September 23, 2008

Janet Jackson Parts Ways With Island Def Jam Records

By Jocelyn Vena (MTV.com)

Janet Jackson announced Monday (September 22) that she has parted ways with Island Def Jam Records after just 14 months on the label, according to Billboard.com. The singer's publicist noted that the label agreed to dissolve the relationship upon Jackson's request.

"Now more than 20 years after the release of her iconic album, Control, Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system," Jackson's publicist said in a statement. "Always known to break new ground and set trends, Janet's departure from Island makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."

In March, Jackson released Discipline, an album that reflected a return to her Control era in more ways than just its title. But after debuting at #1, the album has sold a disappointing 415,000 units, according to SoundScan. The singer's unhappiness with the label was reflected in recent interviews. "I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future," Jackson told Billboard last month. "I don't know what the future holds between the two of us."

In a vlog for rap-up.com, Jackson's longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins opened up about the news that Jackson is now a free agent. "We didn't get the support from the record company," he said. "[Janet] felt like it wasn't pushed. I felt like it wasn't pushed correctly. She just didn't get her just due as an artist of that magnitude."

Jackson will continue her current Rock Witchu Tour, which is scheduled to continue through October 22 with supporting act LL Cool J.