#JCsMusicology

In this edition of #JCsMusicology, we explore Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope album, track by track. Following a three-year world tour and the release of a greatest hits album, Janet Jackson began writing her most personal and introspective songs. Detailing depression, domestic violence, and early incarnations of social media, this collection of songs would be configured into what many regard as her greatest work, The Velvet Rope. Interview Credits: Access Hollywood, BBC, Electric Circus, Kelly Alexander Show, Lady of Soul Awards, Larry King Live, Le Mag, Hey Hey It's Saturday, MTV, Much Music, Musique Plus, NBC, O-Zone, Oprah, RAI Uno, Sen Kvaall, TMF, Witness and Z100 Radio.

In our Season 3 return of #JCsMusicology, we take a trip through the making of Prince's Lovesexy album. 1987 was a big year for Prince. With the release of Sign O' The Times, the opening of Paisley Park, and the establishment of a new band, he was set to cap the year off with the release of The Black Album. After a drug-induced epiphany and a new acquaintance, Prince cancelled the release, sending thousands of copies for destruction. He then commenced work on its rebuttal and replacement, Lovesexy. Using rarely heard early versions and unheard session tapes, we explore the makings of Prince's spiritual declaration. Interview Credits: 07.5 WBLS, MTV Presents Prince, The Electrifying Mojo, Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, VH-1 To 1, CNN Cover Version, BET Talkback, Fast Forward, Larry King, MTV News, NBC Today Show, The View, TROS, BET - Words and Music, CBS Early Show, CNBC, Much More Music, Tavis Smiley and The Biz. Special Thanks: The heavens above.

In this episode of #JCsMusicology, we deconstruct each song from Michael Jackson's first solo album as an adult artist, Off The Wall. Once The Jacksons gained more independence with their group work, allowing them to write and produce the vast majority of their albums, Michael also began to plot his own emancipation. By starring in The Wiz and meeting up with Quincy Jones, a significant musical partnership was formed and a team was assembled. Using demos and multitrack tapes, we learn how one of the greatest albums in history was crafted. Interview Credits: Roundtable, Sylvia Chase, WBLS Frankie Crocker, Countdown, John Pigeon, Robbie Vincent Show, Steve Rosen, Diane Collins, Spotlight Special, Mexico Deposition, 2001 Special Edition, Make it Funky, BBC, Ebony, NVLP, Joy, Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, Red Bull Music, Artist Series and Sweetwater. Special Thanks: Chris Cadman (https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Jackson-Off-Wall-Record/dp/1530949378), Brice Nijar (https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Make-HIStory-insight-album/dp/1533296723) and Andy Healy (http://www.mj101series.com/).

In this episode of #JCsMusicology, we analyse the early works of Erykah Badu, also known as Badulla Oblongata, Sara Bellum, and Analogue Girl in a Digital World. As part of the holy trinity of Neo-soul albums in the late '90s, Erykah Badu released 'Baduizm' to critical acclaim, generating four singles and earning two Grammy Awards. Her follow-up, 'Mama's Gun,' would meet similar success with its accolades and critical reception. Before taking a five-year hiatus, her third studio album, 'Worldwide Underground,' would be yet another progression in her artistic expression, accentuating live instrumentation and varying vocal styles. Interview Credits: Jools Holland, Planet Groove, Hamburg, Suite903, ASSR Studio Stories, Out Of The Box, Red Bull Music Academy, Editor, The Breakfast Club, BET, HOT 97, Lord Sear Special, New York Times, Rap Radar, Work Reel and NPR. Special Thanks: Lucas Cava (https://medium.com/@lucascava/baduizm-a-cultivation-of-wisdom-expressed-through-music-e20993b496dd), Pat McCaffrie, Daniel Aspén (https://www.discogs.com/user/fylaxx)