Chris Brown's BET Awards performance ranks as one of the year's must-see TV moments. Three days later, people are still talking about his tribute to The King of Pop. A few people, who had the pleasure to witness Chris Breezy's performance in person, spoke directly to Rap-Up.com and expressed their thoughts on the emotional performance. Peep what Keri Hilson, Mario, Tia Mowry, Melody Thornton, Wale, BET's Stephen Hill & others had to say. What do you have to say? Drop a few words in the comments box.
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.
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.
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!
A group of inmates, famous for a 2008 choreographed rendition of 'Thriller', paid homage to the King Of Pop once again. 1,500 inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in the Phillipines staged a massive tribute to MJ, an amazing feat considering the inmates practiced for a mere 10 hours straight. This video is a true testament to MJ's global reach. As I've said before, the world, as a whole, speaks the same language, the music of Michael Joseph Jackson.
