Throwback Thursday: Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson – “Scream”
On this day in 1995, music fans got something special. Two of the greatest artists of all time (who also happen to be siblings) came together to give us a perfect blend of pop, R&B and rock. Up until this point, Janet had been strict about not collaborating with Michael because she wanted to make name for herself and didn’t want to be in his shadow. By 1995, she was one of the biggest stars in the game while Michael, on the other hand, was trying to shake off bad press from the child molestation allegations of 1993. In many ways, this collaboration was Janet lending goodwill to her big brother in what was then the most trying time of his career.
Written and produced by both Jacksons along with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, “Scream” takes direct aim at the press for the shitshow that was 1993. The music video for the song is a black-and-white futuristic masterpiece that I have loved since I was [redacted] years old even though I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on — it is apparently about Mike and Janet running away from Earth on a spaceship.
With production ringing up $7 million (over $11 million when adjusted for inflation), “Scream” still holds the record for the most expensive music video of all time. Das how a boss do it. Treat yourself:
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