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"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is a song by American singer
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
from her third studio album, '' Control'' (1986). Jackson co-wrote the song with its producers
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born June 6, 1959) and Terry Steven Lewis (born November 24, 1956) are an American R&B/ pop songwriting and record production team. They have enjoyed great success since the 1980s with various artists, most ...
. It was released on January 13, 1986, by
A&M Records A&M Records was an American record label founded as an independent company by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss in 1962. Due to the success of the discography A&M released, the label garnered interest and was acquired by PolyGram in 1989 and began distr ...
as the album's lead single. After two unsuccessful albums and a management change, the singer began developing a new album. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was originally penned for one of Jam and Lewis's own records, but the lyrics were rewritten to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent divorce from
James DeBarge James Curtis DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) is an American R&B/soul singer. He was one of the members of the singing family vocal group DeBarge who became famous with their mid-1980s songs " All This Love", " Love Me in a Special Way", " Rhyth ...
in January 1985. It revolves around a woman's frustration with her partner in a relationship. Critical reviews for "What Have You Done for Me Lately" were positive, with
music critics Music journalism (or music criticism) is media criticism and reporting about music topics, including popular music, classical music, and traditional music. Journalists began writing about music in the eighteenth century, providing commentary on w ...
believing it erased the former "pop-ingénue image" of Jackson's first two albums, reestablishing her as an "independent woman" figure. 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. The song peaked at number four on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and was certified gold by the
Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and ...
(RIAA). It also peaked at number two on the US
Dance Club Songs Dance Club Songs is a chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine in the United States. It is a national look over of club disc jockeys to determine the most popular songs being played in nightclubs across the country. It was launched as th ...
and topped the US Hot Black Singles charts. Outside of the US, it topped the singles chart in the Netherlands and peaked within the top ten in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The accompanying music video for "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was directed by Brian Jones and Piers Ashworth and choreographed by singer
Paula Abdul Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 and later became the head choreographe ...
. In it, Jackson goes to a diner with her friends to talk about her relationship problems. The video won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987. The song was first performed live by Jackson at the 29th annual Grammy Awards in 1987. She has also performed it live in each of her concert tours, beginning with the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 through the
State of the World Tour The State of the World Tour was the eighth concert tour by American singer Janet Jackson. Launched in promotion of her eleventh studio album ''Unbreakable'' (2015), the tour is produced by Live Nation and is under the creative direction of Gil ...
(2017). It has been included in each of Jackson's greatest hits albums '' Design of a Decade: 1986–1996'' (1995), '' Number Ones'' (2009), and '' Icon: Number Ones'' (2010). "What Have You Done for Me Lately" has been sampled and covered by various artists, and is also regarded as one of Jackson's signature songs which helped establish her as a known artist.


Background

After arranging a recording contract with
A&M Records A&M Records was an American record label founded as an independent company by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss in 1962. Due to the success of the discography A&M released, the label garnered interest and was acquired by PolyGram in 1989 and began distr ...
in 1982 for a then sixteen-year-old Janet, her father Joseph Jackson oversaw the entire production of her debut album, ''
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
'', and its follow-up, ''
Dream Street Dream Street were an American pop boy band that was formed in 1999 by Louis Baldonieri and Brian Lukow. The band disbanded in 2002 following a legal dispute between parents of the band members and the band's managers. History The group was ...
'' (1984); the latter of which was written and produced by Jesse Johnson and Janet's brothers Marlon and Michael. Jackson was initially reluctant to begin a recording career, commenting, "I was coming off of a TV show that I absolutely hated doing, '' Fame''. I didn't want to do he first record, ''Janet Jackson'' I wanted to go to college. But I did it for my father ..." and elaborated that she was often in conflict with her producers. Amidst her professional struggles, she rebelled against her family's wishes by marrying
James DeBarge James Curtis DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) is an American R&B/soul singer. He was one of the members of the singing family vocal group DeBarge who became famous with their mid-1980s songs " All This Love", " Love Me in a Special Way", " Rhyth ...
of the family recording group
DeBarge DeBarge was an American musical recording group composed of several members of the DeBarge family. In addition to various solo projects completed by members of the family, DeBarge was active between 1979 and 1989. The group originally consisted ...
in 1984. The Jacksons disapproved of the relationship, citing DeBarge's immaturity and substance abuse. Jackson left her husband in January 1985 and was granted an annulment later that year. Jackson subsequently fired her father as her manager and hired John McClain, then A&M Records' senior vice president of
artists and repertoire Artists and repertoire (colloquially abbreviated to A&R) is the division of a record label or music publishing company that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists (singers, instrumentali ...
and general manager. She also subsequently left the Jackson home in
Encino, California Encino ( Spanish for "oak") is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. History In 1769, the Spanish Portolá expedition, first Europeans to see inland areas of California, traveled north through Sepulveda ...
, and moved into her own apartment around this time. Commenting on the decision, she stated, "I just wanted to get out of the house, get out from under my father, which was one of the most difficult things that I had to do, telling him that I didn't want to work with him again." Joseph Jackson resented John McClain for what he saw as an underhanded attempt to steal his daughter's career out from under him. McClain responded by saying "I'm not trying to pimp Janet Jackson or steal her away from her father." He subsequently introduced her to the songwriting and production duo James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Lewis, former Prince associates and ex-members of The Time.


Development and theme

Although Joseph Jackson initially demanded that his daughter's new album be recorded in Los Angeles so that he could keep an eye on her, Jam and Lewis refused. They required the entire production of the album to be done at their own studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota, "far from the glitter and distractions of Hollywood and the interference of manager-fathers." '' Control'' was recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios, the site for Flyte Tyme Records, founded by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in Minneapolis. Jackson recorded the whole album, but A&M label executive and manager John McClain wanted one more uptempo song to compose the album. She then went back to Minneapolis to record one more track, titled "What Have You Done for Me Lately", which was originally penned for one of Jam and Lewis's own records. Jam remembered, "She was sitting outside in the lounge and said, 'Man, that's a funky track. Who's that for?' And we said, 'It's for you', and she said, 'Oh, cool'. I think she was very pleased when she heard the track". The lyrics were rewritten to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent annulment from James DeBarge. It was the last song to be recorded for ''Control'', and was ultimately chosen as the
lead single A lead single (also known as a debut single) is the first single to be released from a studio album by an artist or a band, usually before the album itself is released and also occasionally on the same day of the album's release date. Release s ...
for the album, as Jam and Lewis felt it best represented Jackson's outlook on life: "I think it was very representative of the sparseness and the funkiness that the rest of the album had and the attitude Janet had about being in control, being mature to the point where she had definite opinions about what she wanted to say". The song was inspired by one of her experiences in Minneapolis when a group of men made sexual advances towards her outside the hotel she resided at during the recording of ''Control''. She recalled, "They were emotionally abusive. Sexually threatening. Instead of running to Jimmy or Terry for protection, I took a stand. I backed them down. That's how songs like ' Nasty' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately' were born, out of a sense of self-defense."


Composition

Musically, "What Have You Done for Me Lately" is described as an
uptempo A variety of musical terms are likely to be encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes. Most of the terms are Italian, in accordance with the Italian origins of many European musical conventions. Sometimes, the special mu ...
dance Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
song. It begins with a conversation with one of her friends, who asks Jackson the title question. Lyrically, it involves the singer asking why her lover was not as attentive as he once was. He was not treating her as well as he used to, and she calls him a "loser" in response. "I never ask for more than I deserve, you know it's the truth. You seem to think you're God's gift to this earth. I'm telling you no way", Jackson sings. Veda A. McCoy in the book ''Lifepower: Six Winning Strategies to a Life of Purpose, Passion & Power'' expressed that the song reminded that "life is about more than just what you say. Life is also about what you do". ''
Vibe ''Vibe'' is an American music and entertainment magazine founded by producers David Salzman and Quincy Jones. The publication predominantly features R&B and hip hop music artists, actors and other entertainers. After shutting down production in ...
'' noted that with "What Have You Done for Me Lately", Jackson stands up to men. ''
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * ...
'' magazine's Chris Smith called the song's
chorus Chorus may refer to: Music * Chorus (song) or refrain, line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse * Chorus effect, the perception of similar sounds from multiple sources as a single, richer sound * Chorus form, song in which all vers ...
"fully belligerent". In a ''
Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...
'' publication, Nelson George noted its "taunting, tigerish" beat. Ed Gonzalez from ''
Slant Magazine ''Slant Magazine'' is an American online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. The site covers various film festivals like the New York ...
'' commented, "Nothing sends me into a trembling, corner-cowering stupor than a giggly, under-enunciated Janet Jackson jam."


Critical reception

Critical reviews for "What Have You Done for Me Lately" were positive. ''
Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first known for its cov ...
'''s Rob Hoerburger expressed that "What Have You Done for Me Lately" erased the former "pop-ingénue image" of Jackson's first two albums. According to William Ruhlmann of
AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databa ...
, Jackson was an "aggressive, independent woman" on the song. Connie Johnson from the ''
Los Angeles Times The ''Los Angeles Times'' (abbreviated as ''LA Times'') is a daily newspaper that started publishing in Los Angeles in 1881. Based in the LA-adjacent suburb of El Segundo since 2018, it is the sixth-largest newspaper by circulation in the U ...
'' gave the song a positive review, emphasizing her "spunky authority". Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine praised the song, calling it "female-empowering" and wrote, "'What Have You Done for Me Lately' predates TLC's '
No Scrubs "No Scrubs" is a song recorded by American girl group TLC as the lead single from their third studio album, '' FanMail'', on February 2, 1999, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The song was written by producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, fo ...
' by over a decade". For '' Spin'' magazine's J.C. Stevenson, most of the album's power is in its dance floor authority, with songs such as "What Have You Done for Me Lately". '' Blues & Soul'' considered it "supreme in its execution". Nelson George in his book ''Post-Soul Nation: The Explosive, Contradictory, Triumphant, and Tragic 1980s'' called it an "instant dance anthem". ''
Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...
'' and ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
'' both ranked the song number four on their lists of the greatest Janet Jackson songs. For the 29th annual
Grammy Awards of 1987 The 29th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 24, 1987, at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Paul Simon won Album of the Year for ''Graceland'', and Burt Bacha ...
, "What Have You Done for Me Lately" received one nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Song but lost to
Anita Baker Anita Denise Baker (born January 26, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter. She is one of the most popular singers of soulful ballads, especially renowned for her work during the height of the quiet storm period in the 1980s. Starting her career ...
's " Sweet Love".


Commercial performance

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" debuted on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 95 on the issue dated February 22, 1986, before peaking at number four on the issue dated May 17, 1986. It spent 21 weeks on the chart and became the first top ten single for Jackson. The song also reached numbers one and two on the Hot Black Singles and
Hot Dance Club Songs Dance Club Songs is a chart published weekly by '' Billboard'' magazine in the United States. It is a national look over of club disc jockeys to determine the most popular songs being played in nightclubs across the country. It was launched as ...
charts, respectively. It was placed at number 43 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 year-end chart for 1986. On the ''
Radio & Records ''Radio & Records'' (''R&R'') was a trade publication providing news and airplay information for the radio and music industries. It started as an independent trade from 1973 to 2006 until VNU Media took over in 2006 and became a relaunched sister ...
'' Airplay chart the song debuted at number 37 on the March 21, 1986, issue. Five weeks later, it peaked at number eight, staying there for two weeks. It was in the top 10 of the chart for three weeks and remained on it for eleven. The song was certified
gold Gold is a chemical element with the Symbol (chemistry), symbol Au (from la, aurum) and atomic number 79. This makes it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a Brightness, bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, s ...
by the
Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and ...
(RIAA) for the shipments of 500,000 copies. In Canada, the single entered the ''RPM'' 100 Singles chart at number 92 on March 29, 1986. It peaked at number six on June 14, becoming Jackson's first top-10 entry and spending 24 weeks on the chart. It placed at position 53 on the ''RPM'' Year-end chart for 1986. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" debuted on the
UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top ...
at number 67 and peaked at number three on May 3, 1986. It spent 14 weeks on the chart and was certified silver by the
British Phonographic Industry British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is the British recorded music industry's Trade association. It runs the BRIT Awards, the Classic BRIT Awards, National Album Day, is home to the Mercury Prize, and co-owns the Official Charts Company wit ...
(BPI) for the shipments of 200,000 copies. In New Zealand, the song entered and peaked at number 27 on the
New Zealand Singles Chart The Official New Zealand Music Chart ( mi, Te Papa Tātai Waiata Matua o Aotearoa) is the weekly New Zealand top 40 singles and albums charts, issued weekly by Recorded Music NZ (formerly Recording Industry Association of New Zealand). The Mus ...
and spent nine weeks on the chart. In Australia, the song debuted at number 99 and peaked at number six on the
Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to January 1999. The chart was re-branded the Australian Music Report (AMR) in July ...
, the song spent a total of 17 weeks on the top 100 chart. In the Netherlands, the song became her first number-one single, topping the
Dutch Top 40 The Dutch Top 40 ( nl, Nederlandse Top 40) is a weekly music chart compiled by ''Stichting Nederlandse Top 40''. It started as a radio program titled "Veronica Top 40", on the offshore station Radio Veronica in 1965. It remained "The Veronica ...
for three weeks. Across Europe, the song reached the top 10 in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland.


Music video

The accompanying music video for "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was directed by Brian Jones and Piers Ashworth and filmed in December 1985. The video's choreographer was
Paula Abdul Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 and later became the head choreographe ...
, who appears in the video as Jackson's friend. According to a '' Jet'' magazine publication in 1990, the video "combined sexual energy with classy, alluring moves. The combination propelled Janet into the classification of sexy superstar. Any who saw the videos witnessed the fact that Janet was, indeed, a full-grown woman." The video also featured
Tina Landon Tina Landon (born January 6, 1963) is an American choreographer based in Los Angeles who has worked with Prince, Anastacia, Mýa, Pink, Jay-Z, Marc Anthony, Kristi Yamaguchi, Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Janet ...
who would later become Jackson's choreographer. Jackson shared in her book '' True You'' in 2011 that her recording company thought it was important that she appeared thinner in the video:
"I'd been told that my whole life, but at this critical juncture, with my career taking off, I didn't have the wherewithal to argue. ..We he and Paula Abdulshared a house and spent weeks exercising n_Canyon_Ranch.html" ;"title="Canyon_Ranch.html" ;"title="n Canyon Ranch">n Canyon Ranch">Canyon_Ranch.html" ;"title="n Canyon Ranch">n Canyon Ranch ..I was as motivated as ever to come out on top. ..I felt good when it was over. I enjoyed the compliments about my "new" shape. I shot the video and did in fact reshape my image."
It premiered on BET on February 17, 1986. In the video, Jackson goes to a diner with her friends to talk about her relationship problems. Her boyfriend (played by Rudy Huston) shows up with his friends, and Jackson decides to share her feelings about their relationship. In the video, Jackson's reality is a dark world with faded colors. In a more dreamscape world, the colors are vibrant and everything is 2D. The video won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video in 1987. While reviewing the video, '' Vanity Fair'' magazine said in 1986 that Jackson "might be Michael's androgynous twin in the sweep of her arm, the accusatory glare in her eyes, the collapsing diagonals of her dancing".


Live performances

Jackson performed "What Have You Done for Me Lately" on ''
Soul Train ''Soul Train'' is an American musical variety television show. It aired in syndication from October 2, 1971, to March 25, 2006. Across its 35-year history the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists. The series ...
'' on March 29, 1986. She also sang the song live at the Grammy Awards of 1987, wearing an all-black outfit, along with Jam and Lewis and dancers. She has also performed the song on all of her concert tours. On the 1990
Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour The Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 was the first headlining concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. It was launched in support of her fourth studio album ''Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814'' (1989), and also contained material ...
, it was the third song on the setlist. She performed the song with fellow dancers Tina Landon and Karen Owens, and was followed by a performance of " Let's Wait Awhile". On the
Janet World Tour Janet World Tour (stylized as janet. World Tour and known as Summer Escapade during the summer of 1994) was the second concert tour by American singer, performer, songwriter and dancer Janet Jackson. It was launched in support of her fifth studio ...
which happened in 1993 and continued throughout the two following years, the song was the second to be performed along with "Nasty", with the singer wearing gold jewelry. For
Jon Pareles Jon Pareles (born October 25, 1953) is an American journalist who is the chief popular music critic in the arts section of ''The New York Times''.The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid ...
'', Jackson was a stronger vocalist than she was when she was on the last tour. In "What Have You Done for Me Lately", she had new and syncopated vocals, which were different from the original song. The song was performed during a "frenzied" medley of "Control", "The Pleasure Principle", and "Nasty" on
The Velvet Rope Tour The Velvet Rope Tour was the third concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. Launched in support of her sixth studio album ''The Velvet Rope'' (1997), the tour visited Europe, North America, Japan, New Zealand, Africa, and Australi ...
in 1998. The medley at the October 11, 1998, show at the
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylv ...
in New York City was broadcast during a special titled ''The Velvet Rope: Live in Madison Square Garden'' by HBO. It was also added to the setlist at its DVD release, '' The Velvet Rope Tour: Live in Concert'' in 1999. During the All for You Tour in 2001 and 2002, "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was performed in a re-worked version, during a medley with "Control" and "Nasty". According to Denise Sheppard from ''
Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first known for its cov ...
'', it was "another crowd favorite; perhaps best dubbed as the 'bitter' portion of the night", also adding that "this performer - who has been performing onstage for twenty-eight years - knows what the crowd comes for and gives it to them in spades". The February 16, 2002 final date of the tour at the
Aloha Stadium Aloha Stadium is a closed multi-purpose stadium located in Halawa, Hawaii, a western suburb of Honolulu (though with a Honolulu address). It is the largest stadium in the state of Hawaii. , the stadium ceased fan-attended operations indefinitely ...
in
Hawaii Hawaii ( ; haw, Hawaii or ) is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about from the U.S. mainland. It is the only U.S. state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only ...
, was broadcast by HBO, and included a performance of it. This rendition was also added to the setlist at its DVD release, '' Janet: Live in Hawaii'', in 2002. For her first tour in seven years Rock Witchu Tour in 2008, she chose to open the show a medley with "The Pleasure Principle", " Control" and "What Have You Done for Me Lately". After an interlude, Jackson made her entrance amid fireworks and theatrical smoke to perform the medley, while donning a
Mohawk hairstyle The mohawk (also referred to as a Mohican) is a hairstyle in which, in the most common variety, both sides of the head are shaven, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. It is today worn as an emblem of non-conformity. The m ...
. While promoting her second greatest hits album '' Number Ones'', the singer performed an eight-minute medley of six hits during the American Music Awards of 2009. It included "Control", " Miss You Much", "What Have You Done for Me Lately", " If", " Make Me", and finished with " Together Again". At the end of the performance, she received applauses and standing ovation from the audience. On the 2010
Essence Music Festival The Essence Festival, known as "the party with a purpose", is an annual music festival which started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ''Essence (magazine), Essence'', a magazine aimed primarily towards African-Amer ...
, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson included "What Have You Done for Me Lately" on the setlist, and performed wearing a one-piece outfit with leotards underneath. On the Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour in 2011, the song was the third on the setlist. She performed it wearing a metallic catsuit. On August 30, the song was dedicated to Portland as a part of the tour which Jackson dedicated a song for the city she was performing. Writing for the ''
Hartford Courant The ''Hartford Courant'' is the largest daily newspaper in the U.S. state of Connecticut, and is considered to be the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States. A morning newspaper serving most of the state north of New Haven ...
'', Thomas Kintner pointed out that "six dancers joined acksonto shimmy and gyrate through ..the punchy 'What Have you Done for me Lately?'". The song was also included on Jackson's Unbreakable World Tour (2015–16). During the 2017-2019
State of the World Tour The State of the World Tour was the eighth concert tour by American singer Janet Jackson. Launched in promotion of her eleventh studio album ''Unbreakable'' (2015), the tour is produced by Live Nation and is under the creative direction of Gil ...
, it was performed interpolating
Cardi B Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus (, ; born October 11, 1992), known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper and songwriter. She first gained popularity as an influencer on Vine and Instagram. From 2015 to early 2017, she appeared as ...
's "
Bodak Yellow "Bodak Yellow" (alternatively titled "Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)") is the major-label debut single by American rapper Cardi B. It was written by Cardi B, Jordan Thorpe, Klenord Raphael, and produced by J. White Did It and Laquan Green. It was r ...
". Jackson included the song in concert at her 2019 Las Vegas residence Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis. It was also included on her special concert series " Janet Jackson: A Special 30th Anniversary Celebration of Rhythm Nation" in 2019.


Use in media and legacy

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is regarded as one of the singer's singles which helped establish her as a known artist. Upon its debut, it was compared favorably to similar recordings of female empowerment released by black women, such as " New Attitude" by
Patti LaBelle Patricia Louise Holte (born May 24, 1944), known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer, actress and businesswoman. LaBelle is referred to as the " Godmother of Soul". She began her career in the early 1960s as lead singe ...
, "
Better Be Good to Me "Better Be Good to Me" is a song written by Mike Chapman, Holly Knight, and Nicky Chinn, recorded by Tina Turner for her solo record ''Private Dancer'' (1984) and released as a single in September 1984. The song was originally recorded and relea ...
" by
Tina Turner Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939) is an American-born Swiss retired singer and actress. Widely referred to as the " Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", she rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before ...
and "
Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics and American singer Aretha Franklin. A modern feminist anthem, it was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart and featured on both Eurythmics' ...
" by
Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the " Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in '' Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". Wit ...
.
Oprah Winfrey Oprah Gail Winfrey (; born Orpah Gail Winfrey; January 29, 1954), or simply Oprah, is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show, '' The Oprah Winfrey Show'', b ...
commented: "What you're seeing in all the areas of arts and entertainment is black women internalizing the idea of black power and pride ... Black women started listening to their inner cues, rather than society or even the black community's idea of what they are supposed to be and can be." It ranked number three hundred and forty-one on ''
Blender A blender (sometimes called a mixer or liquidiser in British English) is a kitchen and laboratory appliance used to mix, crush, purée or emulsify food and other substances. A stationary blender consists of a blender container with a rotating ...
s list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born". In 2012, Mike Staver wrote in ''Leadership Isn't for Cowards: How to Drive Performance by Challenging People'' that "'What Have You Done for Me Lately?' is not just some old Janet Jackson song, but a regular tune sung by leaders every day". "What Have You Done for Me Lately", in particular its title, was referenced in the 1987 film ''
Eddie Murphy Raw ''Eddie Murphy Raw'' is a 1987 American stand-up comedy film starring Eddie Murphy and directed by Robert Townsend. It was Murphy's second feature stand-up comedy film, following '' Eddie Murphy Delirious''. However, unlike ''Delirious'', ''Raw' ...
'', as a common question that women ask their partners prior to breaking up. It is featured in the 1989 made-for-television Disney film '' Parent Trap III'', when Jessie (Monica Creel) embarrasses herself during a karaoke dance skit called "The Jackson Three", a parody of the
Jackson Five The Jackson 5 (sometimes stylized as the Jackson 5ive, also known as the Jacksons) are an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was founded in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, and for most o ...
, singing the song. American musician
Prince A prince is a Monarch, male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary title, hereditary, in s ...
started performing the track during his 1986 Parade tour stopping halfway through and asking the audience "Who wrote that?" then following up with his own "
Controversy Controversy is a state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of conflicting opinion or point of view. The word was coined from the Latin ''controversia'', as a composite of ''controversus'' – "turned in an opposite d ...
" track suggesting he did. He did it again during his 1990 Nude tour and during his shows in 2015 still stopping halfway through the song still asking "Who wrote this?". There was a dispute regarding the paternity of the music. Prince believed Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis used an old demo he did with them in the early days of the Time. He performed "What Have You Done for Me Lately" again in late 2013 during shows in Uncasville, Connecticut. Jackson's sister
La Toya Jackson La Toya Yvonne Jackson (born May 29, 1956) is an American singer and television personality. The fifth child and middle daughter of the Jackson family, Jackson first gained recognition on the family's variety television series, ''The Jacksons'', ...
sampled the song on her song "Wild Side" from her 1991 album '' No Relations''. The song was interpolated for a medley sung in the 1993 comedy '' Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit'', and was covered by the American
soul In many religious and philosophical traditions, there is a belief that a soul is "the immaterial aspect or essence of a human being". Etymology The Modern English noun '' soul'' is derived from Old English ''sāwol, sāwel''. The earliest atte ...
and
funk Funk is a music genre that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of various music genres that were popular among African Americans in the mid ...
band
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings were an American funk and soul band signed to Daptone Records. They were part of a revival movement of mid-1960s to mid-1970s style funk and soul music. They released their debut album ''Dap Dippin in 2002, the firs ...
in 2002 for their debut album, '' Dap Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings''. In 2017, singer-songwriter
Katy Perry Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), known professionally as Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Known for her influence on modern pop music and her campy style, she has been referred to ...
performed a medley of the song with her song "
Bon Appétit ''Bon Appétit'' is a monthly American food and entertaining magazine, that typically contains recipes, entertaining ideas, restaurant recommendations, and wine reviews. Owned by Condé Nast, it is headquartered at the One World Trade Center ...
" as part of her Witness: The Tour. In 2017, WWE color-commentator
Corey Graves Matthew Polinsky (born February 24, 1984) is an American wrestling color commentator and retired professional wrestler currently signed to WWE as a commentator and analyst for '' Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' under the ring name Corey Graves. He is ...
referenced this song in his commentary for the pre-show match between Mojo Rawley and Zach Ryder during Clash of Champions. Graves said "I'm not surprised you don't get it Zach yderthis is a ''What Have You Done for Me Lately'' industry. What has Zach Ryder done for Mojo Rawley lately? Nothing!"


Track listings

*Australian / US and Canadian 7-inch single :A. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" – 4:59 :B. "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" – 3:30 *Australian / Canadian / US and European 12-inch single :A1. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Extended Mix) – 7:00 :B1. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Dub Version) – 6:35 :B2. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (A Cappella Version) – 2:19 *Canadian 12-inch single :A1. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Extended Mix) – 7:00 :A2. " Nasty" (Extended) – 6:00 :B1. "Nasty" (Instrumental) – 4:00 :B2. "Nasty" (A Cappella) – 2:55 *UK 7-inch single :A. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Single Version) – 3:28 :B. " Young Love" – 4:56 *UK 12-inch single :A1. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Extended Mix) – 7:00 :B1 "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Dub Version) – 6:35 :B2. "Young Love" – 4:56 *European 7-inch single :A. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (Single Version) – 3:28 :B. "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" – 3:30


Credits and personnel

*
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
– lead vocals, background vocals, songwriter, synthesizer, co-producer, rhythm and vocal arranger *
Jimmy Jam Jimmy may refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television * ''Jimmy'' (2008 film), a 2008 Hindi thriller directed by Raj N. Sippy * ''Jimmy'' (1979 film), a 1979 Indian Malayalam film directed by Melattoor Ravi Varma * ''Jimmy'' (2013 f ...
– producer, songwriter, synthesizer, synthesizer programming, digital sampling, percussion, acoustic piano, background vocals, rhythm and vocal arranger, assistant engineer * Terry Lewis – producer, songwriter, drum programming, percussion, background vocals, rhythm and vocal arranger, recording engineer * Melanie Andrews – background vocals * Steve Hodge – recording engineer, mixing Credits adapted from the liner notes of '' Control''.


Charts


Weekly charts


Year-end charts


Certifications


See also

* List of number-one R&B singles of 1986 (U.S.)


References

{{Authority control 1985 songs 1986 singles A&M Records singles Dutch Top 40 number-one singles Number-one singles in Zimbabwe Janet Jackson songs Song recordings produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Songs written by Janet Jackson Songs written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Songs with feminist themes