20 Y.O. - Conception

Conception

In 2004 Jackson released her anticipated new album, Damita Jo. The added media exposure led to a high chart debut, but no hit singles, due to lack of radio support. Jackson, deciding to step away from the spotlight, announced in late 2004 that she intended to start work on a new album project in the coming year. It would involve her then boyfriend—record producer Jermaine Dupri, who was commissioned to executive produce the project—in addition to a roster of other hit producers. Jackson wanted to create a modern record, while returning to the music and sound that made her famous: dance, in the vein of Jackson's 1986 hit album, Control. Jackson was keen to get back to both R&B and dance, but with an emphasis on dance.

While much of the album was recorded in Dupri's Atlanta recording studio in order to fully capture the Control sound and vibe, Jackson again invited producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to also work on the project in Los Angeles. Jackson also entered the recording studio with Dr. Dre, Kwame, Kanye West, and Track Starz, but none of the songs written with them made the final track listing. Executive produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Dupri, the concept of 20 Y.O., whose title makes reference to her 1986 hit and landmark album, Control (since 2006 was the twentieth anniversary of Control's release), is largely taking the sound of the past and mixing it with the modern-day present. The addition of producer Jermaine Dupri, quotes Jackson as saying, "It's an edge, an attitude, an exciting vibe that's assertive. It's about taking charge. It says, 'Here I am. I'm coming on. Musically, I have it. You want it. And I'm giving it to you.'" 20 Y.O. completed Jackson's multi-album deal with Virgin Records. Jackson subsequently departed from the label after the run of its promotion.