Janet Jackson continues to honor the legacy of her late brother Michael Jackson through their iconic duet “Scream.” During her “Together Again” tour, the 58-year-old superstar shared her thoughts on performing the song and the emotional journey it evokes.
Janet Jackson’sTrip Down Memory Lane
Speaking to the BBC, Janet reflected on the significance of “Scream,” a song they wrote together in New York. “Mike and I wrote that song in his apartment,” she reminisced. “Listening to him sing it every night, remembering what he was going through, it’s emotional.” Janet described her role as Michael’s support system, always by his side.
The song, released in 1995, delves into Michael’s struggles with fame, public harassment, and tabloid gossip. It was a tumultuous time for Michael, and Janet recalled, “Mike was going through a lot, and I think it was taking its toll on him.” Despite these challenges, “Scream” achieved significant success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple accolades, including a Grammy for Best Music Video.
Behind the Scenes of “Scream”
Janet’s 2022 Lifetime docuseries, “Janet Jackson,” provided fans with a deeper look into the making of “Scream.” The docuseries featured footage of Janet and Michael writing the song and working in the studio with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet revealed that filming the music video was a challenging experience due to the strained dynamic on set. “It was tough,” she admitted. “Michael shot nights; I shot days. His record company blocked off his whole set so that I couldn’t see what was going on. They didn’t want me on set.”
This division created a sense of competition that Janet found hurtful. “I felt like they were trying to make it very competitive between the two of us. That really hurt me, because I felt I was there fighting the fight with him, not to battle him.” Despite the difficulties, Janet hoped to recapture the camaraderie they once shared. “I wanted it to feel like old times between he and I, and it didn’t,” she said with a hint of sadness.
Janet’s performances of “Scream” on her current tour are described as some of the most powerful moments of the show. The live song, featuring video footage of Michael, allows fans to relive the magic of their collaboration. For Janet, it’s a bittersweet experience, filled with memories of her beloved brother and their shared journey in music.