20 years ago, Britney Jean Spears released her first single that would go on to be one of pop cultures most celebrated songs of the decade. Little did we know how big it would actually get. I was 4 years old at my neighbor's house after kindergarten when I saw the iconic music video for the first time.
I have seen music videos before, but not like this one. There was something about this video where 17-year-old Britney was sporting a full school girl outfit dancing around that got my attention. Like many when they first witnessed the late Michael Jackson, I was witnessing another important staple in pop culture history. I remember after the video was over begging everyone around me about how I wanted to watch it again and again.
I loved how fun it was and how exciting everyone in the video danced around. As a four-year-old, I was all about fun and that was mostly what most of the decade was. Fun, excitement, yet confusion. After that, she became a household name and the song itself would be played everywhere. When I mean everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE! All across the globe, everyone would know exactly who this girl was. From continent to continent, Britney instantly grew famous more and more by the day. The album was released and became even bigger.
The world had officially gotten their crowned Princess of Pop. What she would do next, the rest would remain history. I'm glad to say that I witnessed pop gold during that time. With all the boy-bands and of course my favorites in Hip-Hop & R&B I knew that Britney Spears was going to be one of many artists that I would see go through some pretty iconic moments. Which is exactly what she did with the countless number one singles and more iconic award show performances to date.
We literally watched Britney blossom from innocent pop-star to a full-blown superstar. However...it, unfortunately, came with a price. When you grow up in front of your parents it is already challenging enough. But growing up in front of the entire world watching you is another story. While the whole world was watching Britney, they were watching her public downfall as a young woman was still trying to figure herself out.
Britney now had two boys and was juggling being a celebrity and now mother. 2007 brought a bald, depressed, and tired woman out of Ms. Spears as she was in and out of the headlines for pretty much almost everything. During that period I was in the 7th grade and couldn't help but think 'What happened?' or 'How Did We End Up Here?' To be perfectly honest, it was us. Our fascination with the average celebrity was all being played out, unfortunately, Britney was the target that we could not just leave alone.
But bad times are not meant to last forever, in comes 2008. Right around here was marked the 'comeback' with a new album in store and Brit headed back to pop royalty right where she belongs. I was never more proud to see her rise back up from all the hell she was ridiculed with. I was happy to see her making music and doing interviews yet again. That iconic laugh was back and for all the right reasons too.
20 plus years in the game is not something that comes easy. With all that she has faced good or bad, we as human beings are reminded that we are only stronger with all the trials and tribulations that we are faced with. That same girl in the sexy schoolgirl outfit is now a grown ass woman continuing to do what she does best...be the true boss ass bitch she was born to be. Here's to more hit's Brit, and Happy Birthday to this forever iconic song and video!
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