Michael Jackson died 15 years ago. Yet still, the crowned King of Pop’s music continues to dominate streaming platforms. That is sure to spike after the late singer’s biopic hits theaters. However, according to reports, Michael has been delayed.
According to Deadline, the highly anticipated pictured directed by Antoine Fuqua has officially been pushed back to 2025.
Originally Michael was slated to be released around Easter 2025 (estimated around April 18-20). Now, based on the outlet’s exclusive report Michael has been locked in for October 3, 2025. Deadline speculates that the delay was a strategy call to get Michael “positioned in the awards corridor next year.” Given that producer Graham King (the Oscar award-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody) is continued to the project, the adjustment makes sense to both die-hard fans of Jackson and film critics alike.
The release dates seems to be the only change to the movie thus far. Universal Pictures remains at the helm of the film’s international production duties. The title role is still held by Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson (Jermaine Jackson’s son). Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo will also star in the movie as John Branca and John McClain serve in the producers seat with John Logan responsible for the script.
An early synopsis described the project as a “look at the complicated legendary recording artist from his human side to the his public and private struggles.”
A first look at forthcoming film (viewable here) has set supporters’ expectations high.
At the BET Awards last week, Killer Mike delivered a poignant speech as he accepted the award for Best Rap Album – another triumphant award show night for the Atlanta rapper in 2024. “Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” Killer Mike said about his infamous arrest outside the Grammy Awards earlier this year. That same night, he took home three Grammy Awards for Michael. “I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building. But I wanna tell you, look at God because I’m back, baby. I’m back.”
His faith in God is at the forefront of his efforts, naturally sprinkling references to his faith across his catalog, whether alongside El-P as Run The Jewels or in his solo catalog. His latest album Michael is an autobiographical body of work that explores his Atlanta roots, both through vigorous levels of rhyming over soulful backdrops and a deep dive into how God brought him through hardships to glory. These Grammy wins and accolades symbolize how he overcame trials and tribulations throughout his life and still surpassed the circumstances that could’ve led him astray. But this message becomes more urgent during his live shows. Accompanied by the Mighty Revival and DJ Trackstar, Killer Mike brought the good folks of Quebec City to a church sermon (albeit, with a bit more cussing and weed smoke).
As part of his summer 2024 tour dates, he made his way through several Canadian cities in support of his excellent 2023 album, Michael. His performance at Festival D’Été Quebec on Friday night (July 6th) felt like another victory lap in a storied career that has seen him reach incredible heights without compromising his artistic integrity. His stage show brought a distinctly Southern feel that embodied his resilience, tenacity, and faith in a Higher Power. The jewels he dropped weren’t those of solely a rapper but one who delivers his words with the conviction of a pastor.
He admittedly tried to stray from religious reference, though stories about Solomon prefaced the emotionally charged “MAMA” and his mini-speeches in between songs felt like notes of inspiration for those who’ve also felt like their back were against the wall. Still, this was a rap show after all, and songs like “RUN” and “DOWN BY LAW” got the energy right for the remainder of the evening. But, at the core of Killer Mike’s performance was bringing Atlanta to the Canadians. The album cuts got the audience excited, for sure, but hard-hitting bangers including Big Boi’s “Kill Jill” and Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared,” alongside cuts from Run The Jewels and R.A.P Music, kept the crowd’s vibrancy at an all-time high.
Following such a triumphant year so far – even with a few mishaps – Killer Mike’s performance felt like a victory lap for an artist who never played the industry game yet exceeded every expectation set against him. But with a breath of gratitude to his tone, his recent feats and festival performances are a testament to his grind and reaping the fruits of his labor.
The Final Lap Tour Makes Its Way To Quebec City
via Etienne Dionne/FEQ
The greatest measure of an artist’s hit-making prowess is how it translates to crowds outside of their prime demographic, specifically those that don’t even really speak the same language. At le Festival D’Été Quebec in Quebec City (a primarily non-English city), 50 Cent served up a platter of bangers for an hour-and-a-half that affirms his presence as one of hip-hop’s greatest showmen. Following 50 Cent’s epic Final Lap tour in 2023, which saw him celebrate the 20th anniversary of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, he’s clearly in high demand for the summer festival circuit across the world. As we covered in 2023, the Final Lap tour was undoubtedly the tour of the summer, one that brought hip-hop fans, both old and new together, to witness one of rap’s greats perform his biggest hits; timeless classics that have become a staple in hip-hop and pop catalogs.
50 Cent initially stated the Final Lap tour would be his final haul on the road before focusing on his television and film productions. But, after surpassing over $100M in ticket sales last year (making it one of the highest-grossing hip-hop tours of all time), there are plenty of markets that ha highly sought after in plenty of markets that he didn’t hit last year. Joined by his hypemen, Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, the G-Unit trifecta delivered a more toned-down version of what they brought across North America last year, likely due to the venue change. Festivals provide ample room for pyrotechnics but the setup didn’t necessarily welcome some of the more theatrical elements, such as the wild t-shirt change that went viral last year and even the complex transitions throughout the set (i.e. popping out from under the stage).
The People Love 50
via Etienne Dionne/FEQ
Nonetheless, his performance in Quebec City is a microcosm of 50 Cent’s global appeal. Though the audience might not be entirely tuned into Power (“Big Rich Town” certainly wasn’t even close to being the highlight of the evening), the epic run as a solo artist and with G-Unit throughout the 2000s formed the baseline of his set that transcended language barriers, further emphasizing the grip he’s had on the world since the release of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
“I’m On Some Sh*t” may have felt like a bit of a lackluster opener for this audience, especially since the majority seemed unfamiliar with his mixtape run. But, you could imagine that records like “What Up Gangsta,” “Just A Lil Bit,” and “If I Can’t” had the nearly 80,000+ in attendance singing along word-for-word. But once he started going into the real hit records, from his collaborations with The Game to songs like “Candy Shop,” “In Da Club,” and other definitive songs of the mid-2000s, it further affirmed Fif as one of the culture’s pivotal figure who contributed to hip-hop’s global appeal, from his days bullying his peers on his early mixtapes to outshining each of them once he formally entered the game.
Killer Mike pays homage to his late friend and fellow Dungeon Family member Rico Wade with a remix of his Michael standout “Exit 9,” now featuring Offset in addition to Blxst.
While much of the song remains unchanged, Mike reworks a line in his first verse to salute the fallen producer, rapping, “It hurts like hell to say but rest in peace to Rico Wade / He soundtracked the day when me and Slee were serving J.”
Offset also taps into his own recent loss, channeling grief for late Migos bandmate Takeoff along with other family members gone too soon: “Oh, my brother, look in the air, I see an angel done fly,” he intones. “15 years, brother gone, every day momma cry / Grandma died, I wish I could go back and get time.”
Wade was reported dead at the age of 52 earlier this month, with the New York Times printing a statement from the producer’s family. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many.”
He touched those lives in large part due to his role as the focal point of the Dungeon Family, the Atlanta-based collective that included such pioneering acts as Mike, Future, Goodie Mob, and Outkast. The group’s name was taken from its recording headquarters in Wade’s mother’s basement, where the crew coalesced around a love of hip-hop and soulful, out-of-this-world beats created by Wade’s production trio, Organized Noize.
Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic Michael, based on the epic life story of Michael Jackson, has just announced who will play MJ’s iconic brothers and members of the Jackson 5.
As reported by Shadow and Act, Jermaine Jackson will be played by Jayden Harville (younger) and Jamal R. Henderson (older), Marlon Jackson will be portrayed by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (younger) and Tre Horton (older), Tito Jackson will be played by Judah Edwards (younger) and Rhyan Hill (older) and Jackie will be played by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (younger) and Joseph David-Jones (older).
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” says producer Graham King. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”
Here’s the logline for the biopic:
Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.
Michael is in production now from Lionsgate and is expected to be released in theaters on April 18, 2025, to worldwide audiences.
ICYMI Jermaine’s son, Jaafar Jackson, plays his real-life uncle, with Juliano Krue Valdi as Michael in his younger years. Earlier reported cast announcements include Nia Long and first-time academy award nominee Colman Domingo. Miles Teller is also starring.
John Logan is writing and producer of King, along with the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.
While there is a large crowd of people who are happy for Killer Mike cleaning up at the 66th GRAMMY Awards last weekend, a lot are still upset. Streaming sensation Kai Cenat is one of those younger music fans in that camp. But, at the end of the day, Mike did submit a great album to the Recording Academy and it was deserving of the praise. He brought the brooms out, taking all three categories he was in. While the Atlanta legend is surely still celebrating to some degree, the Run The Jewels member is hungry for a trilogy.
Yes, you heard that correctly, Killer Mike is turning MICHAELfrom a stand-alone record to a three-part series. This news was revealed to Apple Music 1’s panel at their Super Bowl LVIII setup in Las Vegas. According to HipHopDX, causally mentioned this trilogy plan to the hosts and they were noticeably stunned. For now, this all the information we have but it is exciting, to say the least.
He starts by saying, “The first album we got to kinda take the nine-year-old to where I’ve grown into as an adult, but I wanna cut deeper. There’s deeper levels to go, you know.” Mike continues, “We already plotting out what the next one’s gonna be, me and Cuz Lightyear were in the studio with Mike WiLL [Made-It] the next night. And we working. I just wanna work and produce works of art that’s gonna live long after I’m gone. So I can’t do that celebrating this too long. The celebration is fun, but after this, when I get back to Atlanta, I’ll be working.” While Killer Mike was vague about the trilogy we know he will deliver.
What are your thoughts on Killer Mike revealing MICHAEL is now going to be the first album in a trilogy? Is this Mike’s best album to date and is it still in your rotation? What do you want to see him try on this next LP and when should it drop? Who would you want to see featured and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to tell us in the comments below. Additionally, keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Killer Mike and MICHAEL. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of music.
The 2024 Grammy Awards were full of surprises. Killer Mike was one of the most discussed emcees in the rap categories for several reasons.
Firstly, the “Motherless” rapper shocked attendees when his album Michael swept three major categories (Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song for “Scientists & Engineers,” and Best Rap Performance again for “Scientists & Engineers”), which he didn’t mind pointing it out in his acceptance speech.
Breaking: Rapper Killer Mike has been taken away in handcuffs in https://t.co/aF2yiyTHol arena after winning 3 #Grammys during telecast (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” Best Rap Album for Michael) “Free Mike” someone shouts as he walks past. pic.twitter.com/4epfmzqMt8
However, today (February 5), Killer Mike has but the whispers to rest by releasing a statement regarding his arrest. According to Killer Mike, his arrest was the result of a rocky encounter with event security.
Read Killer Mike’s complete statement below.
I first want to extend my appreciation to the Grammy’s Committee for recognizing me and my team for the work that went into ‘Michael.’ We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment. I am also grateful that one of my prayers has been answered – the day after my Grammy win – I learned that my son, who has been on the list for a kidney for years, finally has a match. Obviously, we are elated.
I do want to note that last night, my team and I fielded a number of calls from concerned fans and colleagues wanting to know if I was OK. I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK. As you can imagine, there was a lot going on, and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to ‘Michael,’ and keep going after your dreams.
Nia Long has been cast as the mother of Michael Jackson in a biopic due out next year. “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times,” director Antoine Fuqua said of the casting choice.
The cast of Long rounds out the car nucleus of the Jackson family. Jafaar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael, will portray his uncle. Meanwhile, Oscar nominee Colman Domingo was revealed as Michael’s father Joe last week. The film, due for release in April 2025, is already being hailed by fans as a potential Oscar contender in 2026. The rest of the Jackson family is yet to be cast. Are you excited about Long’s casting? Let us know in the comments.
Best known for her comedy work, Long has been acting since the early 90s. She received acclaim for her dramatic role in Boyz n the Hood before becoming better known for comedic work. This includes the Big Momma’s House and Are We There Yet? franchises in the early 2000s. However, she has the gravitas for drama. In 2023, she appeared in the uniquely-shot Missing as the kidnapped mother of the protagonist.
However, Long is also well-known for her real-life drama. She became a central figure in the firing of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka in 2023. After Udoka was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a team staffer, much focus was put on Long, his then-fiancee. The couple split soon after the news came to light. Later, Long publicly criticized the Celtics for not protecting her and her privacy amid the fallout from the firing and infidelity revelations.
Previously, Jafaar Jackson, the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, was revealed as the actor taking on the role of Michael. Antoine Fuqua will direct the film.
“I’m excited to be a part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson as well as his impact on music and culture as a global icon,” Domingo said in a press release. “Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation. After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown. There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level.”
Killer Mike has had too amazing of a career for preoccupations of humility, and he knows how special his art is. Moreover, he recently spoke to HipHopDX at the ONE Music Fest about his new album MICHAEL and about how it’s the rap album of the year. Of course, the Grammys certainly agree to some extent, as they nominated the project for the Best Rap Album category alongside Her Loss, UTOPIA, King’s Disease 3, and HEROES & VILLAINS. However, the Dungeon Family MC saw past the competition and identified how his album is thematically unlike much of what we see in the genre today. That distinction is indicative of its introspection, quality of craft, and richness of perspective that he does a great job of conveying.
“If you’re a Black man and you heard MICHAEL, you’ve heard your own experience in this life,” Killer Mike expressed on Saturday (December 23). “It’s songs on there that talk about the love and solidarity of women, from your mother to your aunts to your wife. It’s songs on there that, for the first time, celebrate the junkie, and not the person that has them addicted.
MICHAEL Is The Rap Album Of The Year, Killer Mike Defends
Rap Album of the Year discussion starts at around the 5-minute mark.
“I don’t say that lightly, when I say, ‘album of the year,’” Killer Mike continued. “This album pushed the emotions of masculinity past where rap had prior. It acknowledges women– Black women– that evolved me in a different way. It acknowledges addiction in a radically different way. So when I say that, I don’t say that lightly. And I don’t say that to play. Because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t say it. If you’re a Black man, a working class man, or the women who love them, you should lay your ears on [MICHAEL].”
In addition, the Run The Jewels member also thanked HipHopDX for crowning the LP the Album of the Year. More than just boast about the project’s quality, it’s heartening to see him celebrate it with others as he should, and to see others celebrate his work in kind. Furthermore, with over twenty years in the game, Mike deserves nothing less. For more news and the latest updates on Killer Mike, check back in with HNHH.
Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepped into the shoes of the King of Pop on the first day of filming for the highly anticipated biopic, Michael, in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old rising star, who was announced in January to portray his late uncle, showcased his remarkable dance skills, offering fans a glimpse into what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic tribute to the iconic singer. The resemblance in talent to his uncle is striking.
Jaafar, the spitting image of Michael Jackson, donned an ensemble that paid homage to the late legend’s iconic stage presence. He wore black trousers with a distinctive gold stripe on the sides and a plain white shirt. Moreover, he effortlessly captured the essence of his uncle’s signature style. Layering the look with an unfastened button-up shirt, the budding star replicated an outfit reminiscent of the “Smooth Criminal” hitmaker’s stage attire during performances of classics like “Man In The Mirror.” Furthermore, his dance skills are impressive.
Moreover, the filming set was a stage for Jaafar’s impressive dance moves, as he rehearsed with precision. Standing in front of a white backdrop, he took on the role of his uncle, even rehearsing with an empty microphone stand—a powerful symbol synonymous with Michael Jackson’s iconic performances. Scheduled for release in 2025, the Michael biopic has generated significant buzz, not only for its portrayal of the legendary pop icon but also for the resemblance Jaafar shares with his late uncle. The decision to cast a family member adds a personal touch to the project, creating a unique connection between the performer and the subject matter.
However, the first look at Jaafar’s rehearsal and the attention to detail in recreating Michael’s iconic stage presence only heighten the anticipation surrounding the upcoming biopic. With the spirit of Michael Jackson running through his veins, Jaafar Jackson is poised to bring an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of his iconic uncle to the silver screen. As filming progresses, the world awaits the release of Michael. Moreover, the opportunity to witness the magic of Michael Jackson’s legacy through the lens of a family member dedicated to preserving his memory.
