While Janet Jackson continues to dazzle fans on her "Together Again" tour, one song remains particularly poignant for the singer—her iconic 1995 duet "Scream" with her late brother, Michael Jackson. The song, a vibrant response to public scrutiny and personal challenges, holds a deep emotional connection for Janet, who recently shared insights about its creation and her ongoing bond with Michael.
In a reflective interview with the BBC, Janet discussed how "Scream" serves as a highlight during her concerts. The performance includes video footage of Michael, who passed away in 2009, creating a powerful tribute that resonates with both Janet and her audience. "Listening to him sing it [and remembering] what he was going through at that time... just me being his little sister, always by his side, and being that support system, that's always been my role," she said.
The duo originally penned "Scream" in Michael's New York apartment, a memory that Janet cherishes as she performs the song live. "That whole journey, listening to him every night, seeing him, remembering us," she recounted, highlighting the personal struggles Michael faced during that period, which included a high-profile lawsuit and relentless media harassment.
"Scream" not only became a musical outlet for their frustrations but also achieved significant commercial success. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, remained on the chart for 17 weeks, and won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form, in 1996. It also earned a record 11 nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Reflecting on the song's impact, Michael expressed his gratitude in a 1995 MTV interview, saying, "We worked hard on it. To reap the fruits of this type of thing is a wonderful achievement."
Janet's 2022 docuseries, "Janet Jackson," provided fans a closer look at the siblings' creative process, featuring footage of them writing and recording the track with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Despite the upbeat appearance of the "Scream" music video, Janet revealed that the production atmosphere was fraught with challenges. "Michael shot nights; I shot days. His record company... they didn't want me on set. They were trying to make it very competitive between the two of us. That really hurt me because I felt I was there fighting the fight with him. Not to battle him," she shared.
These behind-the-scenes tensions did not dampen their sibling solidarity, however, Janet lamented that "old times had long passed," acknowledging the changes in their dynamic over the years.
Today, as Janet performs "Scream" and reflects on its lasting legacy, the song serves as a reminder of her deep connection with Michael, her role as his unwavering support, and the enduring power of their joint artistic expression. The emotion and history behind "Scream" continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece in the fabric of music history.