A Fascinating Read... The Truth About The Michael Jackson Trial

The tragic King of Pop during his 2005 molestation trial

A few weeks ago, Charles Thomson published an article on Huffington Post titled "One of the Most Shameful Episodes in Journalistic History", about the media's distortion of the 2005 child molestation trial against Michael Jackson. In the article, he reveals how terrible the prosecution's case was, how strong the defense was, and how bloodthirsty the media was for a conviction against the King of Pop.

Even more fascinating were the questions it posed about the media's effect on Jackson's later and deadly dependency on drugs:

When Michael Jackson died the media went into overdrive again. What drugs had killed him? How long had he been using them? Who had prescribed them? What else was in his system? How much did he weigh? But there was one question nobody seemed to want to ask: Why? Why was Michael Jackson so stressed and so paranoid that he couldn't even get a decent night's sleep unless somebody stuck a tube full of anesthetic into his arm?

Reading about what really happened during the trial was stunning, because I can attest to the media's twisting of the facts. In fact, the only real thing that stuck out from the trial was the mention of "jesus juice". I can't remember the media reporting about the defense at all.

I know why they didn't though. They wanted Michael to fry, if not in the court of law, then at least in the court of public opinion. And they succeeded, because after that disastrous trial, Jackson's career would never be the same.

Now, a year after his death, I can't help but wonder what would have happened to the King of Pop had the trial been reported fairly. Would he have fled to Bahrain, exhausted from a witchhunt that should've never been? Would he have fallen victim to his own neuroses, and then drugs? Would he have been forced into the tour that ultimately end his life? Would Michael be at peace, raising his children and entertaining his millions of fans who never gave up on him?

Sadly, we will never know.

Check out the article below:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/charles-thomson/one-of-the-most-shameful_b_610258.html

UNbelievable: Chris Brown's Tears During MJ Tribute at 2010 BET Awards

Embattled singer Chris Brown may have finally scored a chance at redemption with an intense and emotional tribute performance for his idol, the late Michael Jackson.

Brown started the performance with a snippet "The Way You Make Me Feel", before recreating dance routines from "Remember The Time" and "Billie Jean". To the surprise of no one, Brown moved excellently, even if his moonwalk looked a bit off (only MJ could really do it justice).

What most people will be talking about tomorrow was Brown's emotional breakdown during what was supposed to be his singing of "Man in the Mirror". Apparently so overcome with emotion, Brown began to cry as he struggled to sing and move around the stage. The backup singers had to pick up the vocals when it appeared that Brown was simply unable to. He would later be comforted by Michael's brother Jermaine as he walked off the stage. He would appear on stage again to accept the "Fandemonium" award. In his speech, he said that he would not let his fans down again.

While the impact of MJ's loss may have been the most obvious cause of his tears, it may have also been the result of the fact that this was as much his comeback performance as it was a tribute. When the BET Awards did the disastrous MJ tribute last year, the biggest complaint was that Brown wasn't invited to partake in the activities. He was still coming off of the Rihanna domestic abuse scandal at the time, and BET probably felt than wasn't the right time (it wasn't). Now, however, was his chance to prove his worth as a performer. The daunting fact must have been truly overwhelming. It made for a surprisingly raw and real moment during the typical mess that BET puts on every year. While there are certainly valid arguments to support the theory that Chris may have been putting on a bit for a new sympathy bid, I belong to the school of thought that this was a real moment. It was actually his most real and genuine moment since the Rihanna incident.

It was certainly one of the night's highlights, and it might just serve as the beginning of the repairing of Chris Brown's tarnished image. While I still believe he is an immature brat who still hasn't conceived of the damage he has done to Rihanna, his young fans excusing his behavior, and himself, I can respect his genuine emotion and his great performance.

Check out the performance below:

Will Michael Jackson's Throne Ever Be Occupied Again? The Top Four Contenders

Does the King have a successor?

There is simply no question that Michael Jackson is and always will be the definitive King of Pop.

However, every great king has a successor.

While MJ's achievements may never, ever, be duplicated in history, pop music does need a visionary artist to inspire the future generations. So, looking at the current pop landscape, here are the five most likely princes who will aim for the difficult-to-reach throne.

Usher

Usher performed with Michael at his 30th Anniversary celebration concert (that I attended), sang at his memorial service and at the Grammys tribute earlier this year. That's a pretty impressive apprenticeship. Talk about his potential successor started around the release of 2004's Confessions, which was critically lauded and spawned four #1 hits (one less than Michael's Bad). In his career, he's hit the top spot with nine singles, making him one of the most successful artists in US chart history. Confessions sold over 10 million copies and is one of the last Diamond certified albums. He's already beginning to prep the next generation, mentoring teen sensation Justin Bieber. King of Pop? It could happen.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake, in the mid-2000's, was considered Usher's biggest rival to the throne. Originally a child star (like Michael), he grew up into a certified megastar (sort of like Michael). His album FutureSex/LoveSounds was a global smash, spawning three number-one hits, including his signature "SexyBack". He also had the privilege of performing with MJ at the 2001 VMAs with NSYNC. Oh yeah, that group. He was kind of successful with them too, to the tune of 56 million records sold worldwide, and two Diamond albums. Unfortunately, he's been cooling his heels on the solo front, deciding to either feature on other songs or play golf, resulting in him slipping a bit in his bid for a place in pop royalty. King of Pop? When he gets his butt back in the studio, possible.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown and Michael Jackson have a lot of common, on the personal front. Both were drenched in terrible scandal. Michael had the child molestation allegations, while Brown physically abused pop princess Rihanna. Despite their troubles, they maintained a loyal fanbase. However, the rest of the world sort of fell off with them. For a while there, it looked like Chris might follow MJ's footsteps (in another way). He is one of, if not the, best dancers in pop music. He crafted some inescapable pop hits. Too bad his scandal hit him at an age where he still suffered from a sense of entitlement and immaturity, resulting in terrible PR choices that tarnished his image. Now, he's recording music videos for an underground mix tape with Young Money rapper. How the could've-been mighty have fallen. King of Pop? Doubtful, but anything can happen.

Kanye West

I balked at rumors circulating that Kanye West declared himself the new King of Pop. It turned out to be not true, but it got me thinking. Yes, his ego is the size of China, but then, so was Michael's. Either that, or he thought floating big statues of himself down European rivers in 1995 was a charity mission. While I don't really want to boost his ego, Kanye's success and status as one of music's greatest minds can't be challenged. His last album, 808's and Heartbreak, set a new pop standard, and was critically lauded. He's landed atop the pop charts twice, and four more times in the top 5. And let's not forget when he thrashed 50 Cent in that first week sales battle in 2007, selling just shy of a million. With his new album due in September, we'll see if those fake boasts hold any weight. King of Pop? He might think so.

Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo was tapped by the King of Pop to help write what would have been a new album. No one else here can claim that. Of course, it would not come to pass, but Ne-Yo has made it a goal of his to emulate his biggest idol. While his personal chart achievements don't shine as bright as the others on this list, that doesn't put him out of the running. He does have his own #1 hit, while he has written some of the biggest hits of the last decade for some of the biggest artists of the decade. He also happens to be the complete package; singer, dancer, songwriter, all things MJ excelled at. His new album Libra Scale is out in September, we'll see then if that complete package can stand the test of time. King of Pop? Definitely some more time needed.


Anyone you think I forgot, or will there ever be someone that could rule pop like Michael did? Share your thoughts.

Does Michael Jackson's Son Prince Michael Have Vitiligo? Pictures Say Yes!

Prince Michael Jackson in Hawaii on Thursday (note the blotch of white skin on his armpit)

It seems like the questions about the biological parentage of Michael Jackson's children has gotten some answers.

This past Thursday, Michael's three children Prince, Paris, and Blanket were vacationing in Hawaii with their grandmother, probably to avoid the media circus that would come with their father's death anniversary. While at the beach, pictures of Prince show a rather large splotch of discolored skin below his right shoulder. The discoloring appears to be vitiligo, the infamous disease that Michael revealed he had in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. He also revealed that vitiligo was inherited, and that he got it from his father's side.

This suggests, if not confirms, that Michael is the biological father of at least his two children with ex-wife Debbie Rowe. In the weeks following his death, there was rampant speculation that neither he or Rowe were the kids' biological parents. Many potential parental candidates were listed, including Michael's dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein, who denied it.

Vitiligo is an illness that destroy the skin's pigmentation, which can lead to unsightly blotches all over the skin. Michael told Oprah that he had the illness after rumors claimed he was purposely bleaching his skin to become white. He claimed that the illness became noticeable around the Thriller release and that he used make-up to even out his skin tone. Even after the revelation, rumors continued that he was bleaching his skin on purpose. An autopsy performed concluded that he indeed did have the disease.

Frankly, this is as much proof as I need that Prince and Paris (and possibly Blanket) are his children. Not that it matters much anyway. Regardless of their paternity, they are Michael's children, and will forever be known as such.

Check out more photos after the jump:

My Top 10 Most Played Michael Jackson Songs Ever

On the one year anniversary of the loss of pop's definitive king, would I honestly go without doing a list?

Of course not.

Instead of going through Michael's entire back catalog and choosing his greatest, I decided to go into my iTunes library and look out how many times I've played his music. It turns out that many of the songs I would've chosen for a Top 10 list were in my own personal Top 10 most played. So, I've decided to share my most played Michael Jackson songs (as of today).

10. Stranger in Moscow (114 plays) - Michael's 1997 single from his album HIStory is one of his most personal recordings, as well as one of his most affecting. On an album that expressed his outrage and anger over the world's treatment of him, it was this record that really conveyed the most common feeling of his life: loneliness.

9. Beat It (116 plays) - That Van Halen guitar riff. Michael's growling vocals. Those warnings of danger. It could only be "Beat It", his 1983 blockbuster that helped Thriller become a multi-million seller. This was the song that proved his skill at genre-busting; "Beat It" is clearly a rock song, yet was played by R&B and pop radio. Even though it's 27 years old, it still packs the punch it did in the beginning, hence it being played over 100 times by me.

8. You Rock My World (119 plays) - It still surprises me to this day how this song only peaked at #10 on the charts. Sure, it doesn't stand as tall as Michael's other classics, but it was classic Michael. It was funky, melodic, and Michael sounded in top form, even taking a slightly lower tone. It was also one of the first MJ songs of my generation, which also explains my penchant for it.

7. Jam (153 plays) - Michael opened his Dangerous Tour in 1992 with this hard-driving song, and I fell in love with it. "Jam" was a powerful fusion of new jack swing and rock, which would be the signature sound of his later releases. Of course, this was the gold standard. Why is there such a gap between this and "You Rock My World"? Because this was my favorite song of his to dance to.

6. Scream featuring Janet Jackson (171 plays) - I love Michael. I love Janet. Them together? How about a match made in heaven? A match I love playing whenever my Top 200 playlist is on my iPhone.

5. You Are Not Alone (203 plays) - This song made history as the first song to debut at the top of Bllboard Hot 100. It is also one of his best songs ever in my opinion (he didn't write it, by the way). Of course, immediately after his death, I had this song on repeat, maybe for hours.

4. Black or White (213 plays) - I've always loved this song, ever since I saw the music video. It has a positive (albeit ironic) message and it's got a kickass guitar riff courtesy of Slash; what else do you need. Of the songs in the Top 10, this may be one of the two easiest to listen to continuously for me.

3. Billie Jean (214 plays) - The definitive Michael Jackson song, "Billie Jean" is everything that Michael stood for as a pop behemoth. Surprisingly, it's not my most played MJ song, but there is no denying this song's impact on the world of music.

2. Remember The Time (249 plays) - Some of my favorite Michael songs were the light, fun ones. This was probably his last one. "Remember The Time" was a pure R&B record, and it was one of his best. He sounded like he was having a great time on this record, and this was the Michael I wanted to remember, which is why it has so many plays ahead of the other eight songs on the list. 

1. Man in the Mirror (307 plays) - This is my favorite Michael Jackson song, and it is in my Top 20 of my most played of all time. All I can say is that it is a beautiful, brilliantly constructed ballad about personal responsibility for the world around us that gained all kinds of significance at his passing. In the weeks following his death, I probably played this song more than any other in my 2500+ music library.

Michael Jackson, One Year Later

It's still hard to comprehend.

One year ago today, fresh off the sad news of iconic 70's actress Farrah Fawcett's passing from cancer, the world was dealt a bigger blow with news of the demise of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

I was sitting in my mom's car when I found out by email. I actually screamed at the wording "Michael Jackson Passes Away". It didn't seem possible at all, that a man on the verge of the biggest comeback in music history could just be gone. I prayed it wasn't true, that it was some cruel joke. But as I got home and turned the television on to MSNBC, then CNN, then ABC, and every other news channel that was covering the chaos in front of the UCLA Medical Center, it became startlingly clear.

Michael Jackson was gone.

I was a fan of Michael Jackson before I even knew who he was. I can remember being at a friend's party back in the late 90's and seeing the cover of Jackson's 1995 album HIStory. I didn't know he was at the time, but I knew he was important.

I truly gained an appreciation for him after my mom got us tickets for the 30th Anniversary Tribute at Madison Square Garden. Another young memory: me and mom squabbling over the $800 price of the tickets. In preparation, I bought every Michael Jackson album my mother didn't already own (except Blood on the Dance Floor). I listened to them almost every day, and I was mesmerized at how amazing his music was. But anyone who knows Michael knows that his music was only part of the package. When I watched him on stage at MSG, performing his greatest hits to a packed house of screaming fans, my mother and I included, I knew this man was the greatest performer I would ever know.

I stood by Michael ever since that concert, which would precede the devastating September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. I credited Michael for saving my life; my mother would have most likely been caught in that disaster on her way to work. Instead, we both played hooky, just to watch the disaster unfold on television. I wouldn't say that I felt like I owed Michael, but I believed that he was worth my support. Even after the baby-dangling, that damning Martin Bashir interview, and the second round of child abuse allegations, I believed in him.

When Michael announced his concerts in London, I quickly went online to look up airline tickets. Me, a 17-year old senior in high school, wanting to drop at least $2,000 to see a 50-year old man perform under insurmountable pressures and expectations. Of course, I didn't buy those tickets, but I was hopeful that someone would sneak into the O2 Arena with a video camera (preferably HD) so I could watch in awe on YouTube.

It never got that far, unfortunately.

One year later, I'm sitting on my bed, listening to Michael Jackson's song "HIStory" as I type out this retrospective of Michael's importance in my life. There is no question that Michael was a complicated individual. Many adjectives can be used to describe him, some of which I'd rather not think about. Yet, there is no doubt for 41 years, since he wowed the world as a kid leading the Jackson 5, Michael commanded the conscious of popular culture. No matter which way he affected people, he affected them in such a way that it was impossible to imagine him gone.

Which may be why, 365 days after that shocking news hit the wires, it is still hard to comprehend the King of Pop is gone.

Then again, thanks to his indelible presence in the world, maybe he isn't gone after all. He sang in "HIStory" about the importance of making sure every day you live leaves a mark.

His will continue to live on.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.

UNBELIEVABLE: MJ's Death Is Katherine's Fault, Says Joe Jackson

Just when you thought that Joe Jackson couldn't get any more reprehensible...

The Jackson patriarch decided to honor the one-year anniversary of his son's passing by blaming his wife Katherine for her son's demise. In a taped interview with British newspaper News of the World (the same tabloid that exposed Sarah Ferguson last month), he revealed that he told Katherine that Michael would still be alive if she had intervened more in his life. The tabloid also reported that Joe blew up at Katherine in the moments after Michael was declared dead. "I couldn't bottle up my feelings," Joe reportedly told the newspaper.

June 25th will mark the first anniversary of Michael Jackson's shocking death from an overdose of propofol. Joe believed that if Katherine had spent more time with him, then Michael would have been "relaxed" and healthier. He said that Katherine didn't want to invade Michael's privacy, an issue they argued about many times. Joe believed that Michael was looking "frail" and "a bit funny" in the last months of his life, and that Katherine could have made the difference.

Joe also talked about Debbie Rowe's involvement in Michael's children's lives. According to him, the kids do acknowledge her existence, and that she has spent time with them. He notes, however, that there isn't a closeness between them yet.

Joe Jackson has done some pretty questionable things since Michael's untimely passing, but blaming his wife for her son's death is the worst, by far. What makes it even more outrageous is that he is slating her so close to MJ's death anniversary. It makes a person (me) wonder how much he really cares about his family. Katherine is trying to raise her grandchildren in peace, while he is gabbing with tabloids about his private family matters.

Top 5 Biggest Religious Scandals in Pop Music

With all this talk of Lady Gaga's religious symbolism in her new video "Alejandro", it only makes sense to examine the biggest music clashes with the religious world. Looking at these five pop moments, Gaga's doesn't seem too big (although the rosary eating could definitely hold its own).

5. Michael Jackson at 1996 BRIT Awards - While there was no official comment from any religious association, the King of Pop's performance of "Earth Song" ruffled more than a few feathers. Some people (infamously including Jarvis Cocker) weren't too impressed with MJ's assumption of the Messiah role as he emerged from his tattered black robes in a white outfit and spread his arms out in an epic (read Jesus) pose while children surrounded him in praise. The aforementioned Cocker stormed the stage during the performance.



4. Madonna On The Cross at Confessions Tour - Leave it to her Madgesty to take the Messiah thing even further. During her performance of "Live to Tell" on her 2006 Confessions Tour, Madonna sang from a huge glass cross with a thorned crown on her head as images of AIDS-suffering African children were played in the background. The Catholic community was none too happy. Germans wanted her sued for blasphemy, the Vatican condemned her Rome concert, and a cardinal from Italy called for her excommunication.



3. Sinéad O'Connor Rips The Pope - During a powerful performance of Bob Marley's song "War", the "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer pulled out a picture of the Vatican leader and ripped it up, screaming "fight the real enemy" in front of a stunned audience. The demonstration was in response to the sex abuse scandals surrounding the church. The country was outraged; her albums were burned, the legendary Frank Sinatra wanted to fight her, and she was booed off the stage at a Bob Dylan tribute concert. In a perfect bit of irony, O'Connor as ordained as a Catholic priest in 1998.

2. Madonna's "Like a Prayer" Video - 1989 was a huge year for the Material Girl. She was releasing a new album Like a Prayer, and was releasing the title track as the lead single. She signed a $5 million deal with Pepsi to use the music video in a commercial. What the soda company, and the rest of the planet, wasn't anticipating was how scandalous the video would be. The video, about a woman witnessing the murder of another girl by three men and a black man going down for the crime, featured all kinds of Catholic symbolism. There was dancing in front of burning crosses, stigmata, dancing suggestively in a church, and kissing a black Jesus Christ. Pepsi was furious and yanked the commercial after only two airings. The video, twenty years later, stands as one of the most influential of her career, and the first that challenged the boundaries of pop music.

1. John Lennon Calls The Beatles Bigger Than Jesus - In the 60's, there was nothing bigger than The Beatles. It seemed so rooted in fact that John Lennon made a remark that nearly destroyed their careers in the United States. In an interview with the Evening Standard in 1966, Lennon talked about the decline of Christianity, and said that the group was bigger than Jesus. The comment made zero waves in the UK, but when republished by a teen magazine months later, the outrage was palpable. Radio stations banned their music, their records were publicly burned, and their concert tour was threatened with violence from many sources, including the Klu Klux Klan. Eventually, the furor calmed and The Beatles' status as pop legends was secured, but there was little doubt of the magnitude those comments made. Ironically, the backlash, as short as it was, proved just how massive The Beatles were, so maybe Lennon wasn't far off.

Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Tops Box Office

The King of Pop reigns again.

Despite overblown expectations, the Michael Jackson concert documentary This Is It has topped the American box office with a weekend gross of $21 million. It's overall total so far is $32 million.

The film (which I haven't seen yet) has received great reviews; Roger Ebert called it one of the most revealing documentaries he has ever seen. However, the film has performed below expectations, although the Halloween weekend is being listed as contributor.

On the music side of things, the soundtrack is expected to sell up to 350,000 copies this week, giving MJ is sixth #1 album, and his first since Invincible.

The movie is only in theaters for another week and half, so if you haven't seen it yet, go!

This Is... A Disaster! Sony Screws MJ Fans Over, Again!

Record labels have the tendency to screw up things some times, and the musical future of the late Michael Jackson appears to be no exception.

On Monday morning, Michael's website unveiled "This Is It", which was touted as his brand new single. Reports indicated, however, that it was actually a reject from the 1990-1991 sessions that led to the Dangerous album.

Almost immediately after its release, Paul Anka announced that the song was actually co-written by him and Michael for his 1983 duets album and that Michael "stole" it. The administrators of Michael's estate, John Branca and John McClain, admitted it and gave Anka 50 percent of the publishing rights. The song, which has had a lukewarm reception from the New York Times, is to be released on the This Is It album, which is nothing but another greatest hits album.

So, instead of the "hundreds" of songs that Michael allegedly recorded, they chose a co-written Paul Anka reject? And the only way fans can own it is by purchasing another greatest hits record, on top of the 3 million-selling Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, and HIStory?

Great job, Branca.

Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Track Released!

 

This morning, the lead single from the Michael Jackson concert film This Is It was released on his website.

The track, also titled "This Is It", was reportedly recorded during the sessions for Michael's 1991 album Dangerous. That's quite interesting, since it sounds like something straight out of Motown. Not that its a bad thing; the song is a classic Michael Jackson ballad. While I would've preferred a balls-out pop stomper (see "Jam" or "Scream" or "Dangerous"), this is a fine reminder of Michael's gift. More than anything, he was a craftsman of true blue pop music, which this song ultimately is. It may not be groundbreaking or completely brilliant, but it deserves a place in the MJ canon.

Rating: 7/10

A New Michael Jackson "This Is It" Clip!!!

Here is the King of Pop performing "Human Nature" during the rehearsals for his London concert series.

I'm officially standing first in line to get tickets for this. Damn Michael and those who contributed to his death for taking this epic show away from us...

Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Dazzles The VMAs

At last night's VMAs, the trailer for the "This is It" concert documentary closed a show that was warmly dedicated to Michael. There couldn't have been a better ending, because that 2-minute trailer was cold, hard evidence of Michael's dominance of popular music. Even at the age of 50, he appeared as agile and clean in his movements as ever. Had he lived, Michael would have put on the best stage show ever, with special 3D videos, elaborate sets, and the exceptional dance routines of songs like "Smooth Criminal".

For a man who, through the eyes of the media, didn't appear to have a coherent bone is his body, Michael was surprisingly alert and focused. In the trailer, besides his performance, you can see how he takes control of his own output. He's basically directing the show himself, with a little help from past choreographer Kenny Ortega.

The most promising aspect of the trailer and the movie is the promised personal element. The movie claims that it is a Michael we've never seen before. Actually, that's not true. Michael in the trailer is seen smiling and laughing, which we've seen on more than one occasion. It's just that we've never really paid attention. We all were so caught up in Michael Jackson's oddities that we never truly regarded him, like Madonna put so eloquently last night, as a human being, capable of laughter and happiness.

That is what this movie is about, more so than the concert that never was. "This Is It" is a reminder of two facts. Fact one: Michael Jackson was, and always will be, the King of Pop. Fact two: Michael Jackson was a human being. Both facts seem to have been lost in the last few years leading up to and in the aftermath of his death. However, I have a good feeling that this movie will set those two facts in the stones of the pop canon.

VMA 2009: Janet's Tribute To Include "Scream"; Joe and Jermaine Attending

Perez Hilton has reported exclusively on details involving the Jackson family at the VMAs tonight.

According to his sources, both Jermaine (who just scrapped plans for a September MJ tribute concert in Austria) and Joe Jackson will be attending the show.

Janet will be the show's opener, performing a very special tribute to her brother. A picture taken from the set shows Michael on a video screen from his music video "Scream", which he recorded with Janet. Also on the bill is "Smooth Criminal" and other MJ classics.

Another rumor circulating is that Madonna will be presenting Janet's performance. It has been confirmed that she will attend.

This is gearing up to be the best VMAs in five years, especially if the MJ tribute is as good as they're saying.

The VMAs will air at 9pm EST.

Photo: perezhilton.com

Download of the Day (9/13): "Scream" by Michael and Janet Jackson

In 1995, two of pop music's titans, who just happened to be siblings, took time out of their busy schedules to record a little ditty for the brother's double-disc comeback album.

That little ditty? "Scream".

The brother-sister combo? Who else but Michael and Janet Jackson.

For the first time since "2300 Jackson Street" (don't feel bad if you don't know it; the song and album were a pitiful attempt to show family unity), two members of the hyper-talented Jackson dynasty took to the studio together. The most talented of the family, dance diva Janet and King of Pop Michael, teamed up to record "Scream" for Michael's part-greatest hits, part-studio album HIStory, his first record since the pop culture disaster that was his child molestation scandal. Like the other songs from that album, Michael uses "Scream" to strike out against the world that scorned him. Over an psuedo-industrial spacey, funk track, Michael and Janet snarl at their haters. "Stop pressuring me", the siblings angrily hiss over the infectious chorus. Always the dramatist, the song shifts to a gently melodic middle-8 with Janet before exploding in a fiery crash of Michael's scream and sharp electric guitar (making for a killer dance sequence, by the way).

It can be argued that "Scream" (and the entire HIStory album, for that matter) was the perfect display of entitled celebrity torment. Whether that's true or not, the pairing of Michael and Janet was a stroke of genius, resulting in an excellent piece of pop music.

The only regret about "Scream" is that there will never be another one.

Me To Jermaine Jackson: Shame On You!

Yesterday afternoon, Jermaine Jackson held a press conference in London to formally announce plans for a Michael Jackson tribute concert to be held in Vienna, Austria on September 26th. Performing at the concert, besides Jermaine of course, is Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Akon, and more.

Actually, scratch Mary, Chris, and Natalie off that list, since their representatives claimed they never agreed to the show.

In fact, for good measure, cross off Stevie and Akon too, because I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled out as well.

That's because this show, meant to be a tribute to one of pop music's most iconic figures, is nothing but a posturing, indulgent, and tacky attempt to cash in on his death.

Now, I'm not saying that Jermaine is some callous money-hungry graverobber, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he has to know that this concert serves no purpose.

He claims that this was for Michael's European fans. As if they didn't have televisions and couldn't watch the official memorial when it was held in July. As if they didn't attend the viewing parties held all over the world. As if they didn't schlock by the tens of thousands to Michael's Dangerous and HIStory tours, which saw no dates in the United States.

And if you were going to hold such a concert, why the hell in Austria? No offense to the country, it's lovely, but Michael had zero connection to that country. How about the United States, where he was born? Or Romania, where he held his massive HBO concert in 1992? London? Paris? Berlin? All of these places would have made sense, but not Austria. Unless, of course, Austria was the only place that would hold such a farce on their soil, and that they are the only ones that would bankroll it.

There is no tangible reason for this concert's existence, which is why "performers" are dropping out left and right. This is simply more of the same; exploitation of a man who's seen it since the age of five. Even in death.

I know that money is a powerful motivator, Jermaine, but for the sake of your family, the fans, your dignity, and Michael, stop this stupidity and let your brother rest in peace.

MTV's MJ Tribute: Raining Gloves and Janet Jackson

On the day the world lost Michael Jackson, MTV suddenly remembered how they became the cultural touchstone they are today and paid immediate homage to the King of Pop. In an age where a music video channel spins reality shows nearly every minute, it was both refreshing and comforting to see MJ classics such as "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Black or White" on the air, in primetime, no less.

Three months later, MTV is showing their respect for Michael by dedicating a portion of the Video Music Awards, if not the whole show, to him. Despite the stagnant nature of recent VMA ceremonies, I knew that the definitive Michael Jackson tribute would come from them, especially after the disaster that was the BET Awards.

If the latest information and promo is to be believed, then they have proved me right.

MTV revealed this past week that Janet Jackson, Michael's little sister and pop icon in her own right, would helm the opening tribute. She's reportedly working with the best dancers in the industry, including MJ friend Wade Robson, to craft this performance.

On top of that, MTV released a surprisingly touching promo for the tribute, featuring raining silver gloves, Michael's most famous trademark.

If done right, and I am sure it will be, this could rank among one of the best ceremonies in VMA history.

The MTV Video Music Awards airs this Sunday, Spetember 13th, at 9pm EST.

Check out the promo below:

MTV Shows

IT'S TRUE! Joe Jackson Confirms Omer Bhatti As Michael Jackson's Son!

I KNEW IT!

Joe Jackson, in an interview with TV One here in America, has confirmed that Norwegian-born Omer Bhatti is the son of the late Michael Jackson.

He also acknowledged that he looks and acts like a Jackson, and is an excellent dancer. When asked if he could carry MJ's legacy, Joe said that he couldn't say until it happens.

The story officially broke when it was observed that Omer was sitting with Michael's other children and aunt Rebbie in the front row. It was revealed from there that Michael met Omer (who had gotten attention for be an excellent MJ impersonator) in Tunisia in 1996. Michael then took Omer and his family on tour with him and even moved them in Neverland Ranch.

It is believed that Michael Jackson, during a visit to Norway, had a one night stand with Omer's mother in the early 80's that resulted in Omer's birth.

Here are pictures of Michael Jackson's purported son Omer Bhatti:

Did Dr. Murray FALL ASLEEP Giving Michael Jackson Death-Inducing Propofol?

 

Stunning revelations continue to be leaked in the weeks after Michael Jackson's shocking death, including how King of Pop's last hours were.

What may shock and enrage Michael's fans is the latest news coming from the Los Angeles Police Department. According to TMZ.com, speaking with multiple police sources, Dr. Conrad Murray, the "doctor" who was with him at the time of his death, admitted to police that he had administered Propofol to the singer hours before he died. He made this admission on June 27th, two days after Michael was declared dead. If you remember, there were reports that Murray had abandoned his car and essentially went missing in the immediate aftermath of Michael's passing.

The shockers don't stop there. The police, trying to piece together this sad story, are convinced that Murray was negligent in administering the extremely powerful anesthetic drug, which is used only in hospitals. It is even believed that, while the drug was continually being pumped in Michael's veins, Murray was asleep in his own room at Michael's rented L.A. mansion. While the doctor was allegedly asleep, the King of Pop's heart stopped beating as he went into cardiac arrest.

By the time paramedics arrived, Michael was dead and reportedly unrecognizable to them.

Murray's administration of the Propofol violated virtually every medical guideline. For one, Michael's vitals should have been monitored by either an EKG to watch his heart or a pulse oximeter to check his blood oxygen levels. Neither machine was present in the home. 

Murray's horrifyingly unprofessional behavior regarding Michael's health has been well-documented in the past month. Murray, apparently in shock, didn't call 911 for a half hour after he found an unresponsive Michael in bed. He practiced CPR, but not on a hard surface, as is protocol.

Court papers have named Murray as a suspect in the investigation that has been labeled manslaughter.

Why Pelosi's Killing of the Michael Jackson Resolution Is a Good Thing, For Now

 

At Michael Jackson's massive, emotional memorial service at the Staples Center, Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee presented a resolution to honor the icon for humanitarian works and for his status as an American icon. The announcement of the resolution drew rapturous applause.

Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi effectively killed the resolution. Her reason for doing so was that discussions on the resolution would bring up "contrary views" that were "not necessary at this time" (she did acknowledge him as a "great, great performer"). Essentially, she is saying that the resolution has the danger of splitting up the House into two groups: those who love Jackson and those who despise him. That split would potentially be disastrous as the House tries to pass more important legislation, such as those involving healthcare.

The split was confirmed when Peter King, the classless New York congressman who called Michael Jackson a "pervert" and "pedophile" and appeared to relish in the attention those insults caused, promised he would block the resolution. Also, only one other congresswoman announced their support, while other members, including those from the black caucus, remained silent.

Right now, Congress needs to focus on bringing this country back from the gates of hell, not fighting over Michael Jackson's legacy. That would only drudge up the most unsavory of the pop star's history, which does nothing but tarnish an already spotty reputation.

While Michael Jackson's cultural influence, despite King's and Bill O'Reilly's opinions, is grand and undisputed, I have to agree that congressional recognition isn't something that should be prioritized. Maybe in the future, after all of the dust surrounding his death has settled and the issues most important are resolved, the resolution, whatever it would mean, can be reintroduced.