Prior to releasing the album, Lopez knew how important it was to "stay fresh", wanting to innovate the music industry. She made the decision to tweak her public image, dying her hair and changing her stage name to J.Lo. The album was released on January 23, 2001. Lopez had more "creative control" on "J.Lo" than "On the 6", explaining: "I really felt like this time it was even more mine." Previously, she had been vocal in living her life while acknowledging her responsibility as a role model to youth. The entertainer stated, "I mean, I feel like you can't take on the responsibility of the world, you know? I think it's destructive [...] You start thinking, Oh God, I have to do this or do that. You have to live your life. I don't do drugs, I don't drink or smoke or do anything like that. So, those are the type of things that people like role models: 'Oh, you can't be human.' You are human."