Nasty

"Nasty"
U.S. and European cover
Single by Janet Jackson
from the album Control
B-side	"You'll Never Find (A Love Like Mine)"
Released	April 15, 1986 (U.S.) May 27, 1986 (UK)
Format	7" single, 12" single
Recorded	September 1985[1]; Flyte Tyme Studios, Minneapolis, MN
Genre	R&B, dance-pop, new jack swing
Length	4:03 (album version) 3:40 (single version)
Label	A&M
Writer(s)	James Harris, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson
Producer	Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Certification	Gold (RIAA)
Janet Jackson singles chronology
"What Have You Done for Me Lately" (1986) "Nasty" (1986) "When I Think of You" (1986)
Control track listing "Control" (1) "Nasty" (2) "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (3) Design of a Decade 1986/1996 track listing "What Have You Done for Me Lately" (2) "Nasty" (3) "When I Think of You" (4) Alternate cover UK cover Audio sample file info · help

"Nasty" is the second single from Janet Jackson's third studio album, Control (1986). Released in 1986, the single peaked at number three on Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and remains one of Jackson's signature songs. Paula Abdul choreographed the music video and appeared in it as well as one of Jackson's friends. The line "My first name ain't baby, it's Janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty" became a national catchphrase. The song won for Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 1987 American Music Awards. It ranked number thirty on VH1's 100 Best Songs of the Past 25 Years, number forty-five on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s, and number seventy-nine on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Pop Songs.

Background

The song was Jackson's autobiographical account of confronting abusive men who tried to force their hand on her.

The danger hit home when a couple of guys started stalking me on the street. 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. Control meant not only taking care of myself but living in a much less protected world. And doing that meant growing a tough skin. Getting attitude.^[2]

—Janet Jackson, Rolling Stone

"Nasty" was used as the theme song for the 1990 TV drama series Nasty Boys, however, singer Lisa Keith sang it instead and the lyrics were changed to fit the show.

Live performances

Jackson has performed the song on all of her tours, Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour, janet. Tour, The Velvet Rope Tour, All for You Tour, and Rock Witchu Tour. She has also performed it on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the Billboard Music Awards.

Track listings and formats

U.S., UK, and European 7" single

• Side A:

1. "Nasty" (Edit of Remix) – 3:40

• Side B:

1. "You'll Never Find (A Love Like Mine)" – 4:08

U.S. and European 12" maxi single

Australian limited edition 12" maxi single

• Side A:

1. "Nasty" (Extended) – 6:00

• Side B:

1. "Nasty" (Instrumental) – 4:00
2. "Nasty" (A Cappella) – 2:55

U.S. and European 12" single – Cool Summer Mix Parts I and II

• Side A:

1. "Nasty" (Cool Summer Mix Part I) – 7:57

• Side B:

1. "Nasty" (Cool Summer Mix Part II) – 10:09

UK 12" maxi single

• Side A:

1. "Nasty" (Extended) – 6:00

• Side B:

1. "Nasty" (Instrumental) – 4:00
2. "You'll Never Find (A Love Like Mine)" – 4:08

Official versions/remixes

• Album Version – 4:03
• A Cappella – 2:55
• Cool Summer Mix Part I – 7:57
• Cool Summer Mix Part I Edit – 4:07
• Cool Summer Mix Part II – 10:09
• Design of a Decade International Edit – 3:44
• Edit of Remix – 3:40
• Extended – 6:00
• Instrumental – 4:00

Charts

References