by Jennifer Lopez, often referred to simply as JLo, emerged as a global superstar in the late 1990s with a string of chart-topping pop hits. While she had already begun her career as a dancer and actress in the early 90s, it was her music that truly broke her into the mainstream. By the end of the decade, Lopez had cemented her status as a triple threat entertainer with incredible success in music, film, and television. Two songs in particular, “If You Had My Love” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” propelled Lopez to new heights of fame and defined her as a pop diva for the new millennium.
Early Career and Background
Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born in 1969 in the Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican parents. She grew up in a close-knit family and was a talented dancer from a young age. After graduating high school, Lopez studied dance at her local community college and began working as a backup dancer for artists like Janet Jackson. She landed some small television and film roles in the early 90s as well, but it was her breakout role in the movie Selena in 1997 that brought her widespread attention and acclaim. The biopic about Tejano singer Selena saw Lopez receive rave reviews for her portrayal of the late artist.
While acting success was building her profile, Lopez’s true passion remained music. She signed with Work Group in 1997 and began recording her debut album On the 6. The album took its name from the subway line Lopez rode as a child in Queens, reflecting her New York roots. It was released in June 1999 to great anticipation following Lopez’s star turn in Selena. The lead single “If You Had My Love” was an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing Lopez’s status as a pop diva.
“If You Had My Love” Breakthrough
“If You Had My Love” was an electropop and dance-pop song co-written and produced by Rodriguez Lopez. Its infectious beat and Lopez’s sultry vocals made it the perfect summer anthem. The music video, directed by Paul Hunter, showed a glamorous Lopez dancing provocatively. It was an early showcase of her confident sexuality that would become a hallmark of her image.
Upon its release, the song was an immediate commercial success. It spent 5 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Lopez the first artist with a #1 debut single since Britney Spears. The single was certified platinum by the RIAA, reflecting sales of over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone. It also topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand.
Critics praised “If You Had My Love” for Lopez’s charismatic vocals and the song’s catchy production. Her distinctive style, blending Latin influences, hip hop beats, and pop hooks was completely unique for a new artist at the time. The song demonstrated Lopez’s immense star potential and cemented her as a force to be reckoned with in the pop world. She had arrived, transitioning seamlessly from actress to pop diva with her breakout hit single.
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” Takes Over the Airwaves
Building on the success of her debut single, Lopez released “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” as the second single from On the 6 in November 1999. Written and produced by Cory Rooney and Troy Oliver, the song had a more hip hop and R&B influenced sound compared to “If You Had My Love.” Lopez addressed themes of self-worth and not needing money for love and affection.
The music video, directed by Paul Hunter, saw Lopez portraying a princess who abandons her lavish lifestyle for an ordinary man she falls for. It highlighted Lopez’s natural beauty and charm without extravagance. Released at the height of the “Millenium Fever” around the turn of the century, the song’s message clearly resonated with audiences.
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” became Lopez’s second #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 3 weeks at the top spot. It was certified platinum by the RIAA. The song also topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand again. With back-to-back #1 hits, Lopez cemented her status as a chart-topping pop star seemingly overnight. She had established herself as a rare triple threat, succeeding in music, movies, and television simultaneously.
Global Fame and Icon Status
Buoyed by the success of her first two singles, On the 6 was certified platinum upon its release in June 1999. Lopez embarked on her first headlining tour, The On the 6 Tour, to promote the album that year. She also starred in the hit films The Wedding Planner and Angel Eyes in 2001, showcasing her bankable box office appeal.
By the early 2000s, Lopez had truly reached global superstardom. She released her best-selling albums J.Lo in 2001 and This Is Me… Then in 2002 to further acclaim. Her music blended pop, Latin, R&B and hip hop influences to appeal to a wide audience worldwide. Lopez became a fashion and style icon as well, known for her daring outfits and confidence. She launched successful fashion lines and fragrances that broke sales records.
Lopez’s legacy was cemented in the 1990s with her breakout hits “If You Had My Love” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” In just two years, she had transitioned from actress to pop diva, topping the charts with her unique blend of pop and urban sounds. Her success opened the door for other Latin artists to cross over into the mainstream. Lopez proved that an artist could appeal to diverse audiences globally with the right combination of talent, charisma and business savvy. Over 20 years later, she remains one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time and a true entertainment icon.
