Michael Jackson

The Michael Jackson Biopic’s Official Release Date Has Reportedly Been Pushed Back

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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.

Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” Hits 1 Billion Views on YouTube

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Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal (Official Video) 0 21 screenshot

Michael Jackson’s iconic 1988 “Smooth Criminal” video has joined the Billion Views Club on YouTube, celebrated for its legendary “anti-gravity lean” and 1930s gangster theme.

This milestone marks Jackson’s fifth video to reach 1 billion views, alongside “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “They Don’t Care About Us,” and “Thriller.” With Halloween approaching, “Thriller” surges to #46 on the US Top Songs chart, boosting Jackson to #46 on the US Top Artists chart.

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Charlamagne Tha God Claims Michael Jackson Was The Only Celebrity That Corporations Took Down

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You’re probably aware of how the Diddy scandal has either created or revived a lot of conspiracy theories around celebrities, whether they’re responsible for abhorrent things or they were silenced by the industry. However, Charlamagne Tha God doesn’t take these theories very seriously… Except when talking about the King of Pop, that is. “I’ve been hearing that theory about, you know, the corporations,” he began. “Listen, I could be totally wrong. I don’t think that there’s too many people that are important enough for a corporation to want to do all this to. And I really mean this when I say this, and I know that this is a crazy conspiracy theory. There’s only one person I believe in Hollywood who people conspired to actually take down. I’m talking about a mass conspiracy. Anytime they take you down, it’s people conspiring, ‘Cause it’s usually because you did some s**t.

“But I think that there’s one person who they really took down because he had too much power,” Charlamagne continued. “And I believe that person was Michael Jackson. I truly believe that. The reason I believe that is because – you can look into the story. You know, we had Deon Cole on The Breakfast Club the other day. Deon Cole told us the story of how he got high with Paul McCartney, and Paul McCartney told him. Paul McCartney and Michael used to be real cool. Paul was telling Michael, like, ‘Yo, you got to get your business together, you got to get your business right.’ He told him about the publishing game. Michael ended up getting so big that he bought The Beatles’ publishing. The Beatles’ publishing was worth so much that, literally, Sony gave Michael Jackson half of their publishing company just to own The Beatles’ catalog.

Read More: Jay-Z And Michael Jackson’s First Meeting Stood Out To Rodney Jerkins For This Reason

Charlamagne Tha God On Michael Jackson Conspiracy

“So whenever you used to see – look it up!” he added. “Whenever you used to see Sony ATV, that was Sony and ATV was Michael Jackson’s publishing company, right? Imagine how powerful a Black man is when he owns a majority of the music industry’s publishing. And, in some cases, was even giving publishing back to some of the artists. He gave Little Richard his publishing back. I don’t know how many people he did that to, but he gave Little Richard his publishing back. Look, in 2016, Sony paid $750 million to acquire Michael Jackson’s – what is that, 50% stake in Sony ATV Music Publishing. A joint venture that Jackson and Sony formed in 1995. This made Sony the sole owner of the world’s largest music publishing company. I believe – this is all conspiracy theory. This is Brilliant Idiots, by the way, we just talking, it’s a podcast.

“I believe that Michael Jackson had too much power in the music industry, had too much control over the most valuable asset in music which is people’s publishing, and I believe they had to take him out because of it,” Charlamagne concluded. “Smear his name, you know, eventually get him up out of here. And 2016, *laughs* they got their bag for way cheaper than they probably would’ve paid if he was still alive. He’s the one person. Motherf***ers talk about how Bill Cosby tried to buy NBC… You know, nah. He’s the one person I believe in entertainment – entertainment, mind you, I said the entertainment industry. Conspiracies happen all the time in other industries that actually really matter. But in the entertainment industry, he’s the one person I believe, actually, they killed his reputation and ultimately killed him.”

Read More: NLE Choppa Claims He’s The “Michael Jackson Of Hip-Hop” In IG Rant

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NLE Choppa Claims He’s The “Michael Jackson Of Hip-Hop” In IG Rant

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NLE Choppa loves to talk. More specifically, he likes to say things that will get attention. The rapper may have just topped himself, however, on September 16th. He took to Instagram to hype up his skills and his capabilities as a hit maker. NLE Choppa has popular songs for sure, but he decided to take things a little further than most would expect. It would have been a lot to proclaim himself one of the best rappers of his generation, but he claimed that he was the best rapper of his generation. Choppa likened himself to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

The inciting incident behind the claim happened in Canada. NLE Choppa sold out a concert in the Great White North, and was really feeling himself as a result. “Put some respect on my name,” he yelled at his followers. “I am the greatest of my generation… “Y’all gotta catch up I’m ahead of the pack I’m only 21 selling out arenas.” It’s all pretty standard as far as rappers flexing goes. It was the last statement that turned heads, though. “I might as well say heeeheee round here,” he asserted. “I’m on my MJ.”

Read More: NLE Choppa Is Livid Over Complex’s Best Rappers In Their 20s List

NLE Choppa Likened Himself To The King Of Pop

NLE Choppa knew what he was doing when he evoked Michael Jackson. Don’t believe us? The rapper decided to double down on his boldest (and frankly, most outlandish claim), in a second Instagram post. He uploaded a video of a crowd singing along to his biggest song, “Slut Me Out 2,” and cleared up any ambiguity regarding the MJ comparison. “Micheal Jackson Of Hip Hop,” he wrote. “Point Blank Period.” Never mind the fact that NLE Choppa only has 12 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, and no number ones. Michael Jackson has 51 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and 13 number ones. That’s even taking into account the impact and pop cultural impact that MJ had, and continues to have.

NLE Choppa knows that comparing himself to the biggest artist of all time would make headlines and he was right. We’re writing about it. And despite being only halfway through the month, the MJ controversy is already the second time the rapper has gone viral. NLE Choppa announced that he was “coming out of the closet” on September 6. He confused viewers with his seemingly clickbait tweet. A few days later, he clarified that he was merely teasing a new song. “Never said I was gay,” he wrote. “A New Project This Month, and Black Duck Boots. Yall ain’t let me finish.”

Read More: NLE Choppa Gets Roasted For Bold NYFW Looks

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Tito Jackson’s Death Spawns Tributes From Questlove And DJ Premier

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The music world suffered a tremendous loss on September 16. Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, has died. Jackson was 70 years old, and his death was confirmed by his family. The singer’s three sons paid tribute to him via social media. That said, Tito Jackson’s legacy goes beyond his famous lineage. Luminaries within the hip hop community, including Questlove and DJ Premier, took to Instagram to pay their respects to the late great.

Questlove posted a photograph of Tito Jackson alongside his famous brother, Michael, in the 1980s. He also articulated the impact that the Jackson 5 had on his own musical knowledge growing up. “All of the Jackson brothers are heroes to me,” he explained. “I really don’t have the words right now. May the entire Jackson family find comfort & peace In this moment. Thank You Tito. rest in melody.” Questlove has been vocal about his love for Tito Jackson and the rest of the titular group. In his memoir, Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove, The Roots drummer talked about the Jackson 5’s tireless schedule while on tour, and how it informed his perception of hard work.

Read More: Michael Jackson’s Son Says Harry Styles Doesn’t Deserve “King Of Pop” Title

DJ Premier Dubbed Tito Jackson An “Icon”

DJ Premier is a bit older than Questlove, so his tribute had more to do with the impact that Tito Jackson and the rest of the Jacksons had on him in real time. “My musical childhood is based on one of the ILLest groups: Jackson 5,” the producer asserted. “To know all of their names back in 1970 when I was 4 years old, and their roles in the group has continued to carry the same effect.” Premo also made sure to single out Tito Jackson for being part of what he considered to be the ultimate family group. “No family group has ever done it like them,” he wrote. “Thank You for your contribution to shaping my professionalism in this music sh*t. SALUTE ICON.”

Tito Jackson continued to perform up until his untimely death. The singer and musician has been playing alongside surviving brothers Marlon and Jackie Jackson as The Jacksons. The trio were even booked to perform in Atlantic City on October 25. Entertainment Tonight stated that Tito Jackson’s death was brought about by a heart attack on Sunday, September 15.

Read More: Taj Jackson Rejects Beyoncé Being “King Of Pop,” Says Title “Is Not Up For Grabs”

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50 Cent Gushes About People Treating Him Like Michael Jackson While On Tour

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50 Cent didn’t just talk about his celibacy on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently. Moreover, he also talked briefly about how his Final Lap touring travels in Kazakhstan in 2023 had him feeling like he was the biggest pop star to ever grace a stage. “It’s unbelievable. They don’t know I’m not Michael Jackson,” Fif told the host. “It was so cool. It was unbelievable, Stephen. They chased the car like I’m Michael Jackson and s**t. It was crazy.”

Elsewhere during their conversation, Rick Ross’ rival also explained what this newfound sexual abstinence has done for him. “When you calm down, you can focus. It’s been good, I’ve been good to me,” 50 Cent shared. “That’s when things start getting complicated. Things start getting confusing because people coming for different reasons,” he said when Colbert asked him about all his earnings and career moves despite not feeding this human urge. “If you go on a date but you have no interest in anything, I can see you now. I said, ‘Goddamn girl, you fine but you ain’t got nothing going on.’” Also, Fif explained that he’s not married, never did marry, and probably never will. “I’m safe, I’m not a happy hostage. I’m free. I’ve made some mistakes, just not that one.”

Read More: 50 Cent x “Million Dollaz Worth Of Game”: Key Takeaways

50 Cent On The Late Show

But these reflections on MJ’s fame and on other life updates usually pale in comparison to 50 Cent’s many beefs. But not all of them have to stay that way. “I didn’t f**k with people because they had already dealt with them,” he said on Million Dollaz Worth Of Game. “The entire beginning of my career I was up against the leverage of Murder Inc. So, my whole beef with Fat Joe was really his loyalty.

“Later we become the best friends, like I really f**k with him,” 50 Cent revealed. “He’s loyal to a default, because he worked with him.” Between that and some issues with Dame Dash, he’s dropped a lot of gems about his various rivalries and friendships. But the G-Unit mogul tasted the feeling of being the King of Pop, and that power is enough to make any man reconsider their lifestyle and allegiances.

Read More: 50 Cent Takes Heat From Desiigner In New Diss Track

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Candace Owens Apologizes to Michael Jackson: ‘I Believed He Was a Pedophile’

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Candace Owens Apologizes to Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson would have turned 66 this week, and in honor of his birthday, Candace Owens has publicly apologized to the King of Pop in the latest episode of her show, Candace.

Owens, who grew up listening to Jackson with her family, admitted she once believed the allegations that Jackson molested children but has since changed her perspective.

“I was young, but I was disappointed in myself for having believed everything about someone who, you have no idea what this man meant, especially to black Americans,” Candace says. “We will continue to hold a candle for the King of Pop.

“What happened to Michael Jackson could never happen today. The media ran things… They completely controlled our minds. I, too, was warped to believe that Michael Jackson was a pedophile.” 

In the episode, Owens delves into Jackson’s significance, life story, and the media’s portrayal of him. She compares the negative coverage of Jackson to her own recent experience with journalists and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who she claims tried to de-platform her.

Owens expresses her admiration for Jackson and describes her love for Thriller: “This is artwork,” she said, recalling her childhood memories of dancing in front of the TV, mimicking Jackson’s iconic moves.

Owens also explains why she doesn’t believe Jackson molested Jordan Chandler, emphasizing that “the case was closed” and criticizing the media for continuing to report on it. “Michael Jackson wasn’t guilty,” she argues, “But we know the media has never let facts get in the way of having a good time.”

You can hear the episode below.

The post Candace Owens Apologizes to Michael Jackson: ‘I Believed He Was a Pedophile’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Candace Owens Apologizes to Michael Jackson: ‘I Believed He Was a Pedophile’ appeared first on The Source.

Michael Jackson Estate Secures $600 Million Sale Despite Mother’s Objections

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A blockbuster deal has been struck between Sony and Michael Jackson’s estate. The former has paid a whopping $600 million for the King of Pop’s back catalog. It was a lengthy process to secure the deal, but it was finalized on August 22 by Jackson’s estate executors John Branca and John McClain. It was previously reported by Billboard that Sony wanted to purchase half of Michael Jackson’s catalog. Now, however, it seems as though the final sale include all of the recordings Jackson made during his life. It benefits lots of people who were close to Jackson, but his mother, Katherine, is not pleased.

The matriarch of the Jackson family claimed that the Sony deal “violated Michael’s wishes.” Katherine Jackson actually tried to stop the deal, but her legal attempts were rejected by the court. The ruling was that she “forfeited” her case when she failed to present it to a lower probate court. Branca and McCain were ultimately able to make the deal because it did not directly go against the conditions of Michael Jackson’s will. “The will gave the executors broad powers of sale,” the court wrote. “With no exception for the specific assets at issue in this case.”

Read More: Janelle Monae Takes Down Michael Jackson Parody Video After Fan Backlash

Katherine Claims Michael Jackson’s Wishes Were ‘Violated’

Furthermore, the court declared that Jackson’s estate was well within its rights to make a deal they felt was advantageous. “[A judge] did not err in concluding that it was Michael’s intent to allow the executors to sell any estate assets,” the court announced. “Including those at issue in the proposed transaction.” Katherine was the last Jackson standing in opposition to the Sony deal. When it was initially suggested, Michael Jackson’s son Blanket and daughter Paris also balked at the idea. The more money went into a legal battle, however, the more open they were to negotiating.

In March 2024, Blanket issued a statement asking his grandmother to stop using Michael Jackson’s estate to pay for legal fees. Blanket, who also goes by the name “Bigi,” declared Katherine’s efforts to be pointless. “Bigi decided not to waste his resources to participate in an appeal,” a court document stated. “Nonetheless, Katherine has decided to appeal this court’s ruling. That decision is not for the benefit of the heirs.” Debate will continue to rage on as to whether Michael Jackson would have inked the deal with Sony himself. As it stands, though, the company now owns $600 million worth of his music.

Read More: Chris Brown Reacts To Tank Calling Him A Better Artist Than Michael Jackson

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Jordin Sparks Unveils Her Explosive New Single “Remember” Debuting #1 on the Apple Itunes R&B/Soul Chart – A Reimagination of Michael Jackson’s Classic Hit on August 16

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Jordin Sparks Unveils Her Explosive New Single “Remember” Debuting #1 on the Apple Itunes R&B/Soul Chart – A Reimagination of Michael Jackson’s Classic Hit on August 16

Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and 2x Grammy® nominee Jordin Sparks is set to drop her highly anticipated single, “Remember,” a thrilling reinterpretation of Michael Jackson’s iconic track. The electrifying new release hit the airwaves on August 16 and has already reached #1 on the Apple iTunes R&B/Soul chart. The single is distributed by Legacy Music Groups. 

Co-written by the legendary Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Bernard Belle, “Remember” promises to be a powerful fusion of past and present. Jordin Sparks, who serves as the Executive Producer alongside Dana Thomas, Jovan J. Dawkins, and U Made Us What We Are, brings her unique flair and dynamic energy to this timeless classic.

“I’ve always been mesmerized by Michael Jackson’s music,” Sparks shares. “To blend his legendary sound with my own is a dream come true. This track has an irresistible groove – those 808’s will make you feel it deep in your bones and get you moving from the first beat! Thank you, Michael, for the incredible music.”

“Remember” is a highlight from Sparks’ forthcoming album, No Restrictions, slated for release on September 13, 2024. This announcement follows Sparks’ recent chart-topping collaboration with for KING + COUNTRY on the hit single “Love Me Like I Am,” which earned multiple nominations including Dove, Billboard, and Grammy®.

“Just in case you didn’t ‘Remember’ or forgot, Jordin Sparks has no problem reminding you why her vocals are one of the best ever to bless a mic,” said DJ Romeo of 93.5 KDAY-FM Los Angeles morning show host. “Let’s all embrace the new single “Remember.” 

On August 26, 2024, Jordin Sparks embarks on her “No Restrictions Live & Intimate” tour, bringing her electrifying new music to fans across the country.

About Jordin Sparks: Jordin Sparks, a 2x Grammy® nominated powerhouse, catapulted to fame as the youngest winner of season six of American Idol. With over 10 million digital tracks sold in the U.S., Sparks is a force to be reckoned with. Her songwriting prowess shines through with hits like Ariana Grande’s “The Way,” earning her a B.M.I. songwriting award.

She has shared the stage with icons such as Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, and the Jonas Brothers, and has headlined her own tours. Her accolades include two B.E.T. Awards, an American Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, and multiple Grammy® nominations.

In 2020, Sparks released Sounds Like Me and her debut Christmas album Cider & Hennessy. Last year, she earned a Dove, Billboard, and her second Grammy® nomination for the #1 single “Love Me Like I Am,” and released additional hits including “Call My Name” and “Candy Cane Lane.”

Sparks is also a prominent television host and social media influencer, appearing on The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, The View, and more.

For the latest updates and to learn more about Jordin Sparks, visit JordinSparks.com.

The post Jordin Sparks Unveils Her Explosive New Single “Remember” Debuting #1 on the Apple Itunes R&B/Soul Chart – A Reimagination of Michael Jackson’s Classic Hit on August 16 first appeared on The Source.

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Janet Jackson Blows Fans Away By Revealing Celebrity Relatives: Watch

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Yes, Janet Jackson comes from a famous family. Her older brother Michael is the King of Pop, and the rest of her siblings comprised the legendary Jackson 5. Everybody knows this. Jackson’s family is so expansive, however, that there are more famous people than we all realized. The singer went on BBC Radio 2 on August 13, and proceeded to blow the mind of the host when she listed off some of her cousins. Apparently, Samuel L. Jackson and Stevie Wonder are part of the Jackson family tree.

Stevie Wonder was the starting off point for the revelatory conversation. The host asked Janet Jackson what her relationship was with the soul icon, and she confirmed that they were cousins. Jackson then proceeded to named Tracy Chapman as another relative. “He’s our cousin. Not a lot of people know that,” she explained. “He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman.” The host was not alone in his shock. Most of the internet reacted the same way, noting that they were completely in the dark when it came to Janet Jackson’s extended family. Samuel L. Jackson shares a surname with the songstress, but that was another revelation that seemingly came out of nowhere.

Read More: Janet Jackson Essential Songs

Janet Jackson Has A Ton Of Famous Cousins

Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson worked closely during the 1970s and 80s. The two men were Motown prodigies, and collaborated multiple times on record. Their most notable collab, “Just Good Friends,” was one of the few non-singles on 1987’s Bad. Wonder has voiced support for the Jackson family in the wake of Michael’s death. Especially given the allegations that have leveled at the pop star courtesy of the documentary Leaving Neverland. “He’s died, he’s dead,” Wonder told TMZ. “Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of inspiration he has given a lot of kids and a lot of people.”

Interestingly, Samuel L. Jackson has discussed his family tree in the past. The actor did a Wired Auto Complete interview in 2017. One of the questions he was asked was whether he was related to Michael Jackson, and he stated, plainly, “nope.” There aren’t any other instances of the actor addressing the topic, but it’ll be interesting to hear what he has to say after Janet Jackson’s claims. Somebody’s telling the truth.

Read More: Janet Jackson Raises Fans’ Eyebrows By Posing With A Michael Jackson Impersonator

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