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In 1997, Janet Jackson re-invented herself from her late 80s Rhythm Nation days. The new Ms. Jackson sported chiseled abdominals, toned legs and curly, dirty blonde hair. She wore a tight white, fringed bell-bottoms and a matching, midrift shirt. Her dancers dressed in similar clothing. To show off this sexy look, she created a popular, sexy song.

It was one word, "If". "If I was your girl, the things I'd do to you." The verse became a mantra for alluring women pursuing that one man. Couples crowded the dance floors. They pushed up on each other. They sweated and grinded one another. Ms. Jackson's evolution exploded into sexual liberation. She was no longer the quiet child from "Good Times". She emerged unscathed from her older "King of Pop" brother's shadow. Throughout Michael's legal troubles, she remained his biggest supporter, and a strong, black woman.

The video was powered by heavy rotation on MTV (Music Television). A behind-the-scenes documentary revealed fans to her private world. Later in the year, she went on tour with female rapper, M.C. Lyte. At Des Moines, Veteran's Auditorium, Ms. Jackson performed "If" live. She brought a young, black gentleman onstage and sat him down. And then, she got down on "all fours" and did a feline walk towards him. She climbed up his baggy jeans with her manicured fingernails. After placing her hand on his groin, she said "If I was your girl, the things I'd do to you." The young man enjoyed a public orgasm. She gave pleasure many more men along her nationwide tour.

Ms. Jackson's music broadened hip-hop. Female vocalists spearheaded black music into the new millenium. Mary J. Blige, Aliayah, Total, Allure, SWV and others brought hip-hop sexuality and sensuality. They weren't afraid to be themselves. Their look never put sex before their songs. All of these ladies' beauty and talent worked in perfect cohesion. "If" sold two million CD singles. The album ended up selling five million copies in the U.S. She received multiple Grammy and American Music nominations for Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

The maturation of a r & b diva was complete. A social butterfly flew from its secluded cocoon.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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