Most casual listeners of Janet Jackson are familiar with how great of a performer she is and her famous family, but I don’t think many gave Janet credit for her incredible pen game. She knew how to create a story, an anthem, emote emotions, all into a song and so many lyricists are not capable of producing those into an entire catalog of songs. 

With the album, Rhythm Nation, although many of her hits were of love songs, the entire album was a concept album about social issues dealing with subjects such as poverty, racism, gun violence, education and more. Like, what pop star do you know who would create an album around those subjects and it actually bangs?! 

And not only that, Janet was a real feminist with her lyrics. Her songs showed that she had the power in most of the situations, she was in tune to what she wanted out of life, and wasn’t settling for less, she was an advocate for equal rights whether it was for race or sexuality. She paved the way for Christina Aguilera and Rihanna who have also shown their power throughout their lyrics/songs. 

Personal input: If Janet didn’t know it, perhaps she created the groundworks to my ‘ain’t taking no shit from nobody’ way of life. And for that, I’m so grateful for Janet’s music! 

Here are 5 of Janet’s best feminist songs/lyrics

Control 

Janet gave us the tools to think for ourselves and make our own rules
Got my own mind
I wanna make my own decisions
When it has to do with my life, my life
I wanna be the one in control

Nasty

Janet told us don’t waste your time on boys who won’t treat you right
I'm not a prude (no)
I just want some respect (that's right)
So close the door if you want me to respond

Rhythm Nation

Before Social Justice Warriors were a thing on the Internet, Janet was out here trying to tell everyone it’s time to get together to improve our country/world
Things are getting worse
We have to make them better
It's time to give a damn
Let's work together come on

The Knowledge

She also said being dumb was not cute and y’all need to get your education on. 
Spreading vise don't believe the hype
You don't find the knowledge in a pipe
Too many lives go up in smoke
It's nice to laugh but don't be the joke
To get over get better
Try to be the possessor
Of the one thing we all need in life
To succeed take my advice

We are really living the lyrics Janet told us not to live

You Want This

It’s not easy to date her or pleases her
If you want my future then
You better work it boy
No it won't come easy no

New Agenda

Janet was trying to break the glass ceiling
I've heard no too many times
Because of my race
I've heard no too many times
But with every no
I grow in strength
That is why
African-American woman
I stand tall with pride

Free Xone

Janet believed everyone deserves love 

Boy meets girl
Boy loses girl
Boy getscute girl back

Girl meets boy
Girl loses boy
Girl getscute girl back

Free to be who you really are
One rule
No rules
One love
Freexone
Let's get free

Janet really set the groundwork for us. We really don't deserve her!

Happy birthday, Janet!