utopia7 said:

His life savings still won't help him. Michael have a lot of fans that would kill Dr. Murray in heartbeat!
If 12 people killed themselves over Michael they sure as hell won't think twice about laying Dr. Murray to rest...

And I have to say again that it is sickening, all the money grubbing going on. Turns my stomach, I cannot believe that people can be like that. It has to be the type of people who surround that business because I know most people that I know would not do those things for money. Just disgusting. And as far as Joe Jackson, I sort take people like that as they are, known so many bastards. The man's 80, he can't change. And I also don't think he was anything particularly abnormal for those days. It used to be acceptable to beat the shit out of your kids, most us older folks remember those days. People were harder then, I don't justify it but just saying it wasn't that unusual. Joe is the kind of black man that I've seen many times over the years, just hard men, not necessarily sociopaths, just a product of where they came from. Of course these days, everyone is so spoiled that they can hardly believe such harshness ever existed but it did and no one would stop it back then.

mozfonky said:

[Edited 7/15/09 1:15am]

Tito interview

http://www.mirror.co.uk/c...-21520331/

Wonder if all the haters who swore black and blue that Michael didn't have vitiligo will now step up and say "oh man, I was wrong".

I know they always expect us to admit when we are. So hope they do the same in kind.

Won't hold my breath though.

Swa
[Edited 7/15/09 1:24am]

Michael Jackson Wasn't the Only Black Man "Turning White"
By Eddie B. Allen Jr.

Insensitive comments about the condition that has affected him for 16 years hit Lee Thomas way beyond skin deep.

So the Emmy-winning Fox TV reporter and author of the book "Turning White: A Memoir of Change," who struggles with vitiligo, is even more outspoken since singer Michael Jackson's death. The same skin condition that Jackson first told the public he endured in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey has gradually turned Thomas' rich, brown complexion into a pattern of bright splotches on various parts of his body. A debate about vitiligo and its effects has been re-ignited in the wake of Jackson's passing and media focusing on his non-Black children.
"Everywhere, I get that question: Do you really think that he had vitiligo?" says Thomas, who publicly speaks about the disease between covering entertainment news on a weekday morning show. "In his death, hopefully more people will understand that yes, he had a disease that turned his skin white."
Over 5 million Google hits registered from a Web search of the word "vitiligo" barely 48 hours after Jackson's televised funeral. About 1 percent of the world's population suffers from the condition, which has an undetermined cause and affects all races, including Whites. Vitiligo attacks pigment and breaks down the skin's natural color. Curiosity about the condition is understandable, says Thomas, but he adds that skepticism and ignorance can be hurtful. He recently challenged Jackson's legendary friend Quincy Jones after Jones dismissed Jackson's previous statements that he was a "proud Black American," saying Jackson wanted to be White. A statement from Thomas released through his publicist read in part: "I respect everything that Quincy Jones has done as an entertainer and producer, but I am very disappointed that a man so accomplished couldn't look up the disease or, even better, take his friend’s word. I have this disease and the reality of it is, I am turning White, and believe me, that is not by choice.”
Apart from a revealing, personal segment that discussed his battle with viewers of his home station in Detroit, Thomas has appeared on major TV shows including "20/20" and "Larry King Live." Before going on-air each day, he undergoes an extensive makeup process to cover the areas of his face and neck that have been discolored. He says that various medical treatments have had no lasting effect. But Thomas joined other sufferers of the disease who've put the question of genetics in doubt when he had a daughter last year, who shows no symptoms.
Suggestions that Jackson never had vitiligo because his skin was uniformly light, rather than splotched, aren't necessarily so, Thomas says; in fact, it's been reported that Jackson's famous glove was first worn to cover discoloring on his hand.
"There are a lot of people outside of Michael Jackson, who have (turned uniformly lighter)," Thomas says. "You probably saw someone who had really light skin and just never knew it."
But the various manifestations of vitiligo are less important than how its sufferers are received and perceived, Thomas says. Dates of his speaking engagements and discussions on the topic are posted at the Web site www.turningwhite.com.
"I hope that, by continuing to talk about it," Thomas says, "with conversation comes understanding, with understanding comes compassion."

source: http://www.bet.com/News/N...CBE0269%7D
[Edited 7/15/09 5:40am]

for those that haven't seen it,
a song featuring some MJ dancing!
This was released just before MJ's death, kinda cryptic!



and a live version!


[Edited 7/15/09 1:36am]

RONNYRON said:

First of all, the 750 million figure is banded about a lot, obviously someone came up with that number.

I don't think Elvis has sold a Billion records and neither did the Beatles,
all their numbers were inflated, and so it probably is with MJ's numbers.

But I still believe Thriller has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide easily.

For starters, by 1984, Thriller had sold over 45 million copies worldwide.

Its been 25 years since then? And you can almost guarentee that since then every year, at least a minimum of 2 million copies worldwide (both USA and International) of Thriller have probably been sold. Its not fucking rocket science.

So according to 25 years x 2 million physical copies sold a year = 50 million more sales since 1984.

So thats pretty much close to 100 million in total worldwide, which is entirely realistic. And don't forget, Sony hasn't bothered to recertify his sales for fucking donkey's years.

I don't buy the bullshit that Thriller is "still" only on 45 million copies.
Are people that fucking dumb??
It had already sold 45 million by 1984 people, use some fucking common sense.

How the fuck does an album stay fixed at 45 million copies for 25 years????

Fucking bullshit!!
And somehow magically, The Eagles and various others manage to increase their sales, while MJ's stays put on 45 million copies?

Please give me a fucking break.

There is no doubt that Thriller is the biggest selling album worldwide,both in the USA and internationally.

Fuck anyone who disagrees.

In my opinion, it should be like this:


30 million OFF THE WALL
100+ million THRILLER
40 million BAD
40 million DANGEROUS
30 million HIStory
15 million INVINCIBLE

Both BAD and DANGEROUS sold more than 30 million copies worldwide each within the space of 3 years of their release, so its safe to say, another ten million each over 20 years is more than reasonable, in fact, that estimate is probably too low.
They have probably sold close to 50 million each.

Not to mention the digital sales too.

dirtyman2005 said:

Seriously, its not MJ's fault that the 750 million figure was reported by everyone.

On some reports, it was 750 million albums, and then on others it was 750 million records.

So obviously no one has a god damn clue!

But in terms of album sales, my estimates are more than likely most close to the real figures.

As for single sales, it must be in the few hundred millions as the previous post said.

People need to get some common sense!

When it comes to other artists, their album sales increase year on year, yet when it comes to Thriller, it apparently stays fixed on 45 million! For 25 years!

Ridiculous!

Interesting article here from a paper in Santa Barbara.
http://www.mercurynews.co...i_12735431
A little late to do our man any good.

dirtyman2005 said:

O.K. so I got 150 million total, u got about 260 million - that's still reasonable considering MJ's stature, but I'm still saying 750 million is outrageous - for ELVIS, THE BEATLES or MJ, and no one's blaming MJ for the inflations.

Anyway, all his albums are experiencing a renewed surge after his passing, so who knows where the totals will end up, it'll be interesting to see the numbers from now til the end of 2009.

Timmy84 said:

dr. muury didn't even know the address to the house that's why he said he didnt use his cell phone to call 911- instead he looked for a land line and screamed for help from security.

RONNYRON said:

Yeah even the most hardcore of us MJ fan's has to admit that 750 million figure came out of nowhere. I am not sure if that is also including his sales from Jacksons/Jackson 5 works, but then even then you might be looking at 350 - 400 max.

I read somewhere recently that the discrepancies may come from terminology in that saying 750 million records - would mean singles / albums / digital downloads etc - as opposed to 750 million albums.

You know that with the dodgy accounting practice of major labels over the years I doubt Sony will officially credit 750 million - that figure alone would mean royalties to MJ of over 1.5 billion.

It will be interesting to see what figures are posted in this month after his passing.

Swa

I dig this song

Marlon Jackson Interview * (Conducted the day Michael died.)

June 2009

Marlon, how did you find out about Michael's death?

I talked to Frank Dileo, Michael's manager. Frank told me that Michael last night was complaining about not feeling well. Michael's doctor went over to see him, and Frank said, "Marlon, from last night to this morning, I don't know what happened." When they got to him this morning, he wasn't breathing. They rushed him to the hospital and couldn't bring him around. That's what happened. They don't know what happened.

When was the last time you saw Michael?

It was May 14 at a family gathering. I had just gotten back from Africa. Michael looked great. He was looking well. He was getting ready to go into rehearsals for his tour. I don't know what happened.

There were some reports he wasn't feeling well and was in a wheelchair.

He wasn't in a wheelchair. He was walking around with his kids. When we saw him, he wasn't in a wheelchair. We all talked. He was doing great.

Was that the last time you spoke with him?

May 14 was the last time I spoke with him. The last time I saw him.

Have you talked to any of your other family members about his death?

I've been trying to get a hold of my mom. I talked to Jackie. I talked to Tito. They feel the same way. A piece of our heart, a piece of us went with him. It was a shock to them, too. I talked to my brother Jackie and he said, "Marlon, is it true?" I said, "I'm calling them right now to see if it's true." That's when I called Frank Dileo and I couldn't get to my mom. I talked to him the first time and he was at the house and my mom was in the background crying, and she was just upset.

Was Michael still at the house?

Michael had passed. Frank told me, "We lost him."

And you said a doctor saw him last night, but he didn't see a need to take him to the hospital?

He didn't take him to the hospital. This morning he wasn't breathing and they rushed him to the hospital. He was going to be 51 in August. Gone too soon.

Marlon, it's amazing to look at the reaction from all over the world. People are at the hospital, at the Jackson family home in Gary, Indiana, at his star on the Wall of Fame.

I never knew the affect the Jackson 5 had on people until I began traveling with (Major Broadcasting) network, and people would say our songs were the reason for them getting married. Me and my brothers did what we did because we loved it. That's the way we thought.

I'm happy that we did get a chance to just bring happiness to everybody, and Michael took it to another level to bring people happiness. He cared about people a lot. Michael was known all over the world, and that's why people care, and it's nice to see that people care. Not only did they grow up with my brother, but they grew up with the Jackson 5. He's definitely going to be missed. We are always going to remember him. We cannot forget him.

I hear the comparisons to Elvis Presley and people looking to him a generation later. I know it's very soon after the death of Michael, but should something like Graceland be established so the next generation is aware of Michael's impact?


He's going to live on. He has left a legacy and it's going to be forever, and I really feel that in my heart. I want people to concentrate on those things that he did for people. He did a lot of positive things. He's going to live forever. I'm going to miss him. The memories, all the great things he has done, and my family is going to miss him. It's hard. It's really hard for us right now.

For the world he was the King of Pop. But for you, he was your younger brother.

And that's the way we saw him, as a younger brother. It's like when anyone else loses their family member. It hurts. It hurts right now. It really hurts.


http://www.essence.com/ne...ath?Page=2

A musical snapshot

Without going into long drawn out discussions of every song I thought I would chime in on the great/good/bad posts that have been popping up through these threads. I am sure once all the hoopla surrounding Michael's passing dies down and the music returns to the fore, it will be a better chance to have indepth discussions of the music.

Now understand it's all a matter of taste.

OFF THE WALL

Essentials
Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough
Rock With You
Workin' Day And Night
Get On The Floor
I Can't Help It

Good Tracks
Off The Wall
She's Out Of My Life
It's The Falling In Love
Burn This Disco Out

Weakest Tracks (it's a taste thing)
Girlfriend


THRILLER

Essentials
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Thriller
Beat It
Billie Jean
Human Nature
The Lady in My Life

Good Tracks
P.Y.T.

Weakest Tracks
Baby Be Mine
The Girl is Mine


BAD

Essentials
The Way You Make Me Feel
Liberian Girl
Man in the Mirror
Dirty Diana
Smooth Criminal
Leave Me Alone

Good Tracks
Bad
Speed Demon
Another Part of Me
I just Can't Stop Loving You

Weakest Tracks
Just Good Friends

DANGEROUS

Essentials
Jam
Why You Wanna Trip on Me
In The Closet
Remember the Time
Black or White
Who Is It
Give Into Me
Will You Be There

Good Tracks
She Drives Me Wild
Can't Let Her Get Away
Dangerous

Weakest Tracks
Heal The World
Keep The Faith


HiStory

Essentials
Scream
They Don't Care About Us
Stranger In Moscow
Earth Song
Money
Tabloid Junkie
2 Bad

Good Tracks
This Time Around
Come Together
History
Little Susie
Smile

Weakest Tracks
D.S.
Childhood
You Are Not Alone (uh huh I said it )

BLOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR

Essentials
Blood on the Dancefloor
Morphine
Ghosts
Scream Louder

Good Tracks
Superfly Sister
Is it Scary


INVINCIBLE

Essentials
Heartbreaker
Break of Dawn
You Rock My World
Butterflies
Whatever Happens

Good Tracks
Unbreakable
Invincible
Heaven Can Wait
Cry
Speechless

Weakest Tracks
2,000 Watts
You are my life
Privacy
Don't Walk Away
Threatened
The Lost Children


So there you have my take on the music.

Swa
[Edited 7/15/09 5:48am]

trueiopian said:

It's very common in black families for immediate family members to do the dressing, the hair and the make-up for funeral burials. What's the big dealabout that?

lazycrockett said:

Why? They've been separated for years and don't even live together. He's not going to get anywhere near the kids.

Check out these pictures:

http://www.wsbtv.com/slid...etail.html

Graycap23 said:

his skin was jacked up by that vitiligo- I for one would not have liked to see that without make-up- and that wound was from what???-isnt that why he said he couldnt go to court somewhere?- he was under wound-care or something..

Did something happen in 2008 to make his sales spike so high? I don't remember

Arnotts said:

Yes.....HYPE!

I've seen those pictures as far back as 2002, when Michael came forward himself, claiming he was bitten by a spider. So exclusive not really, open for speculation...naturally.

Graycap23 said:

Hype of what?

Arnotts said:

In other words.....lies.

Timmy84 said:

Did you read her testament to her brother in his obituary? LaToya comes off...to me...as only caring about Michael's celebrity!

EmeraldSkies said:

The word you're looking for is 'SPIRITUAL'

Arnotts said:

Yes 25th Anniversary of Thriller and Thriller 25 was released.


Swa

Swa said:

Oh, ok so most the sales was of that album. I didnt buy it as I thought of it as a stupid rehash. Same with that King Of Pop album. I brought that singles box set thing and then after that thought I'm not doing this anymore, and now I deeply regret it as it would of been the last new release of his while living