OK, so the above cover for the forthcoming Vibe, in which Janet Jackson pays homage to the sleeve for Off The Wall, is only half of the story; apparently, the mag has decided to run with that Complex-inspired dual-cover idea that the Anono-Critic noted earlier this week. (The other cover features a white-tank-topped Janet looking frisky, perhaps because she’s trying to resist being Photoshopped within an inch of her life.) Still, you have to wonder if anyone at Sony/BMG got wind of the Michael homage that was going down and tried to lobby whoever was in charge of Vibe’s photo shoot in favor of one that would have a little bit more synergistic magic.
Janet Jackson Does Divine Duel Covers For Vibe!! [B. Scott's Splendiforous Official Website]
Janet also has a song on her new album called “Rock With U” that unsubtly nods towards the similiarly titled Off The Wall hit, so I guess she’s working a weird theme here. When’s the last time the two of them were even seen in the same place, anyway? Is she just trying to remind people that her career’s recent trajectory is nothing compared to certain other falls from grace in her immediate family?
Hey, where are the glowing socks and the giant ‘fro?
I suspect this is largely an attempt by J’s camp to showcase style over sexuality. I recall her last VIBE cover where she was (unfortunately) revealing her 40yo midsection and, well, let’s just say this is a better look for J.