Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s Mother To Testify In Estate Trial

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It has been more than a decade since Michael Jackson passed away unexpectedly. People are still arguing over his estate. Now, his mother, Katherine Jackson, is going to bat to protect his music. Back In February, there were rumors about a potential deal to sell half of the Michael’s music catalog for over $800 million. After reviewing the proposal, Katherine opposed the request and asked the courts to reject it. However, the estate’s executors responded by highlighting the fact that the estate was struggling financially before they took over. They said that Michael Jackson was deeply in debt at the time of his passing.

Michael Jackson, more often known as the King of Pop, died unexpectedly on June 25, 2009, at 50 years old. His passing was a shock to the world, as he was an influential figure in entertainment. Michael transformed the music industry with his innovative style and groundbreaking performances. The official cause of Jackson’s death was determined to be acute propofol and benzodiazepine poisoning. Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael’s doctor, administered both of the medications. The loss of a pop icon caused devastation to fans worldwide. Still, they continue to remember his contributions to music and dance. Michael’s legacy and contributions to art cannot be understated.

Protecting Michael’s Legacy

According to a report from Radar Online, Katherine Jackson is scheduled to testify in a trail regarding the late pop star’s estate. She will provide evidence against John Branca and John McClain. Since his death in 2009, the pair have served as the administrators and executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. According to the report, Jackson’s will designates his three children – Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson – as the beneficiaries of his estate. Additionally, it provides for the ongoing care of his mother for the remainder of her life.

“The Estate was… on the verge of collapse, with more than $400 million in debt that encumbered Michael’s most significant assets and little or no liquidity or means to service that debt,” the estate’s executors said. “Through creative thinking, hard work and business savvy—and, of course, Michael’s extraordinary creative legacy—the Executors transformed the MJJ Business into a profitable enterprise.” It seems like the two parties are in a standoff. Michael’s mother clearly stands to benefit from selling part of his catalogue; however, she is making it clear that that isn’t what she wants. What do you think should be done? Let us know in the comments!

Michael Jackson Albums: King Of Pop’s Best

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What more can we say about the King of Pop? Michael Jackson was the most powerful man in show business at one point! Though he hasn’t been with us, his music is still relevant. Artists like Usher, Chris Brown, and Ciara idolized Jackson; his dance moves were his signature. Women used to faint when they saw him, and men admired his talent and successful reach in the industry. It was Michael Jackson’s world at one point, and we were all living in it.

As time went on, Jackson kept reinventing himself. He went from singing innocent songs to disco-pop records that made you move your body. He then graduated to deliver a more meaningful message in his releases. Michael took the opportunity to discuss current events ranging from racism to world hunger.  Still, the Indiana native continued to produce hits. Besides his music with The Jackson 5, Jackson has released ten solo albums. After Off the Wall dropped, he never looked back. Let’s go through Michael Jackson’s best records. 

7. Got to Be There (1972)

You heard it with his brothers in The Jackson 5, but solo, you truly see how much of a star Michael is. Got to Be There was his debut solo album, to which the 13-year-old re-recorded classic songs. Jackson sang The Supremes’ “Love is Here and Now You’re Gone,” Arthur Ross’ “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” and Bill Withers’s “Ain’t No Sunshine.” This was the beginning for Michael as he showcased his talents over the hit songs. Got to Be There gave Jackson his first gold plaque as well as his first placements on the charts.

6. Invincible (2001)

Invincible is the last album we receive from Michael Jackson. It took him four years to make as he headed into the 2000s. Michael proved he could remain relevant with hit singles. ”You Rock My World” and “Butterflies” were the most popular songs on this album.

5. HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1 (1995)

The first part of HIStory: Past, Present and Future Book 1 was a compilation of Michael’s hit songs. This included “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Rock With You,” along with a host of other hits. In the second part of the album, titled HIStory Continues, Jackson adds more hits to his repertoire. He partnered with his sister, Janet Jackson, for their hit song “Scream,” and also made songs with The Notorious B.I.G. and Shaquille O’Neal.

4. Dangerous (1991)

It seems like in every album, Jackson takes a new route. In Dangerous, he moves towards a more conscious approach when making records. A few of his most powerful songs are on this album, including “Black or White” and “Heal the World.” His message was heard as his videos expressed the lyrics coming through the speakers. Jackson knew he had the power to try to bring the world together.

3. Bad (1987)

Some will compare Bad to Thriller, but both albums are great and stand alone.  Bad comes five years after Thriller and sounds similar, but you can just tell Michael had this music thing figured out. Once again, Quincy Jones and Jackson racked up hits as the singer wrote all but two songs. “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Dirty Diana,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Leave Me Alone” are all gems of this album. Many would say this is also one of the best albums in music history.

2. Off the Wall (1979)

The King of Pop broke out of his shell on Off the Wall.  He wanted to show a different side of himself outside his kid star days. Off the Wall remains one of the biggest albums in music to date, as it is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. It took home the Grammy Award in 1980 for Best R&B Vocal Performance for a Male.  “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” “Workin’ Day and Night,” and Off the Wall defined Jackson during this era.

1. Thriller (1982)

Over 40 years later, some will say Thriller is the best album ever. That’s across all genres! If you ever doubted Michael Jackson as the King of Pop, Thriller would make you believe. Produced by Quincy Jones, he and Michael had a bit of everything on the groundbreaking album. You heard rock, funk, disco, pop, and R&B throughout. “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” and “The Girl Is Mine” were all signature songs. Seven tracks from Michael’s sixth studio album made the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Michael took home eight Grammy awards for the album, and the record was later included in the Grammy Hall of Fame. It is also included in the National Recording Registry. Today, Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. Let us know your favorite Michael Jackson album in the comments!

Believe It Or Not, According To Benzino, Michael Jackson Actually Thanked Him For Dissing Eminem

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Michael Jackson was known as the King of Pop, but was he secretly the King of Petty? According to hip-hop media titan Benzino, that might be true. Many stories about the musician have emerged, including how the “Bad” singer was almost run over by actor Jason Bateman on a bicycle. Now, Benzino is sharing one of his own.

During his appearance on The Gauds Show podcast, Benzino revealed that Michael Jackson fully supported his feud with rapper Eminem.

“I knew Mike. I met Mike through Teddy [Riley]. He called me, and he thanked me,” said Benzino. As for what the call was about, he revealed Jackson called him, “Because when Eminem dissed him with the fire situation, in the [‘Just Lose It’] video, Mike called — and I remember his assistant put him on the phone — and I sat there and listened to him. And he thanked me.”

The “Just Lose It” video was released back in 2004. In it, Eminem poked fun at Jackson on several fronts, including his 2005 child molestation trial, rumored plastic surgery, and his hair catching on fire on the set of the infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial.

The feud between Benzino and Eminem is still going strong to this day. Strangely, the former’s daughter, rapper Coi Leray, has said she’s on the side of her dad’s foe.

The Best Flavor Flav Songs, Ranked

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There are an innumerable number of rappers in the game with songs and discography undervalued as Flavor Flav. But, how many veterans in Hip-Hop hold a drawn-out stable career as Flav has? His name alone instigates buzz on social media exchanges. So I ask again, how many veterans stretched out to various trades and managed to monetize as an entertainer? Public Enemy‘s hypeman’s rise to fame in 1985 became the start of an understated rapper in Hip-Hop. We’ve curated 10 of his best songs and ranked them deservedly.

#10. Michael Jackson

Shortly after Michael Jackson died in 2009, fans and artists were hurt and angry at the news. Some artists went on to rant via radio interviews, and some placed the death blow on songs. When Flavor Flav dropped “Michael Jackson” 4 years or so later. He delivered his own artistic expression by inserting the interview of MJ’s doctor to offset the track. If you’ll recall, Dr. Conrad said in the interview, “I don’t feel guilty, because I didn’t do anything wrong.”

His response to the public accusation escalated the hate enormously, even for the American rapper. This song is one of my favorite songs by Flavor Flav. The high-pitch tone in the beginning, to a calm resonance in his first verse, is swift. Just makes you feel the wrath of his emotions. But also noting Flavor’s ability to rap on behalf of Michael Jackson, and direct blame to the doctor in a double-gaited fashion.

#9. Step Back

Media Creature Music / 12×12 rewarded Hip-Hop listeners with a compilation album Hip Hop Classiks in 2018. And in it, had one of Flavor Flav’s most groovy songs from his discography. The label collected songs from E-40, Ms. Toi, G Luv, and many more elite veterans. ‘Step Back’ is an exemplary sound from the sound in the late 2000s. With instrumentals tugging from Indian dancing style elements, and repetitive tempos every time he drops a bar. The chorus is reminiscent of Lil Jon’s “Get Low” house party sound. It takes me back to an underrated Hip-Hop sound that is missing currently.

#8. Two Wrongs

Now this song was not favorable or popular when it was released. Though I don’t blame them, 2006 listeners weren’t focused on a body of work. Only songs on the charts. It was a year where the 50 Cents, Jay Zs and Lil Waynes were all releasing records that sell faster than takeaway. It was go time season in 06′. Two Wrongs offers a laid-back aura for the listener. His vocals are shining through on this record. And what I love about this track, is it gives the listener a breather from the hardcore songs. The album is Flavor Flav’s only solo studio album, and he delivered it successfully.

#7. I Ain’t Scared

On ‘I Ain’t Scared’, Flavor distanced himself from Public Enemy‘s shadow. The rapper delivers a classic that leeches on his playful energy, and smooth vocals. In this song, he addresses the public on the many things he isn’t afraid to do. Most notably, he addresses the “Flavor of Love” dating show that was released in the same year of his Flavor Flav debut solo project. “I ain’t scared to do another dating show, but I ain’t really trying to,” he explains in the song. “I’m ready to spread my wings and go down other avenues,” and he fulfilled that wish.

#6. Let It Show

The rapper surprised a lot of fans with this intro track. The vulnerability aspect that set the tone of the album shocked me too. ‘Let It Show’ is about embracing life’s moments and going with the flow of one’s feelings. “If you feel like showin some love tonight,” and he continues “Let it show, let it show.” Flavor admits he won’t shy away from showing his loved ones how he feels. “Take it from Flav because,” he sings, “I’m not afraid to let it show.”

#5. Flavor Man

Hypeman Flav popped out on this record. On ‘Flavor Man’ the rapper is his own hype man when he says “back with the hottest track.” The song rose on the charts after being a theme song for his ‘Flavor of Love’ dating show. His frenzied energy and the catchy hook snuck in might overshadow the slick bars he laid on this beat. The complex Bill Gates bar scheme he runs down over in the first half of the second verse is powerful. Just to emphasize the potentness of his secret sauce-the flavor man indeed.

#4. Platnum

Flavor Flav’s solo debut project has countless potential hits. Platnum should have been the rollout lead single, and paired up with a video would’ve lit up. The rawness and hunger from his delivery are commendable. Flav’s beat selection blends with his flow on the hook. But when it quickly picks up as he raps elevates the song to a 10/10. Platnum is one of his most beautifully composed singles ever.

#3. Shake The Room

Years later, Flavour Flav is recruited by Dj Premier and Bumpy Knuckles for the solid commercial-sounding “Shake The Room.” Premier’s production style on this song embedded his place in Hip-Hop for some time. Bumpy’s flow resonates with the rigid beat structure that bites off some old-school elements. On the surface, the trio is an uncanny meeting, but they come together to deliver a hardcore rap song.

#2. UNGA BUNGA BUNGA

Shoutout to the top series Breaking Bad for fusing this song in one of Jesse scenes. In a visual way interpolates cartoon characters and things that the youth of that time had no clue about. You see it with “but I’m chillin with Magilla.” Which references the fictional gorilla character on the cartoon show from the 60s. Or the line “but up in Harlem at the wet shop,” referencing a Barbershop. The rest of the song stays on theme and it’s why the track is his top 2.

#1. Shake Your Booty

Flavor’s best song “Shake Your Booty” is punched with concise lyricism and a gelled chorus. In his first verse, he pays homage to the late PAC and biggie. He says, “Flipped your wig, on top of the world like ‘Pac and Big.”And what’s insane about this line, is how it transitions to the next song on the project. Which in detail, relives the brutal murders of the late legends. Flav ran this song with heavy bars on all the 3 long verses. This is arguably his best work yet.

Do you agree with this arrangement of Flavor Flav’s best songs? Let us know in the comments.

[WATCH] DJ Quik Says He Was Told Not To Look At Michael Jackson When He Was In The Studio

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West Coast gangsta rap pioneer DJ Quik was recently interviewed on the All The Smoke podcast and talks about the times he was around late music icon Michael Jackson. The Compton rapper/producer says that his first run-in with MJ was during the recording of his 1991 single “Tonite”.

Quik says that he was at Westlake Studios, where Michael recorded his epic Thriller LP and says that MJ’s team made a strange request when he came into the studio.

“They came through, warned everybody that Michael was finna come through, and he didn’t want nobody to see him coming through or looking, right? We taking a break from the studio, and these guys come in, and they was like, ‘We about to bring somebody through here, can you turn and face the wall?’”

Nevertheless, Quik says he and his team faced the wall when he passed through the studio. He added, ‘It’s like damn, Mike didn’t want anyone to look at him, the f*** is this?” 

The post [WATCH] DJ Quik Says He Was Told Not To Look At Michael Jackson When He Was In The Studio appeared first on The Source.

DJ Quik Thought Michael Jackson Didn’t Like Him

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DJ Quik is a renowned American rapper and record producer. The artist grew up in a musical family and started his career in the late 1980s as a DJ before releasing his own music in 1991. His initial album became a commercial success. As a result, DJ Quik, whose real name is David Marvin Blake, has crossed paths with many of the big stars of the 90s. In a recent episode of All The Smoke, a podcast, Quik reveals that he had multiple encounters with the late music sensation Michael Jackson.

One of the most famous singers of all time, Michael Jackson had a wildly successful career. He had been in the Jackson 5 as a child before moving into his solo career. At the height of his career, everyone was dying to meet and work with the singer. In the 1990s, DJ Quik got to live everyone’s dream, but it didn’t go how he thought it might. While working on a single, Quik was renting out a studio that Michael Jackson frequented. One day, Jackson’s team gave everyone in the studio an odd set of instructions. Everyone was to turn away and face the wall so Michael would not be seen.

DJ Quik Talks Michael Jackson

The first encounter occurred in 1991 while DJ Quik was recording his single “Tonite.” His crew was taking a break when Jackson’s team came through to request that people turn their attention elsewhere. “They didn’t ask us to leave,” Quik states in the podcast. “They just asked us to turn around, and face the wall.” He reiterates how bizarre the whole ordeal was. “It was weird as s***, you know, like police s***.” Of course, while turned around, Quik couldn’t help himself from sneaking a peak at the legendary musician.

But the next time Quik saw Michael, the experience was a lot more chill. Michael had booked Quik’s studio this time, and perhaps the pop star felt more at ease in someone else’s environment. “There was another one where he booked our studio,” the rapper goes on to explain. “I think he was more cool then.” Although at this time, Jackson still did not speak to DJ Quik directly. The experience left Quik thinking that the musician simply did not want to associate with him. To hear more stories regarding celebrity encounters with Michael Jackson, stay tuned.