Each year, music’s biggest names come together to compete for high recognition at the Grammy Awards. But occasionally, entertainers can put aside their competitive spirits for the right cause. In January 1985, that moment came when Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and Michael Omartian set out to record “What Are The Word.”
The track pulled in several chart-topping musicians to lend their voices for charity. On February 16, during his appearance on JimmyKimmel Live, Richie revealed that even though the moment was magical, he did have a few regrets that night, including not including Madonna in the fold. Despite Madonna’s superstar success at the time, the team opted for Cyndi Lauper instead.
Richie went on to explain the relation behind the decision. “We had only a half a line to sing,” he said. “So, we had to have voices that people knew right away. You had to have an identifiable voice… Cyndi had that.”
In the new Netflix documentary The Greatest Night In Pop, viewers can relive the moment as footage from the star-studded recording session outlines the meticulous work that went into recording the song.
Watch the full clip above.
The Greatest Night In Pop is exclusively streaming on Netflix. Find more information here.
Drake is easily one of Cam’ron’s favorite MCs of the contemporary era, something that he will probably never stop defending. Moreover, the Dipset MC recently covered GQ and made some interesting remarks about the 6ix God during his talk with the outlet. “When it’s somebody of Drake’s magnitude, you ought to show love,” he explained. “A lot of people want to criticize and say he’s [too] commercial. He’s the modern-day Michael Jackson that can also rap. You got to realize the type of run he’s on.” While some may not compare The Boy to The King Of Pop, it’s getting harder and harder to argue that the only thing separating their levels of success, influence, and acclaim is their eras.
Of course, they both have reasons as to why folks doubt their legacy as dominant forces in their respective fields. Some of it has to do with the music, and a lot of it has to do with their alleged actions and movement beyond it. Nevertheless, Drake still has a long way to go when it comes to reaching that same level of near-universal praise that MJ has. You may recall a recently fiery debate about whether or not he’s hip-hop, which Yasiin Bey kicked off with a strong argument in favor of the 37-year-old being more of a pop artist.
However, what the MC formerly known as Mos Def stated with his thoughts is exactly the reason why folks like Cam’ron praise Drake. He has been able to stay sharp and impressive from a pure hip-hop standpoint, albeit inconsistently, while also reaching pop highs that most other artists in the genre had never been able to get close to. What the New York lyricist is getting at is that the Toronto star’s impact and the doors he’s opened already warrants immediate respect and praise. Whether it’s a perfect fit or not doesn’t matter; he’s too big to not impact every facet of the game.
Meanwhile, Drizzy also reciprocates Killa Cam’s praise often, and you can always count on him to shout out his favorite MCs of then and of now. Would you go as far as to compare him to Michael Jackson? Let us know what you think about all these debates in the comments down below. Also, log back into HNHH for the latest news and more updates on Cam’ron and Drake.
It’s safe to say casting Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael Jackson in the Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic, Michael, was a smart choice thus far from a resemblance standpoint.
Jaafar Jackson is playing the king of pop, during his iconic 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour. The first look image was taken by photographer Kevin Mazur and he captured quite the shot. Alongside Jaafar, Michael stars Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Juliano Krue Valdi in his debut in film as the younger Michael Jackson.
As reported by Shadow and Act, in a statement from Universal Pictures International, the studio said “[t]he choice to have Mazur capture the first-look photograph of Jaafar Jackson is as intentional as so many of the artistic choices the producers have made.”
“As one of the photographers who documented Michael over many years, Mazur captured rehearsals as he prepared to entertain the world with his ‘This Is It’ concerts. He is now also the first to photograph Jaafar Jackson in character as Michael,” furthermore from the studio.
Mazur added, “When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited–it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson. When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything–he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime–this is how it was.” Producer Graham King said, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Director Antoine Fuqua stated “assembled an incredible team of artists for this project–hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything–and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film.”
“But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael,” Fuqua said. “It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
In addition to Universal Pictures International, Michael is also produced by Lionsgate, and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate John Branca and John McClain. The film will hit theaters on April 18, 2025.
Colman Domingo has been revealed to be portraying Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. So far, Domingo has been on a phenomenal run, and he seems to have only begun. In 2022, he secured an Emmy win for his sublime portrayal of the character Ali in HBO’s Euphoria. Similarly, his performance in the critically acclaimed musical drama, The Color Purple (2023) has earned him praise. Also from 2023, his breathtaking portrayal of Bayard Rustin in Rustin has now earned him his first-ever Oscar nomination. This makes him the first openly gay Black man to receive a nomination for portraying a gay character.
Now, he has been entrusted with bringing an important character to life in a potentially groundbreaking film. Evidently, the actor’s immense talent is finally being recognized and appreciated. After years of work, he is finally being brought to the fore in Hollywood. However, it will be a while before audiences get to see Colman Domingo portray Joe Jackson in Michael. That hasn’t stopped the Oscar predictions from come in. In the meantime, here’s what we know about the upcoming blockbuster film.
While the movie is only now getting wild media buzz, it has actually been in development for a while. News of a potential biopic was first shared in November 2019, but it didn’t spread very far. Back then, it was announced that Oscar-nominated producer Graham King had secured the rights to produce an unnamed biopic about Michael Jackson. Additionally, it was revealed that Tony Award-winning writer John Logan would handle the screenplay.
Subsequently, in February 2022, the film’s distribution rights were officially acquired by Lionsgate. Principal photography was originally set to begin in mid-2023. However, it was unfortunately delayed for a while due to the then-ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Following the end of the strike, a new date was set to begin principal photography. Subsequently, filming officially began on January 22, 2024.
Cast And Crew
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 14: Colman Domingo attends the AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on March 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
The casting director for the film is Kimberly Hardin, and casting officially began in June 2022. So far, only three members of the cast have been announced. As aforementioned, Colman Domingo will be playing Joe Jackson, the famed patriarch of the Jackson family. In addition, Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, is set to portray the King of Pop. This will be the 27-year-old’s acting debut, and many are eager to see how well he does. The third and final member of the cast who has been announced is Juliano Krue Valdi. He will be portraying a young Michael Jackson.
While we await other cast announcements, some members of the crew have also been revealed. The movie will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, and co-produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain. Dion Beebe is billed to handle its cinematography, and Barbara Ling will be the production designer. Marci Rodgers is set to handle the costume design.
As principal photography only just begun, it will take a while before the movie is ready for the big screen. However, it is already being heavily publicized. Moreover, it’s set to be a big production, with a budget over $100 million. Until then, fans are left to imagine how Colman Domingo will expertly take on Joe Jackson. Michael is scheduled to be released on April 18, 2025.
Since the early ’90s,Snoop Dogg has built an impressive discography filled with the who’s who of music, including the late Tupac, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, and 50 Cent, to name a few. But there was one legendary collaboration that fans may never have the chance to listen to.
On January 26, during an interview on Sirius XM’s Radio Andy, Snoop revealed that he and the late Michael Jackson worked on music long before his death. “We have a record that never came together,” he said.
When host Andy Cohen asked about the record’s status, Snoop confessed that he had no clue. “I gotta find out [who has the masters],” he said. “It’s a record that we did for — you know, he made records for the world — a peaceful, whole lot of artists on its record. He called me one night, and it was crazy because of the way his voice came through the phone.
Jackson was actually the one who suggested the two team up. “He was like, ‘Snoop, it’s Mike. I have this song I want you to get on,’” he recalled. “I’m like, man, whatever you want. It ain’t no problem. Talk to me. After we got past the song, he was like, ‘My mom always said that you look like someone in my family. I think we’re related.’”
Surely the King of West Coast Rap and the King of Pop teaming up on a song would’ve been epic.
The music industry is full of stories of near-misses and “almost weres.” It’s the nature of the business — especially for most of its history, when things had to be done without the benefit of advanced computers and high-speed internet — that things get lost, tapes get damaged, calls get missed, and egos clash, resulting in some fascinating projects behing scrapped or forgotten.
In the case of T-Pain missing out on his chance to collaborate with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, the Tallahassee native had a great story for his fans — although it has a miserable ending for Pain himself. During a recent livestream that he clipped and shared to other social media, T-Pain remembered how his opportunity to work with MJ and Usher on a song during his career peak was derailed by an overzealous collaborator.
Before playing a snippet of the song for his viewers, he prefaced it with the story of why it was never released. “We are about to listen to a song that I wrote and produced that was meant for me, Usher, and Michael Jackson,” he said. “And then the person that was in charge of doing the references and the person that sang it got too excited and was like, ‘N****, I’m on a song with Michael Jackson and Usher and T-Pain!’ And then he released it and then Michael Jackson was like, ‘Nah, never mind. I don’t wanna do it anymore.’ Yeah, that pissed me off. Not gonna lie to ya.”
The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic is set to begin filming. Eyeing an April 2025 release, the film stars The King of Pop’s 27-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
Jackson hit Instagram and revealed filming gets underway on Monday, writing, “The journey starts Monday #MichaelMovie.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate. The Michael Jackson estate is producing the film.
A few days ago, The Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences (aka the Television Academy, the organization behind the Primetime Emmy Awards), shared a list of the “Top 75 Most Impactful Television Moments.” As for how the list was decided, they explained, “In celebration of the Emmy Awards’ 75th Anniversary, we invited Television Academy members to review several hundred programs and news moments submitted by our Peer Group Executive Committees, and to then vote on those they felt have had the greatest impact on the viewing public over the past 75 years.”
Music has long played a major role in TV history, and this new list makes that clear. Two music moments made the top 10: The Beatles’ iconic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show is No. 3, behind only the Apollo 11 moon landing at No. 1 and 9/11 news coverage at No. 2. At No. 9 is the first music video that aired on MTV, The Buggles’ “Video Killed The Radio Star.”
Just outside the top 10, at No. 11, is an Elvis Presley performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Other notable moments include Live Aid (No. 37); the first season finale of American Idol, which saw Kelly Clarkson named the winner (No. 44); the debut of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video on MTV (No. 48); Justin Timberlake exposing Janet Jackson’s breast during the Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show (No. 61); and Whitney Houston singing the “Star Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XXV (No. 65).
This list was compiled and shared ahead of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, which airs tonight (January 15) at 8 p.m. ET (learn how to watch the show here). Ahead of then, check out the full list here.
Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has been cast in the highly anticipated biopic Michael. Jafaar is set to play the role of his late uncle.
‘Michael’
On Jan. 11, it was announced that Michael Jackson’s biopic, titled Michael, is set to release on April 18, 2025. The film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and Michael’s nephew, Jaafar would play the role of his iconic uncle. Jaafar is the son of Michael’s brother, Jermaine Jackson.
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, is getting a global release date of April 18, 2025.
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is set to play the title role.
The film, scripted by John Logan and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’sGraham King, will offer a comprehensive look at the man behind the music, showcasing his human side and unparalleled artistry. Co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, also serve as producers, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the film.
Fuqua Expresses Excitement
Users on Twitter (X) reacted to the movie officially making the release date public. One user named @KellyBill14 commented:
“This movie will hold the top spot for a long time. It will generate millions on premier night. No one will be able to top this. Long live the king of pop,” and one other user named @MoonwalkerBen9 commented “Welp imma get my Mj outfit ready.”
Fuqua couldn’t help but express his astonishment at the talent Jaafar possesses, stating:
“It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael … sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”
In January 2023, the 27-year-old Jaafar landed the title role. The singer and songwriter has been singing and dancing since age 12 and showcased himself singing tunes from Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye, along with originals on his social media.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (1/12/23 at 3:20 pm)
Michael Jackson’s Nephew To Portray Him In Biopic + 5 Other Relatives Of Late Legends Who Could Play Them In Films
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson was cast to play his uncle in a new film. It begs the question, are there relatives of other late musical icons that could believably play them in a film?
Jafaar Jackson, the nephew of the late Michael Jackson, has been cast to play his legendary uncle in a biopic titled Michael. The project is being helmed by Training Day and Emancipation Director Antoine Fuqua.
I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.
This casting choice certainly has precedence as C. J. Wallace, the son of late East Coast rapper Biggie Smalls, portrayed a young B.I.G in the 2007 drama Notorious.
This raises the question: What other lesser-known relatives of late musical icons can play them in a film?
Lesser-Known Relatives Who Can Play Late Music Icons
Isaac Hayes III As Issac Hayes
As the son of the late soul singer, casting Issac Hayes III to play his father is a no-brainer. He has a musical background from serving as a record producer for Houston rapper Megan TheeStallion.
In addition, he is also a voice actor on episodes of the Adult Swim comedies Aqua Teen, Hunger Force,and Squidbillies so he should be able to play the role perfectly.
Nasaan Holton As Proof
Nassan Holton, son of the late Detroit rapper Proof, is another inspired casting choice. Holton has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an established rapper and is currently signed with DATYRP Records.
If further proof was needed, he also edits and directs most of his music videos and has received a co-sign from Eminem, who was in D-12 with his father.
DJ Jam Master J’Son As DJ Jam Master Jay
As can be surmised by his stage name, Jam Master J’Son is the son of late Run DMC member Jam Master Jay. Similarly to Nasaan, J’Son also took after his dad and worked as a disk jockey while he was enrolled in college.
After a countrywide tour deejaying with artist Mann, both J’Son and his younger brother became the official DJs for Run DMC at the Budweiser Made in America Festival, which was the first live performance by the surviving members of the influential hip-hop group Rev Run and Darryl McDaniels in more than a decade.
Reigndrop Lopes As Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes
One of the most well-regarded girl groups within the last 10-20 years is TLC. The four-time Grammy Award-winning Atlanta-based trio consists of Rozanda “Chili” Thomas, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, and formerly, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
While the group was the subject of CrazySexyCool– a made-for-television movie starring Keke Palmer, Reigndrop has gone on record stating that the film was made without consulting or receiving input from her family.
As a way to honor the family’s memory of Left Eye and show a more intimate portrayal of her, this would be a good move. In an Instagram live, Reigndrop celebrated what would have been Lisa’s 49th birthday, featuring her rapping along to her sister’s lines in a manner many viewers felt channeled her energy.
Gekyume Onfroy As XXXTentacion
Given thatGekyume Onfroyis only four years old, this is purely hypothetical if he does decide to work in the hip-hop scene like his late father. If a biopic on XXXTentacion is made sooner rather than later, perhaps pulling a Notorious and casting him as a young depiction of him could work as well.
An old video uploaded on Instagram shows he was in a studio laying down what some would consider the start of a music career.
In hip-hop, several beloved families get to share memories of their precious time with their own families with fans. Read on to see candid moments with celebrities including Offset and Cardi B.
Originally Written By: Michael Omoruan (1/31/23 at 6:03 pm)
Michael Jackson’s mother is taking legal action against her late son’s estate. Mrs. Jackson is demanding over $500,000 to cover her legal bills.
A ‘Confidential Deal’ Gone Wrong
On Dec. 29, it was reported that in court documents filed, Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson, detailed her need for a six-figure sum to cover legal services provided by the law firm Glaser Weil Fink Howard Jordan and Shapiro.
The firm billed her a total of $561,548 for their assistance in opposing the estate’s confidential deal. Since Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, his three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, have become the beneficiaries of his trust.
However, he also established the Katherine Jackson Trust to provide for his mother’s financial needs during her lifetime.
‘Incredibly Lucrative’
The executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, have encountered numerous conflicts with the Jackson family. They claim to have turned the estate’s finances around and generated substantial profits through various deals.
In 2023, Branca and McClain sought court approval for a confidential transaction they deemed “incredibly lucrative.” However, Katherine Jackson opposed the deal, citing past successful deals she had initially objected to, such as the 2009 live concert film, This Is It.
The executors argued that their hard work and creative strategies have transformed the MJ Estate into a profitable entity, rescuing it from substantial debt.
Legal Woes
Between April and November 2023, the law firm representing Katherine Jackson worked diligently, conducting interviews with family members, preparing exhibits for trial, gathering documents, questioning witnesses, and fulfilling other necessary tasks.
Despite the skirmish between the estate and Katherine Jackson, the judge ruled in favor of the estate, approving the proposed transaction and instructing the executors to carry out all required actions. This isn’t the first time Michael Jackson’s estate has faced legal challenges since his passing.
In 2023, sexual abuse allegations made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck were reopened by the California courts, causing further complications for the estate.
Lauren London Awarded 50% Ownership Of ‘Marathon Clothing’
Disputes over estates and legal battles are not unique to Michael Jackson’s situation. Celebrities like Lauren London have also experienced similar challenges. London recently secured a substantial settlement of $6 million on behalf of their son and gained 50% ownership of Nipsey Hussle‘s Marathon Clothing Company.
