The writing was on the wall a few months ago when she was quoted as saying they didn't promote her most recent album.And now it's been confirmed that Janet Jackson has parted ways with Island Def Jam.
Just 14 months of being on the powerhouse label, helmed by Antonio "L.A." Reid, it was announced today that Jackson is no longer a part of its superstar roster.
Her rep confirmed the news to BlackVoices.com this afternoon.
"The label agreed to dissolve their relationship with the artist at her request" is the official word.
Janet Jackson Pictures
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Hip hop artist LL Cool J performs onstage during Janet Jackson's "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Singer Janet Jackson performs during her concert, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
AP
Singer Janet Jackson performs during her concert, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
AP
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Singer Janet Jackson performs during her concert, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
AP
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Singer Janet Jackson performs onstage during her "Rock Witchu" tour at the Staples Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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It was announced that the 'Rhytmn Nation' singer inked a deal with Island in July 2007 and released her label debut, 'Discipline,' this past February.
Although the album debuted at #1 when it was released, overall sales failed to meet expectations.
Executive produced by Jackson and her longtime lover, Island Urban president Jermaine Dupri, 'Discipline' sold 181,000 copies in its first week. According to Nielsen SoundScan, it has only sold 415,000 copies to date.
Jackson, who starred in Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' movie last year, expressed dissatisfaction with the label, even to go as far as stating that they "stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album" after releasing the first single, 'Feedback.'
"I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future," she recently told 'Billboard.' "I don't know what the future holds between the two of us."
"Always known to break new ground and set trends, Janet's departure from Island makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels," a statement about the separation read.
Jackson is currently on the road with her first tour in seven years, "Rock Witchu," with LL Cool J and Donnie Klang as opening acts.
The Live Nation-promoted jaunt began Sept. 10 in Vancouver and runs through Oct. 22 in Dallas.
A spokesperson for Island Def Jam could not be reached by deadline.
Comments: (104)
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By: Me on 9/22/2008 7:27PM
I think this is evidence of Def Jam's lack of ability to promote their artists. Many of their artists have made these claims from Chingy, Christina Millian, LL COOL J, and Janet Jackson.
It is no surprise that is becoming harder and harder to sell records in today's markets, but still when there are multiplatinum (2 million plus records sold) and diamond (10 million records sold) selling recording artist struggling to go gold (500,000 records sold) there is a problem with promotion no matter the decline in the artist's fans as the years go on.
Despite the declining market it is still possible to sell records, Lil Wayne is evidence of that. Some artists are just wack and can't sell records. Some artists can be wack and still sell records. And some artists can be talented and can't sell records.
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By: Andre on 9/22/2008 7:47PM
I'm a HUGE fan of Janet and believe she is STILL one of the most talented stars out there! Now, do I think she'll be AS popular during the "janet." days, no. But do I think her career is over? Absolutely not. You can tell in the music and her performances (and yes, her tour) that she's still very much in Control and has yet to throw in the towel! This could actually be a GREAT move for Ms. Jackson! I wish her ALL the success in the future & I will continue to support her projects!!
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By: DJ TAHJEEK on 9/22/2008 8:44PM
JANET NEEDS TO DO MORE RAP CAMEO's SHE'S DATEING ONE OF THE HOTTEST PRODUCERS IN THE INDUSTRY.DEF JAM GOT ISSUE'S ANYWAY TO MANY EGO'S....
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By: LIA on 9/22/2008 9:00PM
Personally I think the record label isn't going to promote these mediocre artists. Janet and LL aren't as good as they use to be and their music and lack of sales reflect that.
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By: sweets on 10/26/2008 8:55AM
JANET JACKSON GOT VERY BIG SHE MUST BE CARRYING A CHILD. DAME THAT GIRL CAN EAT WHEN SHE IS HAVING A NERVE BRECKDOWN. POOR THING SHE IS GETTINF WEIRD JUST LIKE HER BORTHER MICHEAL
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By: Charden on 9/22/2008 10:32PM
Thats alright Janet. We fall down but we get up. It's long overdue for you to use some of those millions and your connections to establish your own label and shape your own dreams. You need control and your family need jobs. Teamwork makes the dreamwork. Hop to it!
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By: j-money on 9/22/2008 10:37PM
u go gurl
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By: MIchael on 9/23/2008 1:58AM
I personally didn't like Janet's discipline album. Didn't think it was among her best work.
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By: Lisa Hampton on 9/23/2008 12:59PM
I think Janet needs to reinvent herself. She needs to do more mature work. All of her big dance routine stuff and pop music is really old. I wish she would do a R&B/Jazz style to reflect her maturity. I still think she has what it takes to be successful but she needs to be really change her style.
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By: donn on 9/23/2008 9:19PM
I think this maybe a great move for artist like Janet, I cannot tell you the last time I bought a new cd, I get all of my music from itunes or emusic. This will give the artist full control on their work, this is what most artist wants. Go Janet I will always follow you.
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