Rest In Peace: Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Whatever argument you have about his lifestyle ... there can be no argument about his life's work ... Michael Jackson is the greatest Black artist of all time. Consider his body of work as a child ... teenager ... and adult. He survived the test of time from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.  He left us too soon...

I shared my favorite MJ tune a few months ago during Old School Friday. Here is another of my favorite Michael Jackson tunes: 'Human Nature'






M.Jackson Human Nature
by nicobus

Truth to tell, I didn't follow young Michael much when I was a child. However, he did enter into my world during college. My night as a DJ, whether at a club, skating rink or on the radio, was never complete in 1979 unless we played 'Rock With You'. Did you know that the original title to this track was “I Want To Eat You Up.” It was changed to “Rock With You” to better fit Jackson’s image. Little did we know...







Anyhow, Michael Jackson is my selection as the GOAT ('greatest of all time'). Who would you choose for that title?

Rest In Peace: Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend

Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?

Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
When Wrong, Will You Skold Me
When Lost Will You Find Me?

But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I'm Only Human

Everyone's Taking Control Of Me
Seems That The World's
Got A Role For Me
I'm So Confused
Will You Show To Me
You'll Be There For Me
And Care Enough To Bear Me






In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tripulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.

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What is your favorite memory of Michael Jackson?

Conrad Murray Found Guilty of Killing Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's doctor was convicted Monday of involuntary manslaughter after a trial that painted him as a reckless caregiver who administered a lethal dose of a powerful anesthetic that killed the pop star.

The verdict against Dr. Conrad Murray marked the latest chapter in one of pop culture's most shocking tragedies — the death of the King of Pop on the eve of the singer's heavily promoted comeback concerts.

Murray sat stone-faced and showed little reaction at the verdict.





Are you satisfied that justice was done?

Sunday Inspirations: Keep the Faith

I'm no different than most villagers. I rise and grind each day with hopes that my children will follow the right paths and examples that I've set and overlook or forgive the mistakes and missteps that I've made in my life.

Scripture tells me, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." – Hebrews 11:1

Sometimes, the path is not so clear. It is at those times that He places a thought in my mind that moves me forward. Today that thought came in the form of a song shared by a friend. I hadn't heard this song before today ... but, it was right on time.





For others who may have missed this one ... it was initially recorded by Michael Jackson in 1991 on his Dangerous album.

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This blog will continue to seek out Sunday Inspirations, a meme inspired by Sojourner's Place. Sunday Inspirations is just one way to help get us through the week ahead, the trials we may face, and yes, to say Thank Ya and testify! I invite you to participate in this weekly meme as your contribution might serve as an inspiration to someone in need.

African American Film Critics Association Selects 'Precious' as Top Film of 2009

Villagers will recall that this blog participated in an interview with Morgan Freeman about his role in 'Invictus'. We are proud to report that Mr. Freeman was selected as Best Actor 2009 for his role in that film!

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) named 'Precious' as the Best Picture of 2009. Directed by Lee Daniels, the Lionsgate release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African American media professionals from across the nation. Founded in 2003, AAFCA announced this year’s honors at its first live event last night in Los Angeles.

Nicole Beharie earned AAFCA recognition as Best Actress 2009 for 'American Violet.' With the first unanimous vote in an acting category in the organization’s history, Mo’Nique was selected Best Supporting Actress for 'Precious.' Anthony Mackie earned Best Supporting Actor recognition for his performance in 'The Hurt Locker.' Lee Daniels was named Best Director for 'Precious,' with a tie for Best Screenplay between Ron Clements, Rob Edwards, John Musker for 'The Princess & The Frog' and Geoffrey Fletcher for 'Precious.'

“In 2009, the film community produced a dazzling array of performances from African-American talent both in front of and behind the camera,” states Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA Co-Founder. “This year’s selections give a strong indication that the film community is becoming more committed to a wider range of stories that entertain and educate.”

AAFCA bestows the Special Achievement Award to Michael Jackson, whose seminal film 'This Is It' captured a lifetime of exemplary creative expression.

The organization’s Top Ten list of film honors includes “Up In The Air,” “The Hurt Locker” and “Good Hair.”

“The films selected for 2009 reflect a fascinating combination of work that both entertains and addresses themes and issues of cultural importance,” remarks AAFCA President, Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com.

The African American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2009 are as follows in order of distinction:

1. Precious
   
2. The Princess and The Frog
   
3. Up In The Air
   
4. The Hurt Locker
   
5. This Is It
   
6. American Violet
   
7. Goodbye Solo
   
8. Medicine for Melancholy
   
9. Good Hair
   
10. Up
    

• Best Actor - Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
  
• Best Actress - Nicole Beharie, “American Violet”
  
• Best Supporting Actress - Mo’Nique, “Precious”
  
• Best Supporting Actor - Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”
  
• Best Director - Lee Daniels, “Precious”
  
• Best Screenplay (tie) - Geoffrey Fletcher, "Precious" and R. Clements, R. Edwards, J. Musker, "The Princess & The Frog"
  
• Special Achievement - Michael Jackson

Villagers, I have to admit that I haven't seen vast majority of the winning films. I plan to add all of them to my Netflix queue. I am grateful that AAFCA honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to Black communities, while emphasizing film about the Black experience and those produced, written, directed and starring performers of African descent.

Do you think that these 2009 award winners are right? Did AAFCA miss anything?

Old School Friday: Michael Jackson (Smooth Criminal)

This blog supports weekly meme known as Old School Friday. We use this opportunity to reach back into our musical memories for songs from the last millennium ... old school songs. This week the theme is CRIMINAL RECORDS.

The first song that came to mind for me is a Michael Jackson tune called 'Smooth Criminal'. Here is the music video and a live performance. Michael Jackson was a true musical visionary with talent beyond comprehension. Let me know which visual version of the song you enjoyed the most!


Music Video Version




Live Performance

Wordless Wednesday: 3,000 Year Old Image of Michael Jackson

This Week in Blackness: Michael Jackson, Sarah Palin & R. Kelly

In Episode 3 of the 2nd Season of 'This Week in Blackness' Brooklyn Comedy Company's Elon James White discusses the Sarah Palin's sudden departure from politics and a possible new Black charismatic GOP Presidential hopeful.

Much Respect to Rev. Al Sharpton for his Michael Jackson Tribute

I often think that Rev. Al Sharpton is self-centered. He seems to jump on causes that will provide him with media exposure. Often, I struggle with the impact and effectiveness of his organization.

Rev. Al Sharpton's eulogy at the Michael Jackson Memorial caused me to reconsider my thoughts. I think that Sharpton demonstrated why he is still relevant for much of the Black community. The content, tone and emotional connection of his message cannot be denied.




Sharpton hit the nail on the head during his eulogy when he told the three young Jackson children,

"There was nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it."

Villagers, you know how you can accumulate 'Get Out of Jail' cards in the game of Monopoly for use when you need it in the future? Al Sharpton just put away a few 'Get Out of Jail' cards from me today.

What say u about Al Sharpton?

Michael Jackson's Daughter Paris: 'I Love Him So Much'

The Michael Jackson Memorial was about 2.5 hours long. I watched the entire thing with a wide-range of emotions from pain to joy. However, at the end of the day I think that the moment shared by Jackson's 11-year old daughter ... which lasted less than a minute ... will be the one that sticks with me the longest.

I'm convinced that every father in the world would love to have his children express this raw emotion and love at our funeral...



Paris told us 'ever since I was born daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine.' Perhaps Rep. Peter King (R-NY) will sit his stank-butt down now.





Villagers, I have no problem with Peter King glorifying our troops, police, fire fighters, teachers, volunters and such. I just wonder why he can't glorify them without denigrating an American icon on the day before his funeral?

Methinks that the words of an 11-year old Paris Jackson trumped those of a United States congressman. What say u?

Judith Hill: Mystery Singer at the Michael Jackson Memorial

I'm the same age as Michael Jackson. As such, I don't keep up with the current generation of singers. I had to use twitter to get the identity of a couple of the performers at Michael Jackson's memorial. However, nobody could tell me about the young Asian singer who sang lead on "Heal the World".

It turns out that the mystery singer was Judith Hill, a Pasadena, California-based vocalist who was recruited to be one of the backup singers for Jackson’s This Is It! concerts at London’s O2 Arena.





Methinks that she won't be a back-up for much longer!

Michael Jackson, "Bad" (1987)

Most villagers have seen the subway scenes of the music video, 'Bad', starring Michael Jackson in 1987. However, I must admit that I never saw the full 16-minute video directed by Martin Scorcese and featuring a then-unknown Wesley Snipes.

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

At the end of the day Michael always found ways to make us proud, didn't he?

(Th)ink by Keith Knight: Michael Jackson

(Th)ink is an editorial cartoon written and drawnby cartoonist Keith Knight (the K Chronicles).

Old School Friday: Michael Jackson

Originally posted 2/20/2009

The theme for this week's Old School Friday meme is 'The Jackson Family'. Of course, the most famous (and talented) member of the the Jackson Family is Michael. His life has morphed into a sad parody over time ... but, there was a time when he was the alpha and omega of the music industry.

My favorite Michael Jackson songs have changed over time. Today, my favorite song from Michael's collection is 'Man in the Mirror'. I don't think that villagers of this generation fully appreciated the international superstar that was Michael Jackson. Check out this video to get a hint:

Old School Friday: Soul Train

The theme for this week is Soul Train! Soul Train is a television show that I watched back in the day. My cousin, Chris, was a dancer on the show when it was taped in Hollywood. He was the star of our family for many years based on his appearances on Soul Train.

Many of y'all don't remember the original Soul Train. That was when the line was couples only and brother and sisters came down it together. As I got older it seems that the Soul Train line took on a new solo dancer look where they alternated the cameras from brothers to sisters.



Soul Train was on in the days when you had to be in front of your set. You couldn't tape the show for later consumption. The Soul Train line would come on at about 40 minutes after the hour. Sometimes, I would switch away from other shows to make sure that I saw the line.

I was in college in the 1980s ... it was the time of Miami Vice. I remember watching Soul Train on Saturday morning and trying to mimic the moves at the club on Saturday night. Did y'all know that Rosie Perez was a Soul Train dancer back in the day?





Of course, the other great thing about the show were the performances by the greatest musical acts of our times. Some of the performers knew how to lip-synch and some didn't! I wonder if any of them ever performed live on Soul Train?




I never watched the show very much after Don Cornelius left it. I understand that original programming for the show ended in 2006 ... after 35 years of production. Nowadays they have the Soul Train Music Awards and the 'Best of Soul Train'.

What is your favorite Soul Train memory?

Once You Go Black...

Villagers are gathering around the baobob tree to consider some of the mysteries of the world. Today, we share the following observations for your consideration:

• The most powerful politician in the world is Black.
• The best golfer in the world is Black.
• The best female tennis player in the world is Black.
• The fastest racing driver in the world is Black.
• The fastest sprinter in the world is Black.

Michael Jackson must be kicking himself!