Janet Jackson Releases 'Velvet Rope': Oct. 7 in Hip-Hop HistoryJanet Jackson Releases 'Velvet Rope': Oct. 7 in Hip-Hop HistoryOn this day, Ms. Jackson unveils her 'Velvet Rope' and Ludacris serves up 'Chicken-n-Beer.' Also, MC Lyte and Toni Braxton celebrate birthdays.Trent FitzgeraldTrent Fitzgerald
''The Velvet Rope' Was a Challenging Record...' My Conversation With Jimmy Jam''The Velvet Rope' Was a Challenging Record...' My Conversation With Jimmy JamThe superproducer reflects on making Janet's most provocative album. Danielle ButlerDanielle Butler
'The Velvet Rope' at 20: How Janet Freed Herself By Getting Bound'The Velvet Rope' at 20: How Janet Freed Herself By Getting BoundOn her last masterpiece of the 1990s, Janet crafted an intense exploration of pleasure and pain.Todd "Stereo" WilliamsTodd "Stereo" Williams