The singer made the remark during a discussion with Pitchfork while reflecting on the influence and artistry of Janet Jackson’s 1997 project, The Velvet Rope. She described the album as a defining body of work in Janet’s discography and one that stands out for its emotional depth and sonic experimentation.
Amaarae expressed strong admiration for Janet’s entire catalog, noting that each album carries its own brilliance, but she singled out The Velvet Rope as her personal favourite.
“Every Janet Jackson’s album is fantastic. But ‘The Velvet Rope’ is the best. If I was conscious in 1997 when the album dropped, I would have played it nonstop. It’s so vulnerable, sexy, aggressive and experimental.”
She went further to describe Janet Jackson as the true embodiment of pop excellence, saying:
“Janet, to me, is the real king of pop. No shade to Michael Jackson,”
The comments have since generated mixed reactions among fans and music listeners, with some praising Amaarae’s perspective on Janet Jackson’s artistic legacy, while others debated the long-standing cultural association of the “King of Pop” title with Michael Jackson.
The discussion adds to ongoing conversations about legacy, influence, and how contemporary artists reinterpret the impact of global music icons across generations.