Renowned journalist and music specialist, Jennifer Lopez graced the cover of her 2002 album “This is Me… Then”. The album cover exudes the imagery of 2000s R&B, featuring a streetwear-style jacket, a sepia filter, and a title that appears to be handwritten, reminiscent of the era when music was still sold on cardboard singles. Lopez, known as J.Lo, abandoned her diva image and revealed a more intimate and accessible side of herself. With influences from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, she collaborated with rapper Nas, delivering a less commercially-driven album compared to her previous works. Despite selling six million copies worldwide, it fell short of the eight million copies sold by her previous albums.
The album contains hits like “Jenny from the Block” and “You Belong to me,” and notably, a love declaration to her then-partner, actor Ben Affleck. Although their highly publicized relationship made headlines, it ultimately led to their separation. Two decades later, Lopez remains a constant presence in the media, known for her highly publicized relationships with singer Marc Antony and baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Despite not releasing an album since 2014, Lopez continues to make headlines with her Netflix documentary, a Super Bowl halftime performance, and her return to the big screen.
Now, in 2023, Lopez announces her comeback with “This is Me… Now,” her ninth studio album directly referencing her 2002 release. Scheduled for release on February 16, 2024, “This is Me… Now” is anticipated to be a love letter to Ben Affleck, with tracks hinting at their turbulent love story. The album is accompanied by a film, “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story,” set to be a heartfelt visual and musical presentation of Lopez’s highly scrutinized love life. The project has generated both excitement and criticism, with rumors about her vocals persisting from the 2000s.
The album also features a star-studded cast, including Fat Joe, Trevor Noah, and Sofia Vergara, and is set to be a visually stunning and musically extravagant experience. With the teaser already generating buzz, “This is Me… Now” and “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” are set to make a significant impact upon their 2024 release.