Janet Jackson: Ms. Jackson (If Ya Nasty!)

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James Brown used to get the crowd hyped for his concerts by waiting as long as possible to come out onstage, letting his band build the energy up to a sweaty frenzy before he ever unleashed his first Unh! Janet Jackson appears to stealing a page from the Godfather of Souls playbook: Its nearly an hour after the anticipated start time of her press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, and the youngest of Michaels siblings has yet to make an appearance.

With videos spanning her 20-year career playing on a monitor and sexy posters on all sides, PR handlers mill about like nattering hens as dutiful workers set up a very zen sort of candle-lit backdrop behind the throne-like chair in which the queen of dance-pop will soon sit. But even after the remarkably diminutive Jermaine Dupri (Jacksons boyfriend and co-producer of her new CD) takes to the mic to announce that his beloved will be arriving shortly, its another 20 minutes before Janet walks in, looking positively luminous.

Loose-fitting white pants and a blue and white striped tank top dont hide her stunning figure as the diva curls up into her chair, charming the assembled throng of reporters with a relaxed charisma, an occasional coy sense of playfulness, and that trademark megawatt grin. Though her career may be on a gradual downward turn, Jackson is clearly very happy in love, and her warm, glowing vibe permeates the room even after our hour with the pop princess is over.

After 20 years as an artist, what keeps you passionate about making music?

Music is what keeps me passionate. I love music, and I grew up listening to all types. Jazz, Brazilian, Latin, country, blues... My mother and father listened to a lot of that. And of course as a kid you love all the modern stuff, which for me was Sly & the Family Stone, and my sister was really into classical music. So its music that makes me inspired, as well as the fans who still anticipate and want to hear music from me. That excites me.

What significance does the title of the album, 20 Y.O. (Years Old), have for you?

It has very special meaning. It was 20 years ago that I released Control in 1986, and 20 years ago that I wrote with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for the first time. The concept of this album is combining music that inspired me 20 to 25 years ago with sounds that are more current.

If you could go back in time, what do you think the Janet of today would tell the Janet of 1986?

Fasten your seatbelts!

Whats kept your relationship with Jimmy and Terry so strong over the past two decades?

Aside from the love that we have, we really understand one another, and I think thats very important. Theyve always allowed me to be who I am, and they do that with all the artists they produce. They want the artists voice to come through on each record, and I like the fact that when I listen to [the music they produce], you can get to know the artists through the record. Then of course theres the day-to-day stuff about how we work together and write together.

What was it about Jermaine as a producer that made you want him on this album?

First of all, Jermaine was the one who said he wanted to be a part of this. I had asked him to executive produce the project, but I was really happy when he offered, because I did want him to be a part of it as a producer and a writer and was hoping he would offer. His track record speaks for itself: Hes just an incredible talent.

What was the biggest challenge or joy in working with a romantic partner?

This isnt the first time Ive done this. In the past, it was more like it was pushed upon me. Im not a very confrontational person, so in an effort not to make any waves I just let it be. Thats not the way you should do it. There was great success from it, but thats not the way its supposed to happen. This time there were no hiccups, no drama Jermaine is drama-free and thats one of the things I loved about working with him on this album. A lot of friends were very fearful that it would be a major strain on the relationship, but it wasnt at all. Hes very giving, and I can be a giving person, too. It was very easy.

You come from a pretty big family. Do you think youll ever want to have kids?

I would love to have kids. I never thought I would. Ive never really wanted to have children because of the relationships that Ive had. They werent very healthy, and I didnt want to bring anyone else into that unhealthy environment. Being with Jermaine has really changed my mind about all that.

The subject of sexuality has had an increasingly prominent role in your last few CDs. To borrow a phrase from your former duet partner, Justin Timberlake, are you trying to bring sexy back?

I think the beginning of that was actually on the Control album, with Funny How Time Flies, and its grown a little with each album. The Janet album was when I felt like I came into my own as far as feeling my femininity. So, to answer your question, yes! I enjoy talking about sex (laughter). Its part of life and its a beautiful thing, and I enjoy it.

Do you think pop music can ever go too far with the sexually explicit subject matter?

You know, we live in a different world today. Music is constantly evolving, and the kids today are much different from when my parents were growing up, or even when I was growing up. Theyre more mature and advanced, and theyre growing up a lot faster. Is it too much? (Grins broadly) For someone who loves to talk about certain things, youre probably asking the wrong person! (Laughter) For me, I dont think its too much. I think sex is a beautiful thing, but its all about how its worded.

Looking back over your career, how do you think youve grown as an artist?

I know that Ive grown musically, and I always write about whats going on in my life. When I listen back, from Control to now, theres a great deal of growth there. I hear a young adolescent who was searching, who knew what she wanted and knew that she had to take control of her life and her career, and who wanted to stay focused on that path. Im still on that path and still have that same drive, but I know now that yeah, you take control of your life, but the control really belongs to God. I hope Im still growing, and I think that I am.

Was there any particular message you were hoping to get across with 20 Y.O.?

Its a light album. I didnt want to get into any serious subject matter. I think with the state that the world is in today, at times I want a little bit of escapism. The Control album was very light and fun, and I guess I just wanted to get back to bringing joy into peoples lives for those moments when they need to get away and have a good time.

Do you think the album reflects something different about you creatively?

I have to go back to love. Im in a different space, and its because of whats going on in my life and, once again, always writing about what Im feeling. Ive been very fortunate to have a wonderful life and career, and God has blessed me with a great deal. But theres always been one thing Ive wanted even more than music or acting, and that was to find love. Now that Ive found it... well, thats the difference with this project.

How do you feel about youngsters like Beyonce, Ashanti and Ciara, who seem to have graduated from the Janet School of Dance-Pop?

Well, let me start off by saying that I think theyre all very talented, and imitation is the best form of flattery. Theyve all said that Ive inspired them in some way, and there are people whove inspired me, so you kind of expect it to a certain degree. It makes me happy. Thats part of the job you get your foot in the door, try to have some form of success, and it inspired the next generation and makes it a little easier for the next person who comes along. It makes me smile.

Whats up with your movie career? Do you have any film projects coming up soon?

Ive got like five scripts on my desk in L.A., but I couldnt bring them with me because my promotional schedule was so hectic. But I love acting, and its become a passion for me the way music has always been.

Do you think you and Michael will ever pair up and do another duet or an album together?

He owes me! (Laughter) The deal we made was that if I did Scream for him, hed do one for me. So he owes me, and Im not gonna let him forget! But Id love to do something together with him again, and I think we will. I think people would like it, because fans have asked me about it before.