Janet Jackson and Japanese pop-R&B group BE:FIRST have released an official remix of her 2000 hit “Doesn’t Really Matter,” with a new music video now streaming on YouTube.
Jackson announced the release on Instagram this week, directing fans to the video through her bio link. The collaboration pairs one of pop’s longest-running icons with one of Japan’s most exciting acts working right now.
“Doesn’t Really Matter” first appeared on the Nutty Professor II: The Klumps soundtrack in 2000. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Janet’s biggest commercial hits of that era. The track’s upbeat, feel-good energy captured the mood of that summer perfectly. More than 25 years on, it’s held up remarkably well.
BE:FIRST debuted in late 2021 under BMSG, the Japanese label founded by artist and producer SKY-HI. They built a loyal fanbase quickly in Japan, leaning into a sound that draws from R&B and hip-hop. Their performances combine sharp choreography with strong vocal work. That mix has helped them stand out in a crowded domestic market and start drawing real international attention. They’ve been one of Japan’s most watched new acts for a few years running.
For Jackson, this collaboration fits naturally into a long history of linking up with other artists on her own terms. She and Missy Elliott connected on “Son of a Gun” in 2001. She teamed with J. Cole for “No Sleeep” in 2015. These collabs tend to feel purposeful, not like a chase for relevance.
Revisiting “Doesn’t Really Matter” is an interesting choice for all the right reasons. The track never really went away, but a remix with BE:FIRST gives it fresh energy. Y2K nostalgia has been driving real cultural momentum in music for a few years now. A collaboration that bridges that era with a current act working in a similar sonic space makes a lot of sense.
BE:FIRST has been working to expand beyond Japan, and connecting with an artist of Janet’s stature puts them in front of a much bigger global audience. Her fanbase spans multiple generations. Earning placement on a Janet Jackson track means something, especially for a group that’s only a few years into their career.
The music video is the centerpiece of the release right now. No additional streaming details were shared in the announcement. It’s not yet clear whether the remix will roll out across major platforms beyond YouTube.
Both acts have plenty to gain here. “Doesn’t Really Matter” is a strong song to build on, and BE:FIRST’s R&B roots give them the right foundation to bring something genuine to it. Janet Jackson adding a new chapter to a 26-year-old hit shows she’s not interested in just sitting on her catalog.
The video is out now. Worth watching.
