In recent interview, Pharrell Williams talked about the passing of Michael Jackson. What many people may not know that Williams and fellow Neptune Chad Hugo submitted songs to Michael Jackson earlier in the decade.
Unfortunately, MJ's management passed on the songs and they found their way to Jackson proteges Justin Timberlake and Usher.
These songs include:
Usher - 8721 (2001) - U Don’t Have To Call - I Don’t Know
Justin Timberlake - Justified (2002) - Senorita - Take It From Here - Let’s Take A Ride - Last Night - Nothin’ Else
Justin Timberlake - Justified (Studio Session) (2002) Usher - What’s A Guy Gotta Do
A tribute performed by 1,500 CPDRC Inmates on June 27, 2009 in memory of Michael Jackson. Completed in 10 hours after receiving word that the King of Pop passed away.
I'm not a big fan of Tyler Perry's Madea movies, but if I had to see a movie with men dressed up as women, you can't get anybody than Jamie Foxx as Wanda and Martin Lawrence as Sheneheh in "Skank Robbers".
Trying to list ten underrated Michael Jackson songs is as bad as listing your favorite “King of Pop” tunes; but that's what makes this list so much fun. This list might differ greatly from another Michael Jackson fan, but at the end of day, it's all good music.
1.) Show You The Way To Go-The Jacksons
Right after The Jacksons left Motown without Jermaine (who was married to Berry Gordy's daughter at the time), they were searching for new fresh sound that would please their fans, but push them musically.
Enter Philly International's Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who produced two albums for The Jacksons. “Show You The Way To Go” with its classic Philly Soul sweeping strings and infectious horns, could easily be confused for a House music song in 2009 (right down to the house-like vocals by Jackson at the end of the song). At this point of his musical growth, a more mature sounding Michael Jackson was starting to flex his muscle in the studio, which would be precursor to great things to come.
2.) Get on The Floor- Michael Jackson (Off The Wall)
On this joyous post-disco track, Michael Jackson tells a young lady “I love the way you shake that thang.” This funky, but too often forgotten track from could have easily been another hit single from “Off The Wall”, but after Jackson didn't receive the Grammy for Album of the Year, he was determined to make the greatest album of all-time.
3.) Never Can Say Goodbye-Jackson 5
Wait, how can one of the Jackson 5's signature end up on the list? Easy, people forget how rich Michael Jackson's vocals were was at 12 years old. Usually a kid singing adult lyrics would come across sounding childish, but Michael Jackson's vocals were so mature, it was scary. Sadly, a 12 year old Michael Jackson is still vocally stronger than The Dream, Jemimah (“Birthday Sex”) T-Pain, Akon or any other vocally challenged, auto-tune loving R&B “stars” of today.
4.) All I Do is Think Of You—The Jackson 5 In the early 90s, the R&B group Troop had major R&B hit with “All I Do is Think of You”. Very few knew that track was actually a carbon-copy remake of one of the Jackson 5's last hit songs for Motown. While the members of Troop effectively traded off vocals on their version, the original was all MJ, where he was transitioning from a cute kid with a big voice to a young man with yet untapped talent.
5.) You Can't Win-Michel Jackson (The Wiz)
“The Wiz” was a so-so remake of the “Wizard of Oz, but when he made “You Can't Win”, it was the first time the teenage Jackson teamed up with Quincy Jones. The pairing would change the pop music landscape forever as the duo went on to make “Off The Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad”.
Much like Martin Scorsese to Robert Deniro, Quincy Jones was not only Jackson's musical director, but also the most important mentor in Michael Jackson's life since his father Joe and Motown CEO Berry Gordy, (years later, MJ's baby sister Janet would follow the same successful formula, pairing up with producers Jimmy “Jam” Harris & Terry Lewis and creating more hits than the Jackson/Jones connection).
6.) I Can't Help Myself--Michael Jackson (Off The Wall)
Another gem from “Off The Wall”, the swirling jazzy feel of “I Can't Help Myself” wasn't released as single, but became a favorite sample for rappers in 90s like De La Soul, who used the track for the hit song “Breakadawn”.
7.) Heaven Can Wait-Michael Jackson (Invincible) “Invincible” was the album that pop radio turned their back on. Embracing his R&B roots, Jackson worked with young producers and songwriters like Rodney Jerkins (“Rock My World”) Andre Harris & Vidal Davis (“Butterflies”) as well as Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius and made an eclectic album mixed with neo-soul and new R&B.
Many “critics called “Invincible” a flop, but in fact the album is still a favorite of old school R&B radio stations. The melodic “Heaven Can Wait”was a great example on how Michale Jackson didn't sing songs, he used his voice as an instrument, twisting and bending it to soothe and excite listeners ear.
8.Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming—Jermaine Jackson and Michael Jackson
By the mid 80s, Michael Jackson was Frank Sinatra. Michael Jackson was Elvis. Michael Jackson was The Beatles. A performer who was not only the best musical performer around, but a Jesus-like pop culture figure.
On this breezy track, MJ trades vocals with his older brother Jermaine with greater zeal than awkward “Torture” on the “Victory” album Although Jackson's appearance on Rockwell's “Somebody's Watching Me” might be more more familiar to music fans, this lost track is reminder how good the Jackson brothers sounded together before “Thriller”.
9.Lady in My Life—Michael Jackson (Thriller)
An R&B staple for slow jams, “Lady in Life” along with “Baby Be Mine”, could have given nine for nine in top ten hits from “Thriller”.
While Prince made more slow jams with greater effect in the 80s, Jackson's soulful yearning in “Lady in My Life” made the the listener feel as if a mic was placed in the bedroom of Tatum O'Neal, Brooke Sheilds or any other young woman connected to Micahel Jackson during that time; only Marvin Gaye could have pulled off such a feat in the 1980s.
10. Can't Let her Get Away—Michael Jackson (Dangerous)
Just when critics were about to write Michael Jackson off, he reinvested himself with a little “New Jack Swing”. Pairing with super-producer Teddy Riley (Guy, Blackstreet), Jackson found his most successful successful pairing since Quincy Jones on The Wiz.
Jackson's “Dangerous” is a bevy of hits including “Remember The Time”, “Jam “and “In The Closet”. The Bobby Brown feel of “Can't Let Her Get Away”, reaffirmed that Jackson was more than just a singer, but a musician who at that time knew what was a hit and what was not; very much like his former mentor Berry Gordy.
Bonus :
State of Shock-Michael Jackson w/ Freddy Mercury (Victory)
Most people remember “State of Shock” with Mick Jagger, but the original actually featured Queen front man Freddy Mercury. It's unknown why, Jackson decided to go with Jagger than the charismatic Mercury who that point passed Jagger at most popular rock artist in the U.K, but both versions are still fascinating to listen to.
Triumph (Album)-The Jacksons
Post-”Off The Wall”, Michael Jackson teamed up with his brothers for one of their best albums. Almost an extension “Off The Wall”, Triumph featured the best elements of MJ's solo effort and the group's previous album, the dance heavy Destiny (which featured “Blame it On The Boogie” and “Shake Your Body”). The terrific “Triumph featured the stomping club anthem “Can You Feel It”, the playful R&B romp of “Lovely One”and the album's crown jewel “This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel)”. Unfortunately, the success of “Triumph” would be short-lived as this would be the last time MJ would join his brothers full time on wax ever again.
Say, Say, Say-Paul McCartney w/Michael Jackson
This post-Thriller track is hardly played at all on the radio nowadays, but back in the day the fun loving “Say Say Say” was a massive hit back in the day. This was of course before Mike pulled a playe move and bought The Beatles publishing catalog, after Sir Paul told young Jackson that owning publishing was a great investment.
Allegedly during the conversation, Jackson told McCartney that he was going to buy his music one day. MJ might've across as being soft, but he was just ruthless in business like his fatherJoseph and Berry Gordy.
Why-3T featuring Michael Jackson
“Why” by MJ's nephews (Tito's kids) didn't make much of an impact on the charts, but this well crafted track by LA and Babyface makes one wonder what would have happened if Jackson hooked up with dynamic after the success of the album “Dangerous”.
"To You, Michael Is An Icon; To Us, He Is Family” --Janet Jackson, May 2009
After a horrible, curse filled performance by Lil Wayne, Birdman and a cast of nobodies, Janet Jackson came out at the end of the BET Awards. At first she looked like Diana Ross, but then when the camera zoom end and showed her pained face, you knew it was Janet.
Always her brother's biggest ally and protector, the sadness in Janet's eyes told the story of sister losing her brother; Not her star brother, but her big brother:
The brother she played with as a child.
The brother she watched and learned how to be a performer.
The brother who understood the lows and highs of the being an international star.
The brother that she will never be able to play with again.
The King of Pop is may be gone, but his memories are long lasting.
My favorite memory was my countless attempts of learning the dance steps from "Beat it", then after I got that, he brought out Thriller!
However, the memory that sticks out the most is being in 5th grade. Everyday at lunchtime, the girls put their desks together and play the "Off The Wall" album over and over and over again.
By the second week I was sick of the album, but "Off The Wall" is still one one greatest albums ever made and because of those girls, I still know most of the lyrics.
BREAKING NEWS msnbc.com staff and news service reports
The Los Angeles Times reports that Michael Jackson has died at age 50 after being rushed to UCLA Medical Center.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and CPR was performed.
TMZ.com reported that he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.
The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.
His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
He lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation.
There were concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.
A life in music Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.
Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released “Thriller” in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.
The next year, he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance move while performing “Billie Jean” during an NBC special.
In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.
Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.
Check back with msnbc.com for updates on this breaking story.
LA Times: Michael Jackson hospitalized, in a coma 6/25/2009 5:13 PM By: Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- A fire department official told the Los Angeles Times that Michael Jackson has been rushed to the hospital.
Steve Ruda told the newspaper Thursday that Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m.
The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the paper.
L. Londell McMillan, a lawyer for Jackson, did not have any information. Messages left for other Jackson associates were not immediately returned.
The hospitalization was first reported by the Web site TMZ.
In 2008, The Dark Knight not only became the box office champ of the summer, but one of the biggest money making films of all-time.
This year, Star Trek seemed to be on the track of becoming the best selling film of the summer, but something odd happen as a baby, a tiger and a lost tooth looks like it might be the biggest champ of the summer (this is being written prior to the release of Transformers 2 and the latest Harry Potter flick).
The Hangover has proven to be a worthy successor to Wedding Crashers (2005). Though not as hilarious as the Vince Vaughn vehicle, the twisty tale of a lost night in Vegas is still quite entertaining.
One of the highlights is near the end of the film when the Dan Finnerty and The Dan Band performed lounge version of 50's Cent "Candy Shop", which was already was raunchy track, but the band actually made it dirtier!
Shaq Daddy is here, but excitement should be a bit tempered. This isn't the LA Lakers Shaq, but a Shaq who is little slower, but he is a big body who is very underrated as a passer.
The Cavs still need a a big guard or two and a shooting forward who can stretch the defense, but they are getting close.
So in honor of the Shaquille O'Neal joinng Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, here is a an old school tribute to the Big Aristotle during his pre-championship days.
You have to give Jamie Foxx credit, he lives every moment like it is his last.
At the recent Spike Awards Mr. Foxx presented Halle Berry with the Decade of Hotness Award. But before he handed her the award, Foxx not only took the opportunity to kiss Ms. Berry, but he also grabbed her um, ample assets.
Who knows if this on stage kiss will lead anywhere, but kudos for Foxx for taking the shot.
Recently, Howard Stern sidekick Artie Lange appeared on Joe Buck's new talk show on HBO.
Being a fan of Howard Stern, I knew Artie can be very racist and homophobic when it comes to some of his "jokes".
Now if I knew this, you would think Joe Buck or his producers would know this as well...but they acted like they didn't.
HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg said "He wasn't who we thought he was (regarding Lange) "We thought we were going to have an entertaining and kind of comical look at sports and celebrity -- but we didn't expect the guy to hijack the segment for his own personal gain."
Really?
Let's see, you put an uncensored Artie Lange on HBO and you expected what?
To hear him say how much he liked the Miley Cyrus movie?
HBO Sports knew what kind of person Artie Lange is , because some of them probably enjoy his crude jokes. If they didn''t know, someone should be fired.
The truth is, Joe Buck had no idea how to handle a guy like Lange.
Going from jocks (where most have little personality) to interviewing loose cannons like Lange is not easy. Maybe the problem really wasn't Lange for being vulgar, but Buck for not being prepared as a host.
Buying a gift for your dad on Father's Day can be tough.
Unlike moms who are happy to receive a card, a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy or a simple phone call on Mother's Day, dads are not that easy.
Some of dads have not bought any new clothes since The Backstreet Boys were hot and how many times have you bought your dad a gift for Father's Day, only to see it at the bottom of his closet or worse yet, placed in a bag for Goodwill!?!
Below are some cheap, but effective Father's Day gift ideas, so that your dad will receive something that he will enjoy and you do not have to spend a lot of money on a gift that mysteriously found its way to the garage:
* Try something he likes-You might not like fishing, going to the golf range or watching NASCAR, but it doesn't hurt try something your dad likes on Father's Day. A week or so before the big day, find out what your dad's favorite activity is and make plans. If he loves the Daytona 500, find out which sports bar or restaurant will be showing the race and make an afternoon or evening of it, (if he has some buddies who like the same thing, invite them too). Even if you don't know who Kyle Busch is, at least you can eat a good meal and spend some quality time with your dad.
Jamie Foxx stopped by The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien where he talked about his kiss with Halle Berry on the Spike Awards and the possibility of him playing Mike Tyson on the silver screen.
You know Jamie Foxx is the greatest.
His song "Blame it" was one of the hottest joints of the year and his radio show on Sirius XM is one the best things on the struggling satellite medium.
However, since winning his Academy Award for "Ray", all of Foxx's movies has tanked, including his most recent effort "The Soloist", which garnered critical raves, but bombed at the box office.
I don't know if it's that his core fans don't want him to see him grow as an actor or that he is picking the wrong scripts or maybe that he is spreading himself to thin with movies, music, satellite radio and TV (He produces "G's to Gents" on MTV), but Jamie Foxx has yet to create a great box office career like Will Smith or even a decent one like Denzil Washington.
Maybe doing an impersonation of Mike Tyson, might change his luck?
If not, he could always make Booty call 2....Ooh, on second thought.
The talented Mr. Matthews stopped by Charlie Rose (without the rest of DMB) to chat about the band's new album "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King", the loss of friend and saxophonistLeRoi Moore and listening to music legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, while growing up in South Africa.
But it doesn't matter if Sarah Palin looks like Megan Fox, unless she becomes less of "pitbull in a skirt" and more of a savvy politician, Palin will never lead the Republican party.
On Friday's Today Show, Matt Lauer asked the Alaskan Governor about her beef with late night talk show host David Letterman. The Gap toothed host, made a bad joke about her daughter Willow, whom he mistaken for her older daughter Bristol , who was pregnant during Governor's VP run.
Although I respect Palin for protecting her kid, her comments about Letterman, probably didn't gain her anymore friends in the GOP.
The sad thing about Eddie Murphy appearing on Late Night With Conan O'Brien is that he is STILL funny.
He might not be Delirious/Mr. Robinson funny anymore, but the man still knows how to deliver a joke with wit and charm.
Unfortunately, Eddie Murphy's personal life has become so complicated over the past decade (picking up a transvestite, divorce from his long time wife Nicole, getting Mel B (Spice Girls) pregnant, having a fake wedding and then no wedding to Tracey Edmonds and being denied an Oscar for his supporting actor role Dreamgirls), Murphy has pretty much stayed away from most on-air interviews.
The only exception is his now classic interview with James Limpton on "Inside the Actors Studio," where fans actually caught a slight glimpse into Eddie Murphy's much guarded personal life.
Since Conan O'Brien doesn't delve into star's personal lives like his predecessor Jay Leno, maybe that's why Eddie opted to appear on O'Brien's version of the Tonight Show to promote his film "Imagine That".
Regardless if that's the reason or not, it's still great to see hear to one greatest comedians of all time, deliver jokes once again on NBC.
You know its never good being photographed coming out of a hotel with another woman, while your wife is home with your kids. But I guess R&B star Usher Raymond had good excuse, D-I-V-O-R-C-E.
According to published reports, Raymond filed for divorce from his wife Tameka Foster in Atlanta.
The Raymond's marriage was rocky from the very begining as it appeared that Usher cut all ties with his mother to be with Tameka.
Two years later with two small childen, a lackluster comeback album by Usher and a near pastic surgery death by Tameka, the Raymonds are now calling it quits. Somewhere in the ATL, TLC's (and Usher's former squeeze) Rozana Chilli Thomas must be laughing.
Ye stopped by The View to discuss his upcoming benefit show in Chicago as well as his mother's death and the sources of his musical inspiration.
When you listen Kayne speak without the bravado, you sometimes forget what a smart and musically talented he is...too bad Barbara Walters kept on referring to an old interview she conducted with him four years ago, than expounding on all the things he has done musically since those four years.
After a so-so beginning, Jimmy Fallon is slowly putting his footprint on late night TV. In this hilarious clip, Fallon and Will Ferrell play two ambiguous looking Europeans, who look like they should have been on Star Trek in the 1960's.
As Jimmy Fallon wails "Let us play with your look" over The Roots 1960's lounge-like instrumental, Ferrell methodically brushes a woman's hair with a stare that is unnervingly creepy, but very funny.
It's a shame that Ferrell's three minute bit on Fallon's show funnier than parts of his recent movie "Land of The Lost".
What do you get when you cross The Brand New Heavies with house music? Albin Janoska's All I Wanna Do featuring Kelli Sae that's who!
I don't much about either artist, but if you looking to create cool mixtape of R&B music mixed with great lounge/chill tracks, this is good place to start.
A flashmob of dancers wearing classic gold Hammer Pants, recently mobbed a trendy store and started dancing Stanley Kirk Burrell style . It looks like A&E is really gearing up for MC. Hammer's new show Hammertime!
Although it shouldn't matter what his sexuality is, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert announced he is the gay in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone.
In other breaking news, I hear that there is this couple named Jon and Kate and I think they have eight kids.
I was never a big watcher of "Saved By The Bell", but every so often, I would grab the remote to take a look at Lark Voorhies. Recently, Jimmy Fallon has been campaigning to reunite the SBTB cast.
Former "Bell" star Mark-Paul Gosselaar stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon to promote his current show "Raising The Bar, ironically dressed in his old Zack Morris gear with his 90's blonde haircut fully intact.
The skit was so-so, but just seeing Gosselaar poking fun at his former alter ego was pretty funny.
Everytime Lady Gaga drops a new video, I like her more and more. Lovegame continues on the dance-pop vibe that fueled "Just Dance" and Poker Face" to the top of the charts.
Lovegame (aka "Disco Stick") has a slight 80's R&B melody, but charges with high evegy throughout. Time will tell if Akon's "franchise player", (she is on his Konvict Muzik record label) can keep this exciting vibe going, but in meantime "just dance" and enjoy the music.
....While Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) had a quiet sense of confidence, Barney (Don Knotts) was full of bluster and bravado; a cocksure sleuth who usually stumbled his way into solving crimes. However, even though Barney was not a very good deputy that did not stop him from thinking that he was the very best at his position.
For a woman who had eight kids, John and Kate Plus 8's mom Kate Gosselin has pretty nice bod! Can't say the same for her buddy, but I'm sure if she had reality TV dollars, she would have a tight body too!
