Janet Jackson’s Control: The First Unapologetically Black Crossover?

More than three decades ago, Janet Jackson dropped an album that changed us all without changing anything about itself. As we approach Control’s 35th anniversary, The Music Snobs wonder if this seminal work of art is the first unapologetically Black crossover that didn’t change a damn thing to appeal to the mainstream. Things get even more interesting when the Snobs examine Control’s range and debate whether or not Janet’s slow jams define her as much as her dance tracks. Next, the crew acknowledges that nothing compares to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, but still asks: what other ’80s producers could have given Janet gold? Join TMS for an episode that honors one of music’s most iconic albums.