Timmy84 said:

NaughtyKitty said:

Yes but he claims he spoke to Bruce Swedien and that he said that DBMA is the actual track and not a demo because Michael doesnt make demos. Thats the part that stood out and made me

Bruce Swedien don't even know what he's talking about anymore. He's got the same case of Oldtimer's as Quincy.

Wow, that's too bad

Will.i.am talking about how Michael encouraged him to get on a horse and pick apples in Ireland.

NaughtyKitty said:

R. Kelly Shares His Memories of Meeting Michael Jackson

BY RENNIE DYBALL

Monday June 25, 2012 02:20 PM EDT

It's been exactly three years since Michael Jackson's untimely passing. But for R. Kelly, the memory of spending time with the King of Pop will last forever.

They met when Kelly wrote "You Are Not Alone" for Jackson, and the late pop star agreed to sing it. Kelly details the thrill of meeting Jackson, their collaboration on the song – and what it was like to hit the mall with the mega-star – in his upcoming memoir, Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me, on sale June 28, reprinted here with permission from SmileyBooks.

R. Kelly's new book, Soulacoaster

The day finally came. I got to the studio two hours early. I ordered my favorite Chinese food. I was sure to include some vegetarian dishes for Michael. I was so nervous that I started practicing in front of the food just how I would introduce Michael. Would I say, "Mike, would you like some Chinese food?" Or, "Mike, want some of this, man?" Or maybe it'd be better to say, "If you're in the mood for some Chinese food, Michael, you're welcome to it."

Thirty minutes and several phone calls from Jackson's people later, the legendary singer arrives.

He looked at least eight feet tall. He looked like an avatar. He was wearing a black mask over his face. Only his eyes were showing.

Finally, Mike walked over to me. He looked in my eyes, opened his arms, and gave me the hug of my life, whispering to me in his lighter-than-air, soft, high voice. "The world's gonna be singing this song."

I blurted out something silly like, "Congratulations on everything you've done, Mike. Congratulations on being Michael Jackson."

Just about then, Bubbles the chimp pranced into the room. In my mind, I called Bubbles "Trouble." The chimp made me nervous.

"He's friendly, isn't he, Mike?"

"Oh, yes, he's not going to hurt you."

"Anyway," I said, "I'm just glad you like the song."

"I don't like it, Rob. I love it. I don't want to change one thing. I want to sing it just the way you wrote it. You captured me beautifully. That's the reason I came here. We can get started just as soon as I do my vocal warm-ups."

"If you excuse me for a minute," I said, "I'll be right back."

I walked to the bathroom and just fell out on the floor. I broke down and cried. It wasn't that Michael Jackson was singing my song; it was that Michael had felt how I'd caught his spirit. Michael Jackson had come to Chicago to work with me!

"Rob," he said in that high, sing-song voice, "would you mind coming in here and singing backgrounds with me?"

Mind? Are you kidding? Michael Jackson was asking me to sing with him!

I had to practically stop myself from running to the vocal booth. I paced myself so I could walk slowly, but in my heart I felt like a little girl.

When we started to sing, the blend was perfect. We were butter and toast. He did that some rocking motion I'd seen him do on "We Are the World." Sitting there next to me – my voice over his, his voice over mine – I tasted heaven. Heaven on earth. Brother, this is as good as it gets.

"You know, Rob," he said later that afternoon, "sometimes it can take me a month to get a song where I want it."

"Me, too, Mike," I agreed. "Sometimes it takes me more than a month."

"I'm glad you understand. You'll be patient with me, won't you?"

"I'll be whatever you want me to be, Mike. It's still like a dream for me."

Then, the King of Pop made an unexpected request

"Can I ask you something else?"

"Sure."

"Is there a mall around here, Rob?"

"Just a couple of blocks away."

"Would you go there with me? I love malls."

"I love 'em too, Mike. Let's roll."

With Bubbles and the security team in place, we went to Water Tower Place, one of the nicest malls in Chicago. Michael headed straight for the Disney store where he was fascinated by a larger-than-life statue of Donald Duck hung above the entrance.

"That's beautiful," said Michael. "Do you think they'd sell it to me? I'd love to have Donald Duck for Neverland."

"Couldn't hurt to ask," I said.

Of course Michael Jackson walking into the Disney store caused a near-riot. When the manager appeared, Michael couldn't have been sweeter: "Is there any way I could buy that Donald Duck?" he asked.

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Jackson. It's permanently built into the front of the store."

"Oh, that's a shame," Michael said politely. "But thank you anyway, sir."

I'd never met anyone with better manners.

The pair worked on perfecting the song over the next three weeks and spent time chatting together in the studio.

The experience of working with Mike was drama-free. Every night after he left the studio and got in his van, people were hanging out the windows of office buildings and hotels, stretching their necks to get a glimpse of him. He'd always stop and wave.

When the job was done and it was time for him to leave Chicago, he gave me another hug and said, "You're my brother."

I was too choked up to say anything.

When "You Are Not Alone" dropped as the second single off Mike's Historyalbum, it made the Guinness World Records book as the first song to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. It was #1 in the U.K. as well as in France, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and Japan. Mike was right. They were singing it all over the world."

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. News of his death was like a hatchet to my chest. He meant to me what breathing means to most people. He was not only my brother and friend, he was also my mentor. I am honored and blessed to have been in Michael's presence. I got to know him like most of the world never will – on a person-to-person, soul-to-soul level.

Watch R. Kelly recount his time with Michael Jackson – and do a spot-on impersonation of the King of Pop – here: http://www.people.com/peo...56,00.html

As much as R. Kelly sometimes irks me, I love what he had to say about Michael in the book.

Timmy84 said:

HAPPYPERSON said:

[img:$uid]http://cdn.thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/michael-jackson-2012-e1340556942570.jpg[/img:$uid]

Today marks three years since the passing onto eternity of the late, great King of Pop Michael Jackson.

Ever tragic, in that his demise at age 50 was entirely premature, there’s also a certain sweetness to be sourced from the fact that his impact remains inescapable. Think about it: be it in a commercial, video game, blasting from a car, playing in a store, or even a reference from your favourite artist – the music of Michael Jackson is still a feature of our everyday lives. Literally.

Much ado is made about the words “icon” and “legend” – both of which are used these days with careless “flimsy”. Yet, one needn’t rely on the propaganda of PR spin to know what those words represent. For, put simply, Michael Jackson is the blueprint.

Longtime readers will know that it was Michael’s musicality, vision, and precision that birthed my love for music; and ultimately my desire to share that with the masses via the creation of That Grape Juice five years ago. As such, like millions the world over, MJ occupies a special place in my life personally.

And while classics such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Black or White’, and ‘Bad’ are etched in mass consciousness, it’s the lyrics from ‘Unbreakable’ – the opener on Jackson’s 2001 opus ‘Invincible’ – which resonate the most for yours truly:

“You can’t believe it, you can’t conceive it
and you can’t touch me, ’cause I’m untouchable
and I know you hate it, and you can’t take it
You’ll never break me, ’cause I’m unbreakable “

While, in life, an emphatic response to his many critics, the song’s lyrics carry with them a potent new meaning now that he is no longer with us: love it or loathe it, the legacy of Michael Jackson is insurmountable. Indeed, unbreakable.

With that, there is little else to say than: Michael Joseph Jackson, we salute you. We thank you. As generations to come will learn, greatness lives beyond the body.

http://thatgrapejuice.net...on3-years/

I had to take my son to UNT for orientation this afternoon-He's a freshman and Im so proud of him. On the drive to Denton TX they had a show on 94.5 remembering Mike. They played alot of his hits. When they played Gone Too Soon it made me teary eyed. MJ's songs kept us company all the way to the college and on my way home it was just me and Mike riding I35. I miss him

silverchild said:

R.I.P. Michael...those three years went swiftly! I'm celebratin' hard today though...Damn.

This is beautiful

r uo

silverchild said:

R.I.P. Michael...those three years went swiftly! I'm celebratin' hard today though...Damn.

Silver you have a beautiful collection! This put a smile on my face

nursev said:

silverchild said:

R.I.P. Michael...those three years went swiftly! I'm celebratin' hard today though...Damn.

This is beautiful

Thanks so much!

Michael Joseph Jackson... where is there to begin? We were blessed to have such a talent grace this earth and in the same body exposed to a kind gentle spirit as you. Michael you will forever be missed greatly and loved by many. There will never be another like you.... I LOVE you so much Michael.

R.I.P. my king..

@ Silver/Ur welcome

When they played an interview of Mike as a child it was so sweet. Hope he's somewhere singing in a heavenly choir

mjscarousal said:

r uo

silverchild said:

R.I.P. Michael...those three years went swiftly! I'm celebratin' hard today though...Damn.

Silver you have a beautiful collection! This put a smile on my face

Thanks so much mjcarousal!

^That's quite a collection you have there silverchild, very nice!

Barack Obama owes his presidency to Michael Jackson, says late singer's brother Jermaine

Barack Obama would not have made it to The White House had it not been for Michael Jackson, according to an emotional testimony from the late singer’s brother.

http://www.independent.co...80420.html

NaughtyKitty said:

^That's quite a collection you have there silverchild, very nice!

Barack Obama owes his presidency to Michael Jackson, says late singer's brother Jermaine

Barack Obama would not have made it to The White House had it not been for Michael Jackson, according to an emotional testimony from the late singer’s brother.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the third anniversary of his brother’s death today, Jermaine Jackson expressed his deep-seated disappointment at how his brother has been commemorated in America since his death in 2009. "I think America has let Michael down. If he was from any other country they would have erected permanent tributes to him for what he's done for music."

Instead, he said, the Jackson family remain locked in grief and still seeking closure on what really happened during Michael Jackson's final hours. The singer died in a rented estate in California where he was preparing for a comeback tour. "The family still need to know who else came into the house that night. In time we might get answers but there will never be closure."

Jermaine Jackson is currently on a US tour with his three brothers, the first since the 1984 Victory Tour. Speaking from a rehearsal in Burbank in California, he argued that it was brother that had paved the way for America's first black president. Citing Michael Jackson’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993; in which the singer conceded to suffering from Vitiligo, he claimed the admission had the combined effect of reiterating Jackson's Afro-American heritage while propelling Winfrey to fame.

Winfrey's backing of Obama in the 2007 primaries is cited by some as the moment that secured his nomination as leader of the Democrats. "Michael invited her [to Neverland] and that was the moment that put her in 90 countries around the world and made her successful. What did she do with that success? She put it behind Obama."

Michael Jackson's mother is pursuing a wrongful death suit against AEG Live, the promoter of the series of concerts that were supposed to mark Jackson's comeback before he died of a propanol overdose administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray. Earlier this year Murray was jailed for four years on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Michael Jackson spent a life surrounded by rumour and speculation. The latest edition of Jermaine Jackson’s book attacks British tabloids and blames The Sun for coining the "Wacko Jacko" nickname that was to dog the singer for years: "The bully mentality of the British tabloids was particularly upsetting because it had the effect of denying Michael's humanity, making him a simple caricature to poke fun at."

When informed of the Leveson Enquiry and the latest scandals to beset The Sun, Mr Jackson said: "I'm glad that the British press are starting to be aware of the effect of the things they did. It seems as though everyone is beginning to understand the reality of things and the truth is coming out. The question is why didn't they understand him while he was here?"

At the time of his death, Michael Jackson was at a turning point in his life. In massive debt and with a reputation damaged despite being cleared of allegations of child abuse, he was preparing to undertake a gruelling comeback tour at the age of 50. The concerts could have proven the start of a career rebirth, with talk of a world tour, new albums and feature-length movies.

Yesterday his brother added: "No one knew Michael like we did. He wasn't weird or strange he was just different. And it is only since his death that people are finally beginning to truly understand him."

http://www.independent.co...80420.html

Thanks Kitty and great article you've dug up! Obama, whether one believes it, owes a major debt to Black crossover of the 1980s and Michael Jackson. It's even more tragic that MJ passed the same year we finally had a Black man in the White House. Shows you how creepy all of this was. I would even be remiss to say that MJ's passing had many, including myself, look pass the glory that was Obama's rise to becoming a President.

GoldDolphin said:

I always thought this was one of the best Michael documentaries that came out in 09.

I hate seeing Randy Tarraborelli in every documentary on Mike. He's always just

Anybody seen the Cirque Immortal World Tour? It's in Dallas tomorrow and Im wondering how good it is?

NaughtyKitty said:

^That's quite a collection you have there silverchild, very nice!

Barack Obama owes his presidency to Michael Jackson, says late singer's brother Jermaine

Barack Obama would not have made it to The White House had it not been for Michael Jackson, according to an emotional testimony from the late singer’s brother.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the third anniversary of his brother’s death today, Jermaine Jackson expressed his deep-seated disappointment at how his brother has been commemorated in America since his death in 2009. "I think America has let Michael down. If he was from any other country they would have erected permanent tributes to him for what he's done for music."

Instead, he said, the Jackson family remain locked in grief and still seeking closure on what really happened during Michael Jackson's final hours. The singer died in a rented estate in California where he was preparing for a comeback tour. "The family still need to know who else came into the house that night. In time we might get answers but there will never be closure."

Jermaine Jackson is currently on a US tour with his three brothers, the first since the 1984 Victory Tour. Speaking from a rehearsal in Burbank in California, he argued that it was brother that had paved the way for America's first black president. Citing Michael Jackson’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993; in which the singer conceded to suffering from Vitiligo, he claimed the admission had the combined effect of reiterating Jackson's Afro-American heritage while propelling Winfrey to fame.

Winfrey's backing of Obama in the 2007 primaries is cited by some as the moment that secured his nomination as leader of the Democrats. "Michael invited her [to Neverland] and that was the moment that put her in 90 countries around the world and made her successful. What did she do with that success? She put it behind Obama."

Michael Jackson's mother is pursuing a wrongful death suit against AEG Live, the promoter of the series of concerts that were supposed to mark Jackson's comeback before he died of a propanol overdose administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray. Earlier this year Murray was jailed for four years on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Michael Jackson spent a life surrounded by rumour and speculation. The latest edition of Jermaine Jackson’s book attacks British tabloids and blames The Sun for coining the "Wacko Jacko" nickname that was to dog the singer for years: "The bully mentality of the British tabloids was particularly upsetting because it had the effect of denying Michael's humanity, making him a simple caricature to poke fun at."

When informed of the Leveson Enquiry and the latest scandals to beset The Sun, Mr Jackson said: "I'm glad that the British press are starting to be aware of the effect of the things they did. It seems as though everyone is beginning to understand the reality of things and the truth is coming out. The question is why didn't they understand him while he was here?"

At the time of his death, Michael Jackson was at a turning point in his life. In massive debt and with a reputation damaged despite being cleared of allegations of child abuse, he was preparing to undertake a gruelling comeback tour at the age of 50. The concerts could have proven the start of a career rebirth, with talk of a world tour, new albums and feature-length movies.

Yesterday his brother added: "No one knew Michael like we did. He wasn't weird or strange he was just different. And it is only since his death that people are finally beginning to truly understand him."

http://www.independent.co...80420.html

Very good article and true but nobody will say this.... Michael Jackson was the first major international African American that crossed over before Oprah and Obama.

mjscarousal said:

NaughtyKitty said:

^That's quite a collection you have there silverchild, very nice!

Barack Obama owes his presidency to Michael Jackson, says late singer's brother Jermaine

Barack Obama would not have made it to The White House had it not been for Michael Jackson, according to an emotional testimony from the late singer’s brother.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the third anniversary of his brother’s death today, Jermaine Jackson expressed his deep-seated disappointment at how his brother has been commemorated in America since his death in 2009. "I think America has let Michael down. If he was from any other country they would have erected permanent tributes to him for what he's done for music."

Instead, he said, the Jackson family remain locked in grief and still seeking closure on what really happened during Michael Jackson's final hours. The singer died in a rented estate in California where he was preparing for a comeback tour. "The family still need to know who else came into the house that night. In time we might get answers but there will never be closure."

Jermaine Jackson is currently on a US tour with his three brothers, the first since the 1984 Victory Tour. Speaking from a rehearsal in Burbank in California, he argued that it was brother that had paved the way for America's first black president. Citing Michael Jackson’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993; in which the singer conceded to suffering from Vitiligo, he claimed the admission had the combined effect of reiterating Jackson's Afro-American heritage while propelling Winfrey to fame.

Winfrey's backing of Obama in the 2007 primaries is cited by some as the moment that secured his nomination as leader of the Democrats. "Michael invited her [to Neverland] and that was the moment that put her in 90 countries around the world and made her successful. What did she do with that success? She put it behind Obama."

Michael Jackson's mother is pursuing a wrongful death suit against AEG Live, the promoter of the series of concerts that were supposed to mark Jackson's comeback before he died of a propanol overdose administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray. Earlier this year Murray was jailed for four years on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Michael Jackson spent a life surrounded by rumour and speculation. The latest edition of Jermaine Jackson’s book attacks British tabloids and blames The Sun for coining the "Wacko Jacko" nickname that was to dog the singer for years: "The bully mentality of the British tabloids was particularly upsetting because it had the effect of denying Michael's humanity, making him a simple caricature to poke fun at."

When informed of the Leveson Enquiry and the latest scandals to beset The Sun, Mr Jackson said: "I'm glad that the British press are starting to be aware of the effect of the things they did. It seems as though everyone is beginning to understand the reality of things and the truth is coming out. The question is why didn't they understand him while he was here?"

At the time of his death, Michael Jackson was at a turning point in his life. In massive debt and with a reputation damaged despite being cleared of allegations of child abuse, he was preparing to undertake a gruelling comeback tour at the age of 50. The concerts could have proven the start of a career rebirth, with talk of a world tour, new albums and feature-length movies.

Yesterday his brother added: "No one knew Michael like we did. He wasn't weird or strange he was just different. And it is only since his death that people are finally beginning to truly understand him."

http://www.independent.co...80420.html

Very good article and true but nobody will say this.... Michael Jackson was the first major international African American that crossed over before Oprah and Obama.

Even though Jermaine's statement is a bit off-centered, I can't argue with him in the slightest view. The Black crossover movement of the 1980s plays a big part in everything that has happened as of recent, including Obama's presidency.

dag said:

GoldDolphin said:

I always thought this was one of the best Michael documentaries that came out in 09.

I hate seeing Randy Tarraborelli in every documentary on Mike. He's always just

Yes me too, he's so disgusting. He used to say so many negative things prior to Michaels death and now he's all "I knew Michael and bla bla bla".... What I liked in that documentary is the black aspect of Michaels music, which people seem to ignore. Black musicians were discriminated for the longest yet they were the ones that shaped music and so that's the aspect I like, but I hate the tabloid part and like always they stop in the 80s and make it seem as if he didnt create music in the 90s and 00s. lol...

NaughtyKitty said:

Timmy84 said:

Bruce Swedien don't even know what he's talking about anymore. He's got the same case of Oldtimer's as Quincy.

Wow, that's too bad

Will.i.am talking about how Michael encouraged him to get on a horse and pick apples in Ireland.

hmm... That story sounds so FAKE lol, but who knows... Perhaps he was trying to make fun of him, we all know Mike was a prankster...

NaughtyKitty said:

^That's quite a collection you have there silverchild, very nice!

Barack Obama owes his presidency to Michael Jackson, says late singer's brother Jermaine

Barack Obama would not have made it to The White House had it not been for Michael Jackson, according to an emotional testimony from the late singer’s brother.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the third anniversary of his brother’s death today, Jermaine Jackson expressed his deep-seated disappointment at how his brother has been commemorated in America since his death in 2009. "I think America has let Michael down. If he was from any other country they would have erected permanent tributes to him for what he's done for music."

Instead, he said, the Jackson family remain locked in grief and still seeking closure on what really happened during Michael Jackson's final hours. The singer died in a rented estate in California where he was preparing for a comeback tour. "The family still need to know who else came into the house that night. In time we might get answers but there will never be closure."

Jermaine Jackson is currently on a US tour with his three brothers, the first since the 1984 Victory Tour. Speaking from a rehearsal in Burbank in California, he argued that it was brother that had paved the way for America's first black president. Citing Michael Jackson’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993; in which the singer conceded to suffering from Vitiligo, he claimed the admission had the combined effect of reiterating Jackson's Afro-American heritage while propelling Winfrey to fame.

Winfrey's backing of Obama in the 2007 primaries is cited by some as the moment that secured his nomination as leader of the Democrats. "Michael invited her [to Neverland] and that was the moment that put her in 90 countries around the world and made her successful. What did she do with that success? She put it behind Obama."

Michael Jackson's mother is pursuing a wrongful death suit against AEG Live, the promoter of the series of concerts that were supposed to mark Jackson's comeback before he died of a propanol overdose administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray. Earlier this year Murray was jailed for four years on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Michael Jackson spent a life surrounded by rumour and speculation. The latest edition of Jermaine Jackson’s book attacks British tabloids and blames The Sun for coining the "Wacko Jacko" nickname that was to dog the singer for years: "The bully mentality of the British tabloids was particularly upsetting because it had the effect of denying Michael's humanity, making him a simple caricature to poke fun at."

When informed of the Leveson Enquiry and the latest scandals to beset The Sun, Mr Jackson said: "I'm glad that the British press are starting to be aware of the effect of the things they did. It seems as though everyone is beginning to understand the reality of things and the truth is coming out. The question is why didn't they understand him while he was here?"

At the time of his death, Michael Jackson was at a turning point in his life. In massive debt and with a reputation damaged despite being cleared of allegations of child abuse, he was preparing to undertake a gruelling comeback tour at the age of 50. The concerts could have proven the start of a career rebirth, with talk of a world tour, new albums and feature-length movies.

Yesterday his brother added: "No one knew Michael like we did. He wasn't weird or strange he was just different. And it is only since his death that people are finally beginning to truly understand him."

http://www.independent.co...80420.html

What he says is true, but I just wish the family was consistent when it comes to MJ's image and legacy. Jermaine says this, but the family themselves will turn right around and kiss right up to these same people they say did MJ so wrong (ex. UK tabloids, Aaron Carter, etc.) or they will turn around and do business deals with the most slimeist people who could give a rat's ass about MJ's legacy.

From CNN-I thought it was a nice pic of Mike.

[img:$uid]http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9607/120625035036mj1horizont.jpg[/img:$uid]

nursev said:

From CNN-I thought it was a nice pic of Mike.

[img:$uid]http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9607/120625035036mj1horizont.jpg[/img:$uid]

The gloved one.

Michael Jackson Still The King Of Pop Three Years After Death

MJ's continued influence on pop culture has proved that the King of Pop will forever remain in the hearts of music fans.

Music fans the world over can mark June 25, 2009 as one of those eerie days that force them to recall exactly what they were doing in the moments before they heard tragic news. Michael Jackson died that day, at the age of 50, and the world was not ready to see him go.

No entertainer could ever fill the void that MJ left behind, but his memory has not faded in the three years that he's been gone. In the past 12 months alone, we've seen Jackson-inspired productions, heard narratives from celebrities who continually cite him as a key influence, and this summer his face will be plastered on Pepsi cans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his classic album Bad. Keep reading to see a few examples from the past year that prove that Jackson has remained forever in the heart of pop culture.

Conrad Murray manslaughter trial

The public and very messy manslaughter trial for Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray began in late September, and it was an excruciating and drawn-out ordeal for fans who were hoping to find closure after the star's death. After a painstaking six-week trial, which included testimony from 49 witnesses, a jury delivered a guilty verdict on involuntary manslaughter charges for Murray on November 7, and the world let out a collective sigh of relief.

Watch the Throne shout-out

The guilty verdict in Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial was handed down just hours before Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne tourhit Madison Square Garden in New York, and it was clear that the hip-hop Titans were paying attention, just like everyone else. While spitting his lines on the WTT's "Welcome to the Jungle," Jay threw extra emphasis on the line, "Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5," which drew applause from the crowd.

Cirque Du Soleil launches Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour

After a few preliminary shows in Canada, in October Cirque Du Soleil launched Michael Jackson: The Immo...World Tour in the U.S., dedicating a two-hour production entirely to the fallen legend. The mind-blowing mashup of dance and acrobatics, set to MJ's music, was an immediate hit, and the 65 artists who trained intensely for their performances did not take their responsibilities lightly. When MTV News caught up with one of the dancers backstage, following a performance set to "Danger," he admitted that the entire production was deeply emotional, and that if MJ could see the show, "he would feel such a sense of pride of what he has given us to work with."

Jackson tops fans' hologram wish list

Tupac's hologram appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April set off a firestorm of speculation about which deceased entertainer we could expect to see onstage next. Not surprisingly, MJ was on the tip of many a fan's tongue. LMFAO's Redfoo put MJ's name at the top of his hologram wish list, while a quick poll of fans in the Times Square area found that the masses wholeheartedly agreed."It's a really cliché answer, but in my time I've never seen [Michael Jackson] and it would just be something awesome to watch," one fan told MTV News.

Justin Bieber's "Die in Your Arms" single inspired by MJ

Justin Bieber stopped by MTV's Times Square studio on June 19 for his "Bieber Live" special, during which the 18-year-old superstar performed one of his new singles "Die in Your Arms," and explained that the track was inspired by old MJ footage he viewed during a session with producer Rodney Jerkins. "Before I got in the booth, [Rodney Jerkins] showed me this hour-long video of Michael [Jackson] footage, never been seen before. It's Michael's personality, him in the booth dancing. It's some really special stuff," Bieber recalled. "So me seeing that, going in there and being inspired and working with Rodney, who worked with Michael — it was incredible."

Pepsi 'Live For Now' Campaign

In 1984 Michael Jackson first linked up with Pepsi for a $5 million marketing campaign, and 28 years later the soda giant is teaming up with the Jackson estate to commemorate the 25th anniversary edition of his classic album Bad. The "Live for Now" campaign will find the icon's face plastered on special, limited-edition Pepsi cans this summer. The cans will include special download codes treating fans to Bad remixes.

Rick Ross shouts out MJ on Self Made Vol. 2

From Bieber to Rick Ross, no artist has escaped the influence of Michael Jackson. The Maybach Music Group CEO is unveiling his latest compilation album Self Made Vol. 2 on Tuesday, just one day after the anniversary of Jackson's death, and that fact didn't escape him. Ross begins the LP's intro by telling fans, "If Michael Jackson came alive right now, he'd ask you to smoke one for him. So in his honor [lights up]."

Jackson Brothers launch Unity Tour

Five days before the June 25 anniversary of MJ's death, his four brothers — Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon — launched their Unity Tour. The Jackson brothers revealed that a joint tour has been in the making for years, but admitted that they needed time to heal after losing the most famous member of the Jackson 5. Following Michael's death, all four brothers were featured on the A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," which found them coping with their loss. In April it was rumored that an MJ hologram would make an appearance on the jaunt, but there's been no confirmation that the early reports were true.

http://www.mtv.com/news/a...eath.jhtml

Timmy84 said:

nursev said:

From CNN-I thought it was a nice pic of Mike.

[img:$uid]http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9607/120625035036mj1horizont.jpg[/img:$uid]

The gloved one.

Ah, Mike.

NaughtyKitty said:

Michael Jackson Still The King Of Pop Three Years After Death

MJ's continued influence on pop culture has proved that the King of Pop will forever remain in the hearts of music fans.

Music fans the world over can mark June 25, 2009 as one of those eerie days that force them to recall exactly what they were doing in the moments before they heard tragic news. Michael Jackson died that day, at the age of 50, and the world was not ready to see him go.

No entertainer could ever fill the void that MJ left behind, but his memory has not faded in the three years that he's been gone. In the past 12 months alone, we've seen Jackson-inspired productions, heard narratives from celebrities who continually cite him as a key influence, and this summer his face will be plastered on Pepsi cans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his classic album Bad. Keep reading to see a few examples from the past year that prove that Jackson has remained forever in the heart of pop culture.

Conrad Murray manslaughter trial

The public and very messy manslaughter trial for Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray began in late September, and it was an excruciating and drawn-out ordeal for fans who were hoping to find closure after the star's death. After a painstaking six-week trial, which included testimony from 49 witnesses, a jury delivered a guilty verdict on involuntary manslaughter charges for Murray on November 7, and the world let out a collective sigh of relief.

Watch the Throne shout-out

The guilty verdict in Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial was handed down just hours before Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne tourhit Madison Square Garden in New York, and it was clear that the hip-hop Titans were paying attention, just like everyone else. While spitting his lines on the WTT's "Welcome to the Jungle," Jay threw extra emphasis on the line, "Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5," which drew applause from the crowd.

Cirque Du Soleil launches Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour

After a few preliminary shows in Canada, in October Cirque Du Soleil launched Michael Jackson: The Immo...World Tour in the U.S., dedicating a two-hour production entirely to the fallen legend. The mind-blowing mashup of dance and acrobatics, set to MJ's music, was an immediate hit, and the 65 artists who trained intensely for their performances did not take their responsibilities lightly. When MTV News caught up with one of the dancers backstage, following a performance set to "Danger," he admitted that the entire production was deeply emotional, and that if MJ could see the show, "he would feel such a sense of pride of what he has given us to work with."

Jackson tops fans' hologram wish list

Tupac's hologram appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April set off a firestorm of speculation about which deceased entertainer we could expect to see onstage next. Not surprisingly, MJ was on the tip of many a fan's tongue. LMFAO's Redfoo put MJ's name at the top of his hologram wish list, while a quick poll of fans in the Times Square area found that the masses wholeheartedly agreed."It's a really cliché answer, but in my time I've never seen [Michael Jackson] and it would just be something awesome to watch," one fan told MTV News.

Justin Bieber's "Die in Your Arms" single inspired by MJ

Justin Bieber stopped by MTV's Times Square studio on June 19 for his "Bieber Live" special, during which the 18-year-old superstar performed one of his new singles "Die in Your Arms," and explained that the track was inspired by old MJ footage he viewed during a session with producer Rodney Jerkins. "Before I got in the booth, [Rodney Jerkins] showed me this hour-long video of Michael [Jackson] footage, never been seen before. It's Michael's personality, him in the booth dancing. It's some really special stuff," Bieber recalled. "So me seeing that, going in there and being inspired and working with Rodney, who worked with Michael — it was incredible."

Pepsi 'Live For Now' Campaign

In 1984 Michael Jackson first linked up with Pepsi for a $5 million marketing campaign, and 28 years later the soda giant is teaming up with the Jackson estate to commemorate the 25th anniversary edition of his classic album Bad. The "Live for Now" campaign will find the icon's face plastered on special, limited-edition Pepsi cans this summer. The cans will include special download codes treating fans to Bad remixes.

Rick Ross shouts out MJ on Self Made Vol. 2

From Bieber to Rick Ross, no artist has escaped the influence of Michael Jackson. The Maybach Music Group CEO is unveiling his latest compilation album Self Made Vol. 2 on Tuesday, just one day after the anniversary of Jackson's death, and that fact didn't escape him. Ross begins the LP's intro by telling fans, "If Michael Jackson came alive right now, he'd ask you to smoke one for him. So in his honor [lights up]."

Jackson Brothers launch Unity Tour

Five days before the June 25 anniversary of MJ's death, his four brothers — Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon — launched their Unity Tour. The Jackson brothers revealed that a joint tour has been in the making for years, but admitted that they needed time to heal after losing the most famous member of the Jackson 5. Following Michael's death, all four brothers were featured on the A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," which found them coping with their loss. In April it was rumored that an MJ hologram would make an appearance on the jaunt, but there's been no confirmation that the early reports were true.

http://www.mtv.com/news/a...eath.jhtml

Yep. Michaels influence is everywhere, the hiphop culture has always embraced him. Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West have all referenced to him before 09, so they're not like Lil Wayne bandwagon fans. Just wanted to say that lol. I'm jealous of Justin Bieber now ( I thought I'd never say that) but I want to see that footage...

[Blacked out]

Why did you take away your love, the same love that made me unable to speak and made me forget my worries, the love that saved me? Tell me, did I come to [sic] short? Wasn’t I enough? Have I done or said something wrong? I believe in miracles and [blocked] angels. I know you escaped through heaven’s gates to brighten the [blocked]. I believe in FAITH, deep inside I feel that nature has banded us.

I have seen nothing but misery in my life until [blocked] all these years, I have been seeking to give while I only desire now to receive from you. Your heart commanded me to follow while my soul was hurt and my mind CONFUSED.

I allowed you to take possession of my feelings. In return, I loved, obeyed and honored you beyond words.

I revealed myself to you in ways from which I thought they were impossible.

I saw and still see you as my soulmate, as my wife and as the mother of my fourth child.

Then what is your reason for leaving?

Why did you go away, silently in the middle of the night without me, the slave of your heart?

I cannot conceive it possible.

I know we are meant to be, I can feel it. Still I have no regrets for what happened between us, [blacked out]. I can only come to the conclusion that you have made an unnatural decision that was not supported by your heart, nor were these your words. It is my will to believe that other matters have caused you to run away like this.

But whatever the reason maybe, I will not let it divide us. I prefer myself to believe that our parting is only temporary.

Let me strive for another outcome.

[blacked out]

For ever yours,

[blacked out]

Call me [blacked out]

...

I'd never read this before and it's kinda sad this relationship didn't work out (it took place after 03-05) it's so private though. Going through heartbreak is always sad.

silverchild said:

R.I.P. Michael...those three years went swiftly! I'm celebratin' hard today though...Damn.

Super Cool!