7 Iconic Janet Jackson Tracks Featuring Star Guests

Janet Jackson’s Collaborations: A Legacy of Connection and Creativity

Janet Jackson is a name that resonates across generations, not just for her solo achievements but also for the powerful collaborations she has embarked on throughout her career. These partnerships have not only expanded her artistic range but also showcased her ability to connect with other artists, creating music that transcends time and genre.

1. “Scream” (with Michael Jackson)

When two legends from the same family come together, the world listens — but with “Scream,” the Jacksons did more than just make noise. They made a statement that still rattles pop culture. The track was born out of Michael’s frustrations with tabloid attacks and legal battles — but what made it more potent was Janet’s presence. She wasn’t there as an accessory; she was there as an equal, feeding off Michael’s fire and giving him strength through their shared anger. Together, they turned personal chaos into collective catharsis.

For fans who grew up on it, “Scream” holds a special place as one of the first pop songs to sound truly futuristic. The production, all cold steel and jittery electronics, feels like an angry android on the verge of short-circuiting. Yet there’s something very human in Janet’s voice — a softness that counterbalances Michael’s sharper edge. When she sings, “Stop pressurin’ me,” it becomes clear she’s not just echoing him — she’s living it too.

What’s remarkable is how the video remains just as striking as the song. Directed by Mark Romanek, it cost over $7 million — and every penny shows. The black-and-white sets, zero-gravity dance moves, and sleek, otherworldly costumes gave MTV one of its defining moments. Rewatching it now, you can see how it paved the way for pop artists to experiment with sci-fi visuals long before CGI became mainstream.

Today, “Scream” hits differently in an age of digital harassment and relentless online scrutiny. It’s a reminder that even megastars have limits, and sometimes the only way to survive is to scream back. Put it on when you need an anthem for setting boundaries — and remember that Janet was right there, screaming beside her brother, defiant and free.

2. “What’s It Gonna Be?!” (with Busta Rhymes)

“What’s It Gonna Be?!” is the kind of track that only the late ‘90s could birth: bold, sensual, and dripping in decadent excess. Busta Rhymes, already known for his larger-than-life persona, found his perfect foil in Janet Jackson — a pop goddess unafraid to lean into the song’s unbridled eroticism. It’s a match that feels like it shouldn’t work, but that’s what makes it so thrilling to revisit.

Part of the song’s enduring appeal is its tension. Busta’s lyrics are a rapid-fire promise of seduction, but it’s Janet who pulls the listener in with her breathy, teasing refrain: “Gonna make, gonna make, gonna make your body wet…” She’s the calm center of Busta’s storm, the soft echo to his swagger. Together, they create an atmosphere that’s equal parts club banger and bedroom jam.

The music video remains legendary. With its glistening metallic bodysuits, morphing liquids, and sci-fi visuals, it’s a visual precursor to the digital age’s obsession with boundary-pushing effects. In the years since, artists like Missy Elliott, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat have dipped into the same playbook of surreal, high-concept music videos — all tracing back to bold experiments like this one.

More than two decades on, “What’s It Gonna Be?!” still feels alive on the dance floor. It belongs on any playlist that celebrates genre-bending collaborations. It’s a reminder that R&B and hip hop have always thrived when artists aren’t afraid to blur lines — and when a pop queen like Janet brings her A-game, the result is timeless.

3. “Diamonds” (with Herb Alpert)

“Diamonds” is an underrated gem that showcases Janet’s playful side at a pivotal moment in her career. Before Rhythm Nation and Velvet Rope turned her into a socially conscious icon, she was emerging from the Control era with a newfound sense of fun and freedom. Teaming up with legendary jazz trumpeter Herb Alpert might have seemed unexpected, but it gave Janet a chance to flirt with jazz, pop, and funk all at once.

The song bubbles over with joy. Herb Alpert’s trumpet lines dance in and out of the mix, and Janet’s vocals are layered like a candy coating, sweet yet sophisticated. She doesn’t overpower the song — she elevates it. Her voice weaves around the brass melodies like a tightrope walker, never missing a step. There’s a youthful giddiness in her ad-libs that shows she’s having fun in the studio, unburdened by the weight of being an icon — she’s just a young woman vibing with music legends.

What makes “Diamonds” even more interesting is its enduring versatility. You can slip it into a lounge playlist and it feels at home next to chill contemporary jazz. Put it on an ‘80s dance mix, and its Minneapolis funk backbone keeps heads bobbing. And because it’s a Herb Alpert record at its core, it’s also a bridge for older jazz lovers to appreciate Janet’s early genius.

Revisit “Diamonds” when you need a dose of sparkle in your day. It’s a reminder that collaborations don’t always need to be blockbusters to be brilliant — sometimes they just need the right vibe, the right players, and the right singer who knows how to shine.

4. “Feel It Boy” (with Beenie Man)

“Feel It Boy” is Janet’s tropical escape track — one of those breezy pop moments that instantly transport you to warm sands and swaying palm trees. At the dawn of the 2000s, dancehall and reggae were creeping into mainstream pop, and Janet was savvy enough to tap into the trend without diluting its flavor. Her pairing with Beenie Man, already a dancehall kingpin, proved she could hold her own in any musical climate.

The song is deceptively simple. Produced by The Neptunes, it rides a light, infectious reggae beat while layering Beenie Man’s energetic verses with Janet’s sultry, effortless hook. She doesn’t overdo it; she knows exactly when to slide in with a soft coo or a playful giggle, letting the island vibe do most of the heavy lifting. It’s summer in three and a half minutes.

What’s fascinating about “Feel It Boy” is how it’s aged. In a time when afrobeats and Caribbean rhythms dominate global charts, this track feels like a precursor. You can draw a straight line from “Feel It Boy” to Rihanna’s “Work” or Drake’s island-infused hits. Janet was once again a few steps ahead — she recognized the global pull of Caribbean music long before it became pop’s standard flavor.

Today, “Feel It Boy” deserves a spot on any cookout or vacation playlist. It’s a gentle reminder of Janet’s global versatility — a pop star who could go from industrial rock with Michael Jackson to laid-back beach grooves with Beenie Man, all without losing her signature allure. Sometimes, the best collabs aren’t the loudest; they’re the ones that make you want to feel the sun on your face and just dance.

5. “The Best Things in Life Are Free” (with Luther Vandross)

When Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross joined forces for “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” they didn’t just make a song — they bottled up the warmth of ‘90s R&B and sprinkled it with new jack swing joy. Recorded for the Mo’ Money soundtrack, the track instantly stood out as an anthem for simpler pleasures at a time when pop and R&B were all about big, glitzy productions.

Janet and Luther feel like they’re having a real conversation here — two friends, or maybe two flirts, trading lines about the things that matter most. Janet’s voice floats above the groove with her signature airy sweetness, while Luther’s buttery vocals anchor the song with his seasoned soul. It’s easy to imagine them in the studio, smiles on their faces, feeding off each other’s laid-back energy.

What’s especially striking is how much this song captures the heart of early ‘90s optimism. That era was full of crossover hits that made R&B feel like it belonged at cookouts, high school dances, and late-night car rides all at once. Jam & Lewis and Teddy Riley layered in their trademark bounce: sparkling keys, a bassline that bops without dominating, and just enough swing to make your shoulders roll.

Today, “The Best Things in Life Are Free” is more than nostalgia — it’s a reminder that even the biggest stars sound best when they’re having fun and spreading good vibes. Spin it when you want to get back to basics: feel-good music, real connection, and a hook that will stick with you all day. In an age of luxury flexes, Janet and Luther’s message still rings true — the best things really are free.