8 Iconic Janet Jackson Collabs That Took Her Tracks to the Next Level

Janet Jackson has always been a musical powerhouse on her own, but when she joins forces with other artists, magic happens. Throughout her decades-spanning career, Ms. Jackson has carefully selected collaborators who complement her style while pushing her creative boundaries. These partnerships have produced some unforgettable tracks that showcase her versatility and staying power in the ever-changing music landscape.

1. “Feel It Boy” with Beenie Man

Summer vibes radiate from this 2002 Neptunes-produced track. Janet’s foray into dancehall territory with Beenie Man showcased her willingness to explore new sonic landscapes even after decades of success.

Her breathy vocals float perfectly over the reggae-infused beat, creating an irresistible tropical cocktail. The collaboration demonstrated Janet’s chameleon-like ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining her distinctive sound—a skill that has kept her relevant through changing musical eras.

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

Liquid metal never looked so good. The 1999 collaboration between Janet and Busta Rhymes broke boundaries with its $2.4 million special effects budget—one of the most expensive hip-hop videos ever made.

Janet’s sultry vocals provided the perfect counterbalance to Busta’s rapid-fire delivery. The track’s production blended futuristic sounds with classic R&B sensibilities, creating a hypnotic groove that still feels fresh decades later.

3. “Scream” with Michael Jackson

When music royalty collides, the result is explosive. Janet and Michael’s 1995 collaboration wasn’t just a family affair—it was a $7 million visual masterpiece with a message against media scrutiny.

Their synchronicity feels almost telepathic, with Janet matching her brother’s intensity note for note. The track’s futuristic production and raw emotional energy created a perfect storm that earned them a Grammy and cemented their status as music’s most talented siblings.

4. “Diamonds” with Herb Alpert

Before she was fully established as a solo superstar, Janet lent her vocals to trumpet legend Herb Alpert’s 1987 track. The result? A number-one hit that showcased her versatility beyond her own albums.

The song’s infectious groove and Janet’s playful delivery created an irresistible combination. Her performance on this track hinted at the charismatic entertainer she would soon become, proving she could shine brightly even when sharing the spotlight with established music veterans.

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

Sometimes the best collaborations feel effortless. When Janet joined forces with Luther Vandross for this 1992 soundtrack gem, their voices melded together like they’d been singing as a duo for years.

The track’s uplifting message and soaring chorus showcased both artists at their feel-good finest. While created for the film “Mo’ Money,” the song took on a life of its own, becoming a staple on R&B radio and proving that Janet could excel in sophisticated adult contemporary territory.

6. “Burnitup!” featuring Missy Elliott

Twenty years into her career, Janet proved she could still ignite the charts with this 2015 collaboration. Missy Elliott’s verse adds her trademark quirky energy to Janet’s sleek dance track.

The song serves as both a nostalgic nod to Janet’s dance-pop roots and a fresh take on contemporary club sounds. Their partnership feels like a passing of the torch between two groundbreaking women who changed the game for female artists in R&B and hip-hop, while simultaneously demonstrating Janet’s continued relevance.

7. “Alright (Remix)” featuring Heavy D

Heavy D’s addition to this Rhythm Nation classic took an already infectious track to new heights. His smooth rap verse complemented Janet’s energetic performance, creating a perfect marriage of R&B and hip-hop.

The remix became a cultural touchstone that helped bridge the gap between pop and hip-hop audiences. This collaboration showcased Janet’s forward-thinking approach to music, embracing hip-hop elements before many of her pop contemporaries dared to venture into that territory.

8. “Call on Me” featuring Nelly

After a challenging period in her career, Janet returned with this sultry 2006 duet. Nelly’s laid-back rap style blended seamlessly with Janet’s delicate vocals, creating an intimate musical conversation.

The track topped the R&B charts, proving Janet’s enduring appeal even as musical tastes evolved. Their chemistry on the record feels genuine and unforced, with both artists bringing their signature styles to create something that feels both familiar and fresh—a testament to Janet’s ability to evolve while staying true to herself.