Janet Jackson‘s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The singer was on had to accept the induction on Friday (May 8), as presented by Jimmy Jam, who, along with Terry Lewis, produced the seminal 1989 album.
Jackson’s fourth studio record was honoured alongside other bodies of work, including 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez on Me’, Alice Coltrane’s ‘Journey in Satchidananda’, Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer‘, ‘Orange Blossom Special’ by the Rouse Brothers, ‘Paid In Full’ by Eric B. & Rakim, ‘Pink Moon’ by Nick Drake, and ‘Trouble in Mind’ by Bertha “Chippie” Hill.
“I’m so grateful and honoured that ‘Rhythm Nation’ is being recognised tonight in this wonderful, wonderful way. It’s beautiful to relive the memories attached to this project that’s so, so precious to me,” Jackson said in her acceptance speech.
“I don’t see ‘Rhythm Nation’ as a phenomenon that lives in the past; I believe it’s alive and well in 2026. ‘Rhythm Nation’ still resonates on a deep and profound level. It’s an ongoing force that fights bigotry and promotes understanding. It cannot be stopped — it’s simply too strong and too positive. ‘Rhythm Nation’ is a movement of people of all ages and backgrounds seeking to give and receive love, free of judgment.”
“As we celebrate tonight, let’s remember that it transcends all borders, nationalities, and faiths. When you hear the music of ‘Rhythm Nation’, I hope you hear my heart‘s desire when we first created this suite of songs. More than ever, my hope is that we might live in a world free of fear and despair,” Jackson continued.
“The prayer driving this Rhythm Nation remains the same, exactly the same, that peace prevail. Peace the world over, peace among nations, peace in our neighbourhoods, peace in our homes. May the music of Rhythm Nation continue to bring us together in peace, and may that peace allow us to celebrate this precious gift of life that God has given us. All praise be to God. I thank the Grammy organisation for this wonderful honour.”
Back in January, Jackson hinted in a video that she might have something in the pipeline for 2026. Many fans have been quick to note that this year will mark her 60th birthday, and could see her celebrate five decades in the music industry with new material or a new tour.
Some have also speculated that it could mean the arrival of a long-awaited album from Jackson, which, if it comes to be, would mark her first in over a decade following 2015’s ‘Unbreakable.’
In other news, she recently declined to be portrayed in the new biopic of her brother, Michael, according to La Toya Jackson.
The film, titled Michael, was released in UK cinemas this week (April 22) and charts Michael Jackson’s life from his early days with the Jackson Five, up to the peak of his success following the release of the album ‘Bad’. Michael Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar, and the movie was made with the cooperation of the late singer’s estate.
Most of the Jackson family who were alive during that time are portrayed, although pop icon Janet is notably absent.
At the premiere, La Toya noted that Janet “kindly declined” to be featured in the film.