Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour came out on October 13 in AMC theaters. Essentially a filmed version of Taylor’s Eras Tour show, the movie made a gazillion dollars and broke as many records. (Taylor also just announced that it will be available to rent on demand starting December 13, her birthday.) Beyonce debuted her own concert film that comes out Friday on Netflix. Not to be outdone, Jennifer Lopez has just announced a film companion piece to her upcoming album, This Is Me…Now. Both the film and album will be released on February 16 on Prime Video:
When Jennifer Lopez first teased a new “musical experience,” it felt safe to assume her first studio album in nearly a decade was cause enough for the hype. Today, Lopez announced that her upcoming LP, This Is Me…Now, will be accompanied by a film inspired by the music. Both the film and album are set to be released on Feb. 16, 2024.
Directed by Dave Meyers, the film will see Lopez creating “a genre-redefining immersive cinematic experience,” according to a press release. The film is described as “an extravagant visual and sonic feast with impressive choreography, star-studded cameos, costumes, sets and blockbuster-worthy visuals.”
The film will be released on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, while Nuyorican/BMG will distribute the album.
This Is Me…Then: The Album was written and executive produced by Lopez and Roget Chayed, along with Angel Lopez, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, HitBoy, Tay Keith, and INK, among others. The first single, “Can’t Get Enough,” will be released on Jan. 20 2024, and is available to pre-save on Nov. 27 on all major streamers along with a 30-second sound clip on social platforms.
This Is Me…Now also celebrates the anniversary of its sister album, This Is Me…Then, completing a 20-year journey. The LP promises to be “Lopez’s most honest and personal yet.”
A year ago, Lopez teased the release of a new project with a video where she recreates the cover of her 2002 album This Is Me…Then, transforming into the artist she is today. “This is me then,” she said in the video, as the camera zoomed into her face on the LP’s cover. As she removes her hat to show herself in 2022, with a sexier look, she says, “This is me now.” The words “The Musical Experience 2023” come on screen to end the short clip.
This Is Me…Then has been one of Lopez’s most successful albums, featuring songs like the iconic “Jenny From the Block” with Jadakiss and Styles P, “I’m Glad,” and “All I Have” with LL Cool J…
Lopez spoke to Rolling Stone in 2022 about working hard to be recognized for her music. “It’s just 20, 25 years of people going, ‘Well, she’s not that great. She’s pretty and she makes cute music, but it’s not really this and that.’ You know, I think I’ve done some nice work over the years, some really nice work,” she said. “But there is a club that I just wasn’t a part of. And I always acted like, ‘Yeah, I’m good. I’m fine. I’m OK.’ But it hurts to not be included. I don’t know if I will ever be.”
Aw, those last quotes make me feel bad… for definitely being someone who’s had those thoughts about her music. Sorry Jennifer! But J.Lo is a hustler, and this new album is more than just another album. It’s all part of the life-affirming romance of Bennifer 2.0. She was still in Bennifer 1.0 when she released 2002’s This Is Me…Then, so This Is Me…Now is in line with this full circle moment of life she’s in. And you know she loooves that kismet synchronicity (yes, that’s my name, I said it in my own post, I think J.Lo would approve the act of brand reinforcement). I’m glad we’re getting another music film. I do wish, though, that they’d restrained themselves from saying “a genre-redefining immersive cinematic experience.” That’s a tall cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee to fill. Take a breath, let the work speak for itself.
I love her as an actress and her first three albums were decent. But boy does she make terrible music ,she just does. Her voice is beyond mediocre,but her hustle and self belief is spectacular.
I don’t think she’s the best actress or singer, but I do enjoy her movies and she does have a cute voice. None of it is groundbreaking, but she doesn’t need that. She’s good at businessing herself.
J-Lo,Ashanti says hello
Is this a reference to the rumor that she didn’t even sing most of the songs on her debut album?
It’s pretty obvious Diddy over blended her voice with other singers for On the Six.
Ashanti was just one of the singers who worked to make Jennifer sound good.
Jennifer Lopez has something you have to be born with. A fire of determination and ambition that may outweigh talent. But she took what she had and built an empire with it.
Her man picker may be a bit clunky, but she seems happy with Ben, and I hope this one lasts. Though, I think as a child love was not her endgame. Fame and fortune were. But that isn’t romantical or sells albums.
So excited about this project! I’ve read reviews from people who attended the filming of her Apple Music concert and they said it’s a very personal material.
I’m laughing back in the early aught’s I used to run to her song on the treadmill!
I’ve never been a fan! The cringe I felt, on her behalf, when “I’m Real” with Ja Rule came out! I will give her credit for her hustle though.
I like her as an actress but we all know the woman cannot sing – she just rips off other singers and autotunes the hell out of her songs.
She’s trying to follow behind Taylor and Beyonce and it just seems kinda sad…
JLo’s musical movie was filmed in the spring, long before Taylor or Beyonce announced their “movies”.
Doesn’t matter – it still looks like she’s trying too hard to copy actual singers. Her film won’t be nearly as successful.
J-Lo’s “Halftime” doc on Netflix was really good. She put it all out there: family crap, weave struggles & NFL politics.
Looking forward to her Prime show.
The best part of that half time doc was Shakira.
I can admire her hustle and still be angry that she has no talent and yet be so famous. Because I mean honestly …
I have come full circle on her. I never hated her, she had bops but I wasn’t a fan. But you know what? I have come to respect her in recent years for all she has done and accomplished. We all know it takes more than just pure talent, which she does have. She’s a hard worker, is business savvy and has an even savvier team behind her. She trailblazed a lane for latina women in music and film that didn’t really exist before her. She deserves. At this point, people who dislike her just choose to do so because she isn’t their cup of tea. And, that’s fine too. Everybody isn’t for everybody.
I get what you are saying, sure, but hearing for the millionth time how she “works hard” really gets on my nerves. I’m also tired of admiration for people who hustle, doing this and that and whatever, only so that they’d get richer or just get attention.
Lopez has an irritating voice, acting or singing. That underwear ad is like a satire.
To each their own. I am excited to see this project!