J.Lo (album) - Background and Release

Background and Release

In 1996, Lopez was cast to play the title role in Selena, a biopic of the late American singer-songwriter Selena. The film inspired her so start her own music career. After filming Selena, Lopez was "really feeling Latin roots" and cut a demo in Spanish. Lopez's manager then sent the song, entitled "Vivir Sin Ti", to Sony Music Entertainment's Work Records, who showed an interest in signing Lopez. Tommy Mottola, the head of the label suggested to her that she sing in English instead. She complied and began recording her debut studio album On the 6. During production of the On the 6, Lopez was aware of the fact that she received her recording contract on the premise of her looks and having an already established name in the entertainment industry. She wanted to prove that she had musical talent. Prior to the debut of her music, critics wondered why she would take the risk of launching a music career. It was noted that: "If the album was a flop, not only would it embarrass Lopez, but it might even damage her career." On the 6 produced two top-ten Billboard Hot 100 singles—"Waiting for Tonight" and the number-one hit "If You Had My Love"—and peaked at eight on the Billboard 200. By 2002, the album had sold eight million copies worldwide, and it also garnered her two Grammy and Latin Grammy award nominations.

In April 2000, it was reported that Lopez was to begin recording her second studio album after finishing filming for the film The Wedding Planner (2001). In August, Lopez reported to VH1 that she would be releasing her second studio album, entitled A Passionate Journey, that October. She stated: "I've grown musically, vocally, and everything I want to be more of a reflection of who I am, my own experiences." The release of this album never occurred, and instead, J.Lo was released.

Knowing how important it was to stay fresh and innovate the music industry, Lopez decided to re-tweak her public image. She dyed her hair, and changed her stage name to "J.Lo"—It was a nickname that fans had called her on the street since the beginning of her music career. She then decided herself to title her album J.Lo. Lopez said that J.Lo is more romantic and personal than On the 6. The album was released on January 23, 2001.