The Timeless "What Have You Done" T-Shirt: A Style Icon

what have you done for me lately t shirt

The phrase What have you done for me lately? is perhaps best known as the title of a song by Janet Jackson, released in 1986 as the lead single from her album Control. The song, which Jackson co-wrote with its producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is about a woman's frustration with her partner. It marked Jackson's emergence as an international superstar and has been credited as a female empowerment anthem. The song's title has also been used as a phrase on T-shirts sold on Etsy. Interestingly, the phrase was also used as the title of a song by Steve Goodman, released on his 2006 album Live at the Earl of Old Town.

Characteristics Values
T-shirt text "What Have You Done for Me Lately"
T-shirt theme Dissatisfaction with one's partner, female empowerment
T-shirt inspiration Janet Jackson's song "What Have You Done for Me Lately"
T-shirt colour Not specified

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The song's writer

The songwriters behind "What Have You Done for Me Lately" are Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Jackson co-wrote the song with its producers, Jam and Lewis, and it was released on 13 January 1986, by A&M Records as the lead single from her third studio album, "Control".

The song was initially penned for one of Jam and Lewis's own records, but the lyrics were rewritten to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent separation and annulment from James DeBarge. The song revolves around a woman's frustration with her partner in a relationship and has been credited as a female empowerment anthem with its message of not settling for less.

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" marked Jackson's emergence as an international superstar. It peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song also reached number one on the US Hot Black Singles and topped the singles chart in the Netherlands.

The accompanying music video, choreographed by singer Paula Abdul, won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987. The song has been featured in critic lists as one of the greatest songs of all time and received a nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Song at the 1987 Grammy Awards.

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The song's producers

The song "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was written by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Jackson co-wrote the song with its producers, Jam and Lewis, and it was released on January 13, 1986, by A&M Records as the lead single from her third studio album, "Control". The song is about a woman's frustration with her partner in a relationship and was penned to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent separation from James DeBarge.

Jam and Lewis were introduced to Jackson by John McClain, then A&M Records' senior vice president of artists and repertoire and general manager. They required the entire production of the "Control" album to be done at their own studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota, away from the interference of Jackson's father and manager. The song "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was the last song recorded for "Control" and was chosen as the lead single as it best represented Jackson's outlook on life.

The song was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping the singles chart in the Netherlands. It received a nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Song at the 1987 Grammy Awards and won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987. The song's music video, choreographed by Paula Abdul, also won a Soul Train Music Award in 1987.

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" has been credited as a female empowerment anthem and helped establish Jackson as a known artist. It has been sampled and covered by various artists and remains one of her signature songs.

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The song's message

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). The song was penned for one of co-writer and producer Jimmy Jam's and Terry Lewis's own records, but the lyrics were rewritten to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent separation from James DeBarge.

The song revolves around a woman's frustration with her partner in a relationship. It is a female empowerment anthem with its message of not settling for less. The song's chorus is "fully belligerent", with Jackson asking why her lover was not as attentive as he once was, and calling him a "loser" in response.

The song marked Jackson's emergence as an international superstar. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold in the US, while also peaking at #1 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and in the Netherlands. The accompanying music video, directed by Brian Jones and Piers Ashworth and choreographed by singer Paula Abdul, won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987.

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The music video

In the video, Jackson goes to a diner with her friends to talk about her relationship problems. Her boyfriend (played by Lana Houston) shows up with his friends, and Jackson decides to share her feelings about their relationship. The video depicts Jackson's reality as a dark world with faded colours, while a more dreamscape world is filled with vibrant colours and 2D imagery.

The choreography, performed by Jackson and her backup dancers, combines sexual energy with classy, alluring moves. This propelled Jackson into the classification of a sexy superstar, with Vanity Fair magazine commenting on her androgynous style and accusatory glare in her eyes.

The video won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987. It is known for its impact on Jackson's image and her portrayal of female empowerment, which was a departure from her previous "pop-ingénue" image.

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The song's legacy

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released on January 13, 1986, as the lead single from her third studio album, Control. The song was written by Jackson alongside its producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and was inspired by Jackson's recent separation from James DeBarge. The song's lyrics revolve around a woman's frustration with her partner's lack of attentiveness and her demand for more from the relationship.

The song marked Jackson's emergence as an international superstar and received critical acclaim for its empowering message and its departure from Jackson's previous "pop-ingénue image". It peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, topped the singles chart in the Netherlands, and charted within the top ten in several other countries. The accompanying music video, choreographed by Paula Abdul, further propelled Jackson's image as a "sexy superstar".

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" has been credited as a female empowerment anthem and has been referenced and covered by various artists, solidifying its legacy in pop culture. It has also been included in several of Jackson's greatest hits albums and performed live by her on numerous concert tours, reinforcing its impact and popularity over the years. The song's title and themes have become a common refrain, reflecting its enduring relevance and influence in popular culture and social consciousness.

Frequently asked questions

The T-shirt is likely inspired by the 1986 song of the same name by Janet Jackson, conveying a sense of dissatisfaction or frustration with one's partner or loved one.

You can find T-shirts with various designs and inspirational quotes on online marketplaces like Etsy.

The chorus of the song includes the lines, "What have you done for me lately? / Ooh-ooh-ooh, yeah / What have you done for me lately??" expressing a sense of frustration or disappointment.

Yes, there is a song by Steve Goodman with the same title, "What Have You Done for Me Lately," which explores a similar theme of feeling unappreciated or taken for granted.

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  • Byeon
  • Byeon
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