Janet Jackson Reveals What People Still Get Wrong About Her

The 56-year-old “Control” music icon got candid in a cover story with Essence Magazine for the June / July 2022 issue, out on newsstands on June 28.

During the conversation, Janet opened up about new music, being an innovator and what people still get wrong about her.

Sometimes things happen that you don’t expect to happen, and you have to figure things out—or you’re in a space in your life when you have to take a step back and take a break for a minute.

“I’ve heard Jimmy and Terry tell me we haven’t. I’ve heard fans tell me we haven’t. Other artists have said the same thing. That never crossed my mind. It’s really the body of music touching people and how it impacts their lives that matters to me. I honestly don’t think about that stuff.”

I’ve never been that person to have my awards on display. There’s nothing wrong with it, that’s just not me. Being able to wake up and see my baby another day. The space might be in at that moment within my soul. What I’ve accomplished within myself

“Oh, gosh. Oh, that’s a good one. When it comes to my personal life, I think mistaking my kindness for weakness. When it comes to my professional life, I would say it would have to be not liking to hear the word ‘no.’ Especially being a woman, and someone telling you, ‘No, you can’t because…’”