Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately" : a coming of age story packaged in a groundbreaking song

The Twelve Inch 146 : What Have You Done For Me Lately (Janet Jackson)

What does it take to break free from the shadow of a family dynasty, an overbearing father, and a broken marriage to become the voice of a generation?

In 1986, Janet Jackson answered this question loud and clear with “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, the lead single from her groundbreaking album Control. The song didn’t just announce Janet’s arrival as a pop powerhouse—it declared her independence as a woman, artist, and cultural force. Beneath its danceable groove lay a deeper (coming of age) story of resilience, collaboration, and reinvention.

This is how Janet Jackson turned heartbreak into empowerment, worked with new collaborators to shape a sound that would define an era, and help change the landscape of dance music.

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Welcome, I’m Pe Dupre and this is “The Twelve Inch”, a newsletter that tells the history of dance music between 1975 and 1995, one twelve inch at a time.

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Janet’s Early Career: Growing Up in the Shadow of the Jackson Empire

Janet Damita Jo Jackson, the youngest member of the legendary Jackson family, grew up surrounded by music royalty. While her brothers—especially Michael—captivated the world, Janet’s early career was far more understated. As a teenager, she explored acting with roles on Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes, but her true aspirations lay elsewhere. By the time she finished high school, Janet envisioned a future outside of entertainment, dreaming of attending college to study business law. However, a casual moment in the home studio changed everything. When her father, Joe Jackson, discovered a recording of her singing a song she had written for fun, he made the decision for her: she was destined for a career in music.

Embarking on her recording journey, Janet sought to carve out her own identity—independent of her famous family. This was no small task, especially in the shadow of Michael’s meteoric rise with Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. Michael’s immense solo success cast a long shadow, creating tension within the family and leaving Janet grappling with constant comparisons. Any attempt to establish her own identity was met with scrutiny, as interviews and public appearances often veered toward discussions of her brother’s fame and enigmatic lifestyle.

Her first two albums, Janet Jackson (1982) and Dream Street (1984), were heavily shaped by her father’s strict management. While competent, the records lacked Janet’s unique voice and identity, coming across as extensions of her family’s legacy rather than reflections of her own artistry. Critics were unimpressed, dismissing her as a mere puppet of her father’s ambitions. For Janet, the realization was clear: if she was ever going to be taken seriously as an artist, something needed to change.

Coming of Age and Breaking Free: A Defiant Move Away From Joe Jackson

In 1984, at just 18 years old, Janet Jackson secretly married James DeBarge, a longtime friend who shared the unique challenges of growing up in a famous family. While their bond provided mutual comfort, the relationship was fraught with issues. The Jackson family strongly opposed the union, citing James’s struggles with immaturity and substance abuse, compounded by the DeBarge family’s declining career fortunes after a once-promising start. By January 1985, the marriage had unraveled, and Janet sought an annulment later that year, channeling her emotional turmoil into her work.

Janet & James Debarge

This turbulent period marked a turning point in Janet’s life and career. Alongside the heartbreak of her failed marriage, she made the bold decision to part ways with her father, Joe Jackson, as her manager. Known for his rigid control over every aspect of her career, Joe had dictated Janet’s moves from album concepts to public appearances. Breaking free from his grasp was a monumental step toward reclaiming her autonomy.

Joe Jackson, Janet’s father

Janet hired John McClain, the senior vice president of artists and repertoire at A&M Records, as her new manager. McClain’s guidance proved transformative, leading to her introduction to the powerhouse production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis—a partnership that would soon redefine her sound and solidify her place in music history.

Meeting the Guides: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

Prince may have been the mastermind behind the Minneapolis Sound, but Jimmy “Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis were its ambassadors. The duo shattered the myth of the synthesizer’s supposed lack of soul. By the early 1980s, they were reshaping the music landscape with their signature style—lush, synth-driven grooves that seamlessly blended genres. Their work with artists like the S.O.S. Band exemplified their ability to craft rich, genre-defying sounds.

As members of Prince’s band, The Time, Jam and Lewis began moonlighting as producers by 1982—a move that didn’t sit well with Prince. Tensions reached a boiling point in 1983 when a snowstorm in Atlanta stranded the duo while they were working with the S.O.S. Band, causing them to miss a Time concert in San Antonio. Their absence was the final straw, and Prince fired them.

Ironically, being let go was a blessing in disguise. “That was the first time we got serious about producing,” Jam later reflected: “Up to that time it was just fun. ‘Hey, let’s write some songs. Ha-ha, this is fun.’ All of a sudden, it’s like ‘Fuck, this is how I’m going to make my living now.'” What began as a setback became the catalyst for their legendary production career.

Working with Janet

Joe Jackson initially insisted that Janet’s new album be recorded in Los Angeles, allowing him to keep a watchful eye over the process. However, producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis stood firm, insisting the album be created entirely in their Minneapolis studio. The distance from Hollywood’s distractions—and Joe’s interference—was essential to their creative process. For Janet, it marked a significant step outside her comfort zone. She later reflected, “I come from a sheltered background. And then suddenly I’m off to Minneapolis, and these guys, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, are running around cursing like crazy. That made me so uncomfortable I wanted to go home”

As the album neared completion, the team faced a familiar challenge “We ended up thinking we were done with Control,” says Lewis. “And [Jackson’s A&R rep John McClain], like all A&R people, he said, ‘I just need one more.’ We said, ‘What are you talking about? Forget it, man.’ And we just said, ‘Let us play you some stuff from our album.’ The third track from our album, he goes, ‘That’s the one I need for Janet.’ And that song ended up becoming ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately?’ It basically started her career and ended ours.” Janet then went back to Minneapolis to record "What Have You Done for Me Lately". Jam remembered, "She was sitting outside in the lounge and said, 'Man, that's a funky track. Who's that for?' And we said, 'It's for you', and she said, 'Oh, cool'. I think she was very pleased when she heard the track".

The Sound of Control: A Bold New Identity

With its punchy beats, infectious bassline, and razor-sharp lyrics, What Have You Done for Me Lately perfectly embodied Janet Jackson’s newfound confidence. The track was bold, sassy, and unapologetic—a sonic declaration of independence directed at anyone who had underestimated her. Reflecting on its creation, Jimmy Jam shared, “The bassline happened by accident. I was playing another song for Terry, and the key change in that song became the bassline you hear. Terry immediately asked, ‘What’s that bassline?’ Then he had me loop it over a beat he had made with the drum machine—and that’s how the Janet Jackson hit was born.”

Jam and Lewis’s production throughout the Control album blended cutting-edge technology with raw, emotional storytelling. Drum machines and synths created crisp, syncopated rhythms that defined the album’s sound. Janet’s voice—often dismissed as too delicate—was layered and enhanced to emphasize its rhythm and attitude, perfectly complementing the album’s themes.

The lyrics of Control mirrored Janet’s personal journey at the time. Songs like Nasty, The Pleasure Principle, and the title track explored empowerment, self-respect, and independence. These tracks chronicled her break from her father’s control, her recovery from a failed marriage, and her determination to find her voice. The message was clear: Janet was still the kind, grounded woman her fans adored—but she was also ready to stand her ground and take on anyone who dared to put her in a box.

Chart Success and Global Impact

Released in January 1986, What Have You Done for Me Lately quickly became a smash hit. It climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Black Singles chart. On the dance charts, it reached No. 2, narrowly missing the top spot due to Colonel Abrams holding steady at No. 1. Internationally, the song cracked the top 10 in the UK, Canada, and several European countries, while in the Benelux region, it soared all the way to No. 1.

The accompanying album, Control, was a game-changer, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It garnered multiple Grammy nominations and firmly established Janet Jackson as a pop icon in her own right. Critics praised the album as a feminist anthem for the MTV generation, celebrating its themes of empowerment and independence. More importantly, its success shattered the perception of Janet as just another Jackson sibling riding on family fame—she had emerged as a star with her own voice and an undeniable legacy.

Answer Songs and Cultural Ripples

The impact of What Have You Done for Me Lately went far beyond its chart success. In 1986, rapper King MC released an “answer song” titled What Have I Done for You Lately, offering a male perspective in response to Janet’s assertive anthem. While Janet didn’t directly address the track, its existence highlighted the cultural conversations her music sparked. Her bold and unapologetic stance resonated widely, inspiring both admiration and debate.

The Legacy of Control: Empowering Black Women

Control wasn’t just a pop album—it was a cultural milestone. For young Black women in the 1980s, Janet Jackson’s music became a beacon of self-determination and empowerment. Her lyrics urged women to demand respect, set boundaries, and take control of their lives—whether in relationships or beyond. The resonance of her message wasn’t confined to women, either; even a clip from Eddie Murphy’s stand-up routine (referenced in the “Further Reading” section) makes it clear that men got the message loud and clear.

As for her relationship with her father, it wasn’t a bitter break but a necessary separation. Reflecting on Joe Jackson after his passing, Janet said “He was very strong, and without his drive, his strength … we wouldn’t have this success. We are a black family that came from Gary, Indiana and we broke all kinds of records around the globe. That’s truth. My father was a great man.”

Influence on Dance Music and Beyond

The sound of Control didn’t just define Janet Jackson’s career—it revolutionized the direction of dance music in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Its blend of sharp beats, infectious hooks, and themes of empowerment influenced a generation of artists, from Paula Abdul and Bobby Brown to Beyoncé. The production style of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis became a cornerstone of modern R&B, shaping the work of New Jack Swing pioneers like Teddy Riley and countless contemporary pop producers.

Janet’s rise to superstardom also coincided with a cultural shift, as her music became a voice for Black feminism. Prior to the 1980s, feminism was predominantly defined by middle-class white women, often sidelining the contributions and struggles of Black feminists. While Black feminism had long existed, its visibility and recognition grew during this era—and Janet’s bold expressions of independence, self-respect, and empowerment resonated deeply.

Nearly three decades after its release, Control remains a groundbreaking milestone in Black feminist music, a bold declaration of autonomy and strength. Janet’s enduring career continues to serve as a blueprint for female performers seeking to carve their own paths. While Michael Jackson may have sold more records, Janet’s legacy is arguably the most unblemished and enduring of all the Jackson siblings, standing as a testament to resilience, artistry, and empowerment.

A Call to Action for Readers

What are your memories of hearing “What Have You Done for Me Lately” for the first time? Did Control inspire you or someone you know to take charge of their life? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.

Further reading (or should I say watching)

There are a number of interesting video’s/links :

1. The official video

2. Eddy Murphy and the “male” perspective

So You Wanna Hear More ?

I thought you would !

It’s fun to write about music but let’s be honest. Music is made to listen to.

Every week, together with this newsletter, I release a 1 hour beatmix on Mixcloud and Soundcloud. I start with the discussed twelve inch and follow up with 10/15 songs from the same timeframe/genre. The ideal soundtrack for…. Well whatever you like to do when you listen to dance music.

The MIXCLOUD Mix Of The Week

So what’s in this week’s mix ?

This week, we dive deep into the mid-’80s synth-funk sound crafted by the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. We kick things off with Janet Jackson’s empowering anthem, seamlessly paired with King MC’s answer song. The journey continues with another Jam & Lewis masterpiece, Keep Your Eye On Me, produced for Herb Alpert, Janet’s record label boss. Rounding out the opening trio is Janet’s brother Michael with his 1987 smash hit, Bad.

This mix showcases how the Jam & Lewis synth-funk style influenced music far beyond traditional dance tracks. Mid-’80s gems like Julien Clerc’s Bambou Bar find a perfect place here, alongside Sheena Easton’s Strut. And the set wouldn’t be complete without The Human League’s I Need Your Loving, yet another standout production by Jam & Lewis. Together, these tracks prove just how far-reaching and transformative their sound truly was.

Enjoy !

Next week, I’ll delve into one of my favorite albums from 1979 by an iconic pop artist. At first glance, you might think it has nothing to do with dance—but it has everything to do with dance and perfectly captures what was happening to disco in 1979. I’m well aware that I’m among the few who truly adore this album. I’ll explain why next week.