40 Years of Control: What Janet Taught Me About "Lately"

by Ty Andrews

It’s been four decades since Janet Jackson released the song "What Have You Done For Me Lately" on January 13, 1986, an R&B pop affirmation that changed my life. We won’t get into the details of me secretly dancing in front of the TV. Showing up diligently on the carpet in the living room, I wore our VCR player out with pride. I was busy mimicking the moves and the attitude of Janet and choreographer Paula Abdul, all while studying the mastery of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I didn't realize that as an overweight kid, I was actually getting a Jane Fonda level workout. Can you imagine how time consuming it was to rewind a VHS tape over and over again to learn one dance move?

Janet Jackson was my coach before I even knew I needed one.

If you know me, the real Tyrone, you know I’ve worshipped the ground that woman walks on since day one. Meeting her is still at the very top of my bucket list. (Janet, if you’re reading this, I’m ready!)

But reeling it back in for a second… Janet boldly took her narrative and story by the reins back then, and today, I’m finally doing the same.

The Cost of Solidarity

As a recovering people pleaser, "What Have You Done for Me Lately" has evolved from a catchy hit in my music box into a necessary boundary. In an era where we are forced to witness a monster running the country, that question isn’t just a lyric–it’s a demand for accountability.

This wouldn't be The Unfiltered Truth if I didn't share that my loyalty is literal. I have Janet’s name tattooed on my right arm–her iconic signature from the All for You album cover. No, she didn't sign my arm (I wish!), but I used my graphic design skills to meticulously recreate the artwork for the tattoo artist. I did it in solidarity during the historic Super Bowl fallout. While the world was busy judging her, I was making her legacy a permanent part of my own.

Dance as Medicine

Even at 50, my love for Janet Jackson as an artist and entertainer remains just as impactful. Janet's Control album brought in a new energy. Her sound and presence back then was fresh. Once I experienced the magic of music immersed in dance, I was hooked. I literally wanted to be a part of that movement. I believe artists are needed to heal and open hearts. I was at the 2022 Grammy Awards when Joni Mitchell was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. Joni, who has long been an inspiration to Janet herself, made a rare appearance to accept her award during the preshow. She looked at us in the audience and commanded: "It's time for artists to start putting your music out there. It's needed to heal."

The art of healing isn't just emotional. It’s physical. Recent studies have actually shown that dancing is an effective exercise for treating depression. It offers a physical release that a treadmill just can't reach. Dancing is moving energy. It moves stress and trauma out of the body while keeping us agile at any age.

I’ve become humbled enough to learn that even with a library of Janet moves in my muscle memory, you still have to stretch. Whether you’re 11 or 50, getting into the rhythm isn’t just about the dance. It’s a practice of self-care and how you claim your joy. 

There is something powerful about carrying that 11 year old’s spark, the one who was just trying to keep up with the rhythm, into this chapter of my life.

Janet has worked tirelessly for her legacy and deserves every flower. She gave not just record-breaking music, but a blueprint for self advocacy. It’s up to us to use it.