult contemporary radio on October 5, 2015 as the album's second single.

State of the World Tour

The State of the World Tour was the eighth concert tour by American singer Janet Jackson. Launched in promotion of her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015), the tour is produced by Live Nation and is under the creative direction of Gil Duldulao. Announced in May 2017 as a 56-city North American trek visiting the United States and Canada, it is a continuation of the Unbreakable World Tour, which was postponed in 2016 due to Jackson's pregnancy. Tickets originally purchased for the Unbreakable World Tour were honored with new concert dates under the revamped State of the World Tour.

Made for Now 2018 single by Janet Jackson ft. Daddy Yankee

"Made for Now" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson and Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee. It was produced by English songwriter, musician and producer Harmony Samuels, with additional production contributions by Jackson's long-term collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside Jackson. The song was made available for digital download on August 17, 2018, with a Dave Meyers-directed music video released simultaneously. The release marks the first for Jackson's new partnership with independent music publisher and distributor Cinq Music Group to distribute future releases her from her independent label Rhythm Nation Records.

References

  1. ↑ Jon Blistein (May 5, 2016). "Watch Janet Jackson's Sultry 'Dammn Baby' Video". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  2. ↑ Andrew Hampp (May 18, 2013). "Janet Jackson Talks 'janet.' 20th Anniversary". Billboard . Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  3. ↑ Erin Strecker (May 16, 2015). "Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report". Billboard.
  4. 1 2 "Janet Jackson Makes History Again". JanetJackson.com. June 3, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  5. ↑ Billboard Staff (May 16, 2015). "Janet Jackson Announces New Album, Tour". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  6. ↑ Liv Moss (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson unveils new single No Sleeep – listen". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  7. ↑ Hampp, Andrew (June 15, 2015). "Janet Jackson Announces 'Unbreakable World Tour'". Billboard. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  8. ↑ Lynch, Joe (August 20, 2015). "Janet Jackson Teases Upbeat New Song 'The Great Forever,' Confirms Album Title". Billboard. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  9. ↑ Minsker, Evan; Monroe, Jazz (September 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson Details New Album Unbreakable". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  10. 1 2 Appleford, Steve (May 5, 2016). "Go Behind the Scenes of Janet Jackson's 'Dammn Baby' Music Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  11. ↑ Jon Pareles (September 30, 2015). "Review: Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' Focuses on Love Outside the Bedroom". The New York Times . Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  12. 1 2 PopMatters Staff (May 16, 2016). "Janet Jackson - "Dammn Baby" (Singles Going Steady)". PopMatters . Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  13. ↑ Stern, Bradley (October 2, 2015). "Best Songs We Heard This Week: Janet Jackson, Tinashe, Chris Cornell & More". PopCrush. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Video: Janet Jackson – 'Dammn Baby'". Rap-Up . May 5, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  15. ↑ Mistry, Anupa (October 6, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable". Pitchfork . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  16. ↑ O, Desiree (April 13, 2017). "Janet Jackson Releases "Dammn Baby" Music Video After Pregnancy News". Brit + Co . Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  17. ↑ Saeed, Saeed (October 5, 2015). "Album review: Janet Jackson seems at peace with lavish new album". The National . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  18. ↑ Macpherson, Alex (October 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable review – sunny serenity on reflective 11th album". The Guardian . Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  19. ↑ Tannenbaum, Rob (October 6, 2015). "Janet Jackson Shows Off Her Resilience on 'Unbreakable': Album Review". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  20. ↑ Sawdey, Evan (October 5, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable". PopMatters. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  21. ↑ Arceneaux, Michael (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson Is Self-Assured and Reflective on 'Unbreakable'". Complex . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  22. ↑ Kellman, Andy (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson - Unbreakable". AllMusic . Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  23. 1 2 "Janet Jackson Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  24. 1 2 Wright, Hayden (May 5, 2016). "Janet Jackson Drops Video for 'Dammn Baby'". Radio.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  25. 1 2 Dandridge-Lemco, Ben (May 5, 2016). "Watch Janet Jackson's "Dammn Baby" Video". The Fader . Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  26. ↑ Lang, Candy (May 4, 2016). "Janet Jackson Drops 'Dammn Baby' Music Video Amid Pregnancy Rumors". Time . Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  27. ↑ O'Donnell, Carey (May 5, 2016). "Janet Jackson Serves Up 90s Janet Realness In New Video For "Dammn Baby"". Paper . Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  28. ↑ "dammn baby! janet jackson drops new single and video". i-D . May 5, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  29. ↑ "WATCH: Janet Jackson's 'Dammn Baby'". Hot Press . May 5, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  30. ↑ Sonis, Rachel (May 5, 2016). "Janet Jackson Releases Steamy "Dammn Baby" Video: Watch". Idolator . Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  31. ↑ Nied, Mike (September 8, 2017). "Hits & Choreography: Janet Jackson's 'State Of The World Tour' Kicks Off". Idolator. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.