the great debate.Jermaine Jackson appeared at the BET Awards as an ambassador of the legacy of his late brother. He was also there to introduce the world to the "one tribute performance we've yet to see." Less than 24 hours later, the internet is abuzz with skepticism surrounding that "one tribute performance." The man behind the tribute was R&B heartthrob Chris Brown. On one side of the fence you have those who believe Chris' performance was a genuine display of raw emotion, the other side of the fence is full of people who believe the performance was a well orchestrated PR stunt. As a Mass Communications grad, I too detect Brown's tribute was a well orchestrated public relations stunt. His once bright career has been at a dangerous standstill since headlines across the world chronicled the unfortunate incident between Brown and then-girlfriend Rihanna. Chris Brown was set to perform in tribute to MJ during 2009's BET Award, BET execs had a change of heart at the last minute. That performance was to be the performance that put Chris Brown back on the map. One year later, Chris Brown had to do more than just perform. He had to pull a stunt that would leave viewers speechless, garner old and new fans alike, & be the talk of media outlets around the globe. He did just that. Kudos to his PR team. However, I believe Chris Breezy could have easily garnered a similar reaction without the tear-filled emotional breakdown. Clearly, as seen in the video below, his vocals aren't on par to sing certain MJ songs but he is a great dancer capable of fantastic MJ dance tribute. Plenty of performers are overcame with emotion but a true professional would sing and dance through any sea of emotions. Needless to say, Chris Brown is officially back.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Soul Fixin'
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Soul Events
never can say goodbye.
Soul Fixin'
blame it on the boogie.
The good folks at SoulBounce have cooked up some good ish in honor of the beloved Michael Jackson. The mixtape above, is the first in an SoulBounce exclusive series of MJ mixes. Summer of Michael Jackson, Vol 1: Sunshine takes a deep look at MJ's early Motown career as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a young, very young solo artist. Hurry up & download this gem.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Soul Fixin'
remembering katherine & joe's son.
Are you in need of a MJ mixtape that spans a large portion of his illustrious, amazing career and features reworks, remixes and original MJ jams? Look no further, Lil' Dave of Philly's Ill Vibe Collective has created the perfect MJ mixtape. Download it and enjoy the sheer brilliance of Michael Joseph Jackson.
TRACKS/ Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (Ken Kobayashi intro)/ Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (Small Circle of Friends remix)/ Cro-Magnon - Never Can Say Goodbye/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Beatnick & K-Salaam remix)/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Neptunes remix)/ Jackson 5 - Dear Darling (DJ Muro remix)/ Zed Bias - I Can't Help It (Unreleased)/ Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are (Dallas Austin remix)/ Grooveman Spot - Jelly Beans (Billie Jean)/ Jackson 5 - It's Great To Be Here (Kenny Dope remix)/ Jackson 5 - Get It Together (Umbo remix)/ Jackson 5 - Hum Along and Dance (United Future Organization remix)/ Jackson 5 - Life of the Party (Ian Saint Laurent Dub)/ Michael Jackson - Get On The Floor (Holy Ghost edit)/ Michael Jackson - Bad (The Captain remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Ezel Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Lady In My Life (Timmy Regisford & Quentin Harris Remix)/ The Jacksons - Things I Do For You (Da Wiesel remix)/ Michael Jackson - Sunset Driver/ Michael Jackson - You Can't Win (The Wiz)/ Michael Jackson - Got the Hots/ Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Demo Version)/ Michael Jackson - Shake You Body (Demo Version)/ The Jacksons - Surprise Song/ Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good (Demo Version)
Soul Fixin'
one year later.
Today marks one year. June 25, 2009 will always be remembered as the day Michael Jackson died. Losing Micheal has been, in a real sense, like losing a close relative. We all grew up alongside the music of MJ. His music transcended generational gaps. My 52 year older mother grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Michael and his brothers. She even dreamed of one day marrying Mike. Born six years after the release of Off The Wall and two years prior to Bad, the timeless music of Michael Jackson played throughout the soundtrack of my life, the life a child growing up in inner-city New York during the 90's.
Michael epitomized everything that was cool. There was a time when we all, boys & girls, wanted to be MJ. We wanted the black penny loafers, the black leather jacket, the glove, and the jeri curl! We can all remember our very first introduction to MJ and how we spent countless hours trying to imitate his signature dance moves. We can all remember when someone, having just discovered MJ's music, came to the playground and tried his or her best to duplicate MJ's dance moves, body and facial movements and vocal magic. Within a few minutes, a battle would ensue as everyone on the playground was trying to be just like Mike.
Believe it or not, the entire world speaks the same language, the enduring music of Michael Jackson.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Soul Fixin'
summer madness.
Here's the perfect mixtape, full of Classic R&B tracks, for the coming months and warm weather courtesy of Darien Victor Birks aka flwrpt.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Soul Fixin'
Phonte Stands Up For His Hero
While many celebrities have released statements concerning the loss of music's greatest icon, Phonte went a step further and wrote an essay honoring and defending the legacy of his hero. A member of Little Brother and Foreign Exchange, Phonte posted his MJ essay, My Hero Ain't Molest Them Bitch Ass Kids: Phonte's teary-eyed tribute to The King on his MySpace page. Check out a few excerpts.
Michael Jackson's impact:
Honestly I'm still trying to process it, almost like the loss of a much-loved family member. I mean, hell, to many of us Michael WAS family. Much like Nike, or Coca-Cola, or McDonalds, Michael Jackson wasn't so much a person as he was a living, breathing, American institution; a ubiquitous force that has seemingly existed forever and one that we couldn't imagine a world without. Seeing Michael onstage was less like watching a musician perform and more akin to witnessing a magician at work.
Sexual Abuse Accusations:
It is my belief now, just as it was 16 years ago, that the charges brought against Michael during his 1993 sexual abuse case were false...Ask the average parent whether they'd want justice or money for their abused child and more than likely they'd say justice, if for no other reason than to protect their child (and other children) from a future attack. The fact that Evan Chandler was willing to essentially let Michael off the hook for a few million (reportedly 2-3), made their case seem like a well-orchestrated extortion attempt.
Generally when victims of abuse come out with allegations against someone, other victims come forward to corroborate their story (i.e. the Catholic Church scandal, where a few parties came forward and it later led to thousands).
Very rarely do child molesters stop at just one kid, or even two for that matter. An alleged pedophile with only two accusers is kinda like an alleged serial killer with only one body. Or an alleged sneaker addict with only two pairs of Jordans in his closet. It just doesn't make any logical sense, nor does it coincide with the recurring psychological characteristics of most people who fall into those categories.
When it came to children, the only thing Michael was guilty of in my opinion, was naivete. While cuddling in the bed with children isn't technically illegal, it does violate several social norms; norms that a man who dresses funny, lives at an amusement park and refers to himself as “Peter Pan” would certainly pay a higher price for breaking. When I hear the tales of Michael laying in bed with those children, watching movies, tickling, and engaging in general horseplay, it sounds less like the work of a pedophile and more like the actions of a man trying to experience a childhood he never had.
Michael Jackson & Allegations of Self Hatred:
Michael Jackson never tried to disown or separate himself from his Blackness at any point in his career. In fact, he was probably the most openly pro-Black pop entertainer of his time. Michael Jackson ashamed to be Black? I mean, this was the same guy who:
-portrayed Black people as kings and queens in ancient Egypt ("Remember the Time" video)
-called Tommy Mottola (his then label boss) a devil and a racist
-sang "white man's gotta make a change" live on the Grammies in '88
-sang about a beautiful African woman in "Liberian Girl"
-featured an African chant at the end of "Wanna Be Startin Somethin"
-donated over $25 million to the United Negro College Fund
-sang "I ain't scared of no sheets" in "Black or White" and upped the ante by morphing into a BLACK PANTHER at the video's end
-wrote a song called "They Don't Really Care About Us," with a Spike Lee-directed video that featured prisoners raising the Black power fist
-uhhh “We Are The World” and USA for Africa, anyone?
Micheal Jackson & The Media:
This essay is my plea to all people who consider themselves a fan of Michael Jackson, but especially to Black people: Don't let them talk about our Brother. Don’t let his naysayers convict him of crimes that were never proven. Don't let people reduce the memory of one of our greatest heroes to that of a weird guy who wore a shiny glove and molested little boys.
When Elvis Presley died, did the media remember him as an overweight, drug-abusing racist who dated a 14 year-old, or was he eulogized as The King of Rock and Roll?
When Woody Allen dies, do you think the media will focus on the controversy behind him marrying his own stepdaughter, or on the films "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" and how great they were? (Ditto for Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock and roll pioneer who married his 13-year old cousin.)
Was MJ a weirdo?
Of course he was a weirdo...But maybe if you had been in the public eye since you were 7, had grown ass women throwing themselves at you since you were 13, suffered physical abuse at the hands of your father, watched your father and older brothers engage in sex with groupies on tour as a child, were called "Big Nose" and "ugly" by both family members AND fans, developed a skin disease that took away the one thing you repeatedly expressed your pride for, and spent the last half of your life as the most famous person on Earth, you'd probably be a bit of a weirdo too.
Soul Tracks
*I decided to unearth a previous post, written last year in celebration of MJ's 50th birthday.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Soul Fixin'
Stevie Tries to Say 'Goodbye'
Michael Jackson's lifelong friend and former Motown label mate, Stevie Wonder, took time out of his recent Kansas City concert to pay tribute to the King Of Pop. Wonder, a fellow child singing sensation, delivered a moving tribute via talkbox. Before singing the emotional charged 'Never Can Say Goodbye' Stevie spoke of his dear friend. Click play and see for yourself.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Soul Fixin'
Saadiq Pays Homage to Jackson
While performing in Japan, a country known for it's love of black folks and black music, Raphael Saadiq & crew dug deep in MJ's music catalogue and performed 'I Want You Back.' In all fairness, this was taped the day MJ died so Saadiq & crew had very little time to rehearse. Therefore, I can't complain. While it isn't a spectacular performance, I'm sure it comes from the heart and that is all that matters. Click play & enjoy!
Soul Fixin'
Soul Fixin'
In Case You Missed It!
Watching last night's BET Awards in it's entirety proved to be quite a difficult task. Many, including myself, watched to catch the much-talked-about MJ tributes. Needless to say, I was disappointed with BET once again. Buffoonery & Coonery can be used to describe what was suppose to be a highlight of Black entertainment. One of the few highlights occurred when a stoic Janet Jackson approached the microphone and expressed her family's heartache and pain during such a difficult time. In case you changed channels in utter disgust and missed it, here it is. Janet's heartfelt words and the image of a young Janet with her older brother in the background proved to be a magical, memorable TV moment. Jaime Foxx and NeYo sang a worthwhile rendition of 'I'll Be There' immediately after Janet left the stage.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Soul Heaven
Never Can Say Goodbye
The past 10 to 15 years have proven to be difficult times for Michael Jackson. During that time period it was difficult for us, his adoring fans, to focus squarely on his artistry, music, legacy and humanitarian efforts. We've been inundated with non stop stories detailing MJ's oddball behavior. The press labeled The King of Pop 'Wacko Jacko,' he was crucified for loving children and deemed a child molester. Difficult times indeed. News of his shocking, untimely death allowed myself and many others to reflect on the man and his music and the countless personal memories surrounding all things MJ, thoughts of bad times have vanished from my memory bank.
Losing Micheal is, in a real sense, like losing a close relative. We all grew up on the music of MJ. His music transcended generational gaps. My 52 year older mother grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Michael and his brothers. She even dreamed of one day marrying Mike. Born six years after the release of Off The Wall and two years prior to Bad, the timeless music of Michael Jackson played throughout the soundtrack of my life, the life a child growing up in inner-city New York during the 90's.
Michael epitomized everything that was cool. There was a time when we all, boys & girls, wanted to be MJ. We wanted the black penny loafers, the black leather jacket, the glove, and the jeri curl! We can all remember our very first introduction to MJ and how we spent countless hours trying to imitate his signature dance moves. We can all remember when someone, having just discovered MJ's music, came to the playground and tried his or her best to duplicate MJ's dance moves, body and facial movements and vocal magic. Within a few minutes, a battle would ensue as everyone on the playground was trying to be just like Mike.
Yesterday, while listening to the Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye," my 10 month old daughter began to mutter the words "bye, bye, bye." A few tears fell. I began to imagine a world without Michael Jackson. It proved to be an impossible task. Believe it or not, the entire world speaks the same language, the enduring music of Michael Jackson.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Soul Fixin'
A Jackson 5 Reunion...Say What???
You can file this in the I'll believe it when I see it files. According to Jermaine 'Jeri-Curl Juice' Jackson, he and his famous brothers are currently recording and planning a Jackson 5 reunion tour set for '09. You aren't the only one who is skeptical, my side eye is in full effect. In an interview with the Australian Associated Press, Jermaine stated “It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet's going to open and, of course, the original Jackson 5 ... Michael, Randy and the whole family ... We're in the studio, we're planning on being out there next year… This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together." I can't imagine going to a concert to bare witness to a handful of men in their 50's prancing around stage singing hit songs such as “ABC,” “I’ll Be There” and “I Want You Back.”
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday Soul
Conversation with Raphael Saadiq [OkayPlayer]
Rare Photos of Michael Jackson [Rolling Stone]
Soul Bounce Is Down To # 1 [Soul Bounce]
Remembering Bernie Mac [VIBE]
Aretha & Her Man [C+D]
Common Drops A New Video [Soul Bounce]
WILL.I.AM & John Legend at the DNC [VIBE]
Hurricane Katrina: 3 Years Later [Black Voices]
Friday, August 29, 2008
Soul Tracks
Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!!! 50 years ago Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. The past twenty years of Michael's life have been bizarre, to say the least. However, let's try not to focus on the scandals, trials, plastic surgeries, and wacky behavior. Let's go back to 1972. Long before Michael's 'Bad' tour grossed $125 million and Off The Wall and Thriller shattered every record imaginable. Long before 47 million people watched in awe as Michael did the moonwalk on Motown 25. Long before he co-wrote the international smash hit 'We Are The World.' And long before everybody wanted to be Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was a 13 year old basking in the success of his solo debut, Got To Be There. Four years prior, Michael along with brothers Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, signed to Motown Records as the Jackson 5. In '71, Michael stepped out on his own and began recording his solo debut produced by Hal David and Willie Hutch. Three songs, 'Got To Be There,' 'Rockin' Robin,' and 'I Wanna Be Where You Are', put Michael on the charts. The young singer took a stab at Bill Wither's 'Ain't No Sunshine' and the Carole King classic 'You've Got A Friend.' The ten track set also featured 'Maria (You Were The Only One),' today's Soul Tracks selection. From the opening note, Michael sounds far more mature than his 13 years. He sounds like a man who has lived a lifetime of experiences. It's hard to believe the song is autobiographical. But then again, maybe it is. A then 13 year old Michael could have been experiencing the raw emotions of the break up of a teenage love affair. Either way, Michael channeled his inner David Ruffin and sang with all the emotion and conviction of a broken man pleading for the lady in his life to came back.
