Janet Jackson To Release First Album In Seven Years On Newly Launched Record Label

Janet Jackson is releasing her first album in seven years on her newly launched label Rhythm Nation Records, the singer announced on her website. By launching her own music label, Jackson becomes “arguably the first female African-American recording artist to form her own record label,” the website added.

The yet-untitled album will be Jackson's first studio effort since 2008's “Discipline” and also her first venture with her own label Rhythm Nation Records. Janet also plans to launch “both new and established recording artists” on Rhythm Nation Records. The 49-year-old will partner with BMG music to release new music this fall. The sister of late King of Pop Michael Jackson hinted about the new album and a follow-up tour in a small video posted on her personal website on her 49th birthday in May.

"Janet is not just a supreme artist, she is a unique cultural force whose work resonates around the world," BMG's CEO Hartwig Masuch said of the partnership with Jackson, according to a news release. "It is an honor that she has chosen BMG to release her long-awaited new album. We look forward to collaborating with her across every platform."

Jon Cohen, executive vice president of Recorded Music at BMG Chrysalis U.S., said Jackson is a “cultural icon and pop star” and her upcoming album will “be one of the musical highlights of 2015.” Jackson also shared her excitement to team up with BMG, saying that she is thankful to the “talented team at BMG,” which is her new artistic home. She also said in a statement that "the opportunity to be creative in music and every form of entertainment has great potential here." The “That's The Way Love Goes” singer first shared the news on Twitter. Check it out here.

The website also added that Jackson's partnership with BMG makes her “the biggest worldwide superstar yet to quit the traditional record label system for a so-called artist services deal, designed to put artists in the driving seat.” The statement added that the artist services deal enables the artists to “retain ownership of their recordings and full oversight of all costs and revenues,” which is not possible if they sign a traditional record deal.