Did you see Chris Brown break down during his tribute to Michael Jackson at this year’s BET Awards? This was a pretty amazing performance…

After the extensive coverage of Michael Jackson’s Public memorial today, it was good to see an interview with Michael Jackson when he seemed more content with who he was.  Here’s his 1987 Interview before his “Bad” Tour.

Check out this list from the LA Times about the best Hip-Hop songs that used Michael Jackson samples.
Sometimes you listen to hip-hop songs these days and you’re like…okay, there’s no talk about struggle, pain or anything that really relates to why hip hop really spoke to generations..

One of my favorites is Ghostface Killah and Mary J. Blige, “All That I Got Is You,” that sampled the Jackson 5 song, “Maybe Tomorrow.”

This song is sick.

I had the chance to intern for Director Bob Giraldi during my time at NYU. He’s an accomplished director who has made his mark in TV, Film, and Advertising and also directed the then very young Michael Jackson in the video “Beat It.” We’ve kept in touch since I moved here to LA and here’s what he had to say about working with the late Great King of Pop.
“In the 80s, my first video ever–’Beat It’– Michael talking me into hiring two real-live LA gangs; the Crips and the Bloods– mortal enemies– to appear in the video– on stage next to each other playing themselves alongside dancers over-dressed as gang bangers– silly, clearly a difference– cops wanting to shut it down, Crips and Bloods pushing each other, taunting, nothing to do with movie-making– I asked for one take to dance, hoping the music blasting through playback would settle everything down– ‘just one take,’ the cops demanding– Michael agreeing– ready to dance– real gangstahs standing on the sidelines, Michael, bopping down the cardboard boxes, taking the actor gangstahs and dancing– everything stops, everyone mesmerized, stunned, the Crips and Bloods, eyes fixated, mouths open, realizing they’re witnessing something more macho than all their wars, crimes, vendettas– dancing by their brothers, most of whom were gay– and, most of whom have never have raised a hand against another human being in their lives. Michael, at his best, creating peace wherever he went.”