Although I thought that this was a pretty strong magazine, I guess I could see this coming. Music publications had been folding in the past few months and now, one of the biggest ones, VIBE magazine has ended publication. Starting in 1993 by Quincy Jones, VIBE magazine was like NewsWeek for some Black people. I must say, I did enjoy reading many of the articles in the magazine and seeing the colorful covers with many different black *and some white* artists on the front. I'll miss it dearly, but I guess that with everything going digital, they will be focusing more on their website. Thanks for the last sixteen years VIBE, we'll miss you dearly.
So listen, I'm not gonna go into too much detail becase i'm sure that everyone saw the awards show last nite, but I will say this :: the WISEST decision that Debra Lee could have made would have been to keep the show as planned for the last few weeks and have a big dedication as the finale. All that other stuff (Ciara -she could've been omitted from the show, the camera work at the bottom of the stage with artists fave MJ moments and whatever else) could have stayed OUT of the show. I know everyone is still shocked and saddened my MJ's death, but BET needs to really get it together. MTV is about to SHUT BET DOWN in September with their MJ tribute and I know everyone knows that.
If there were one person that did their thing last nite, I would have to say it were my dude Ne-Yo :: he sang his face on "Lady in My Life" and "I'll be There". He also did his thing with bringing out the old school artists. The Hero of the Awards hands down definitely Mr. "Miss Independent" himself. Jamie Foxx did his thing too as a host. Although at some points he looked a little dazed and was unaware of what was going, I think he really just rolled with everything that was happening. (BTW :: the Shenehneh/Wanda bit was funny as hell tho -LOL) Jay-Z did his thing, Maxwell sang that "pretty wings" joint, and Trey Songz, Jonny Gill and Tyrese did well on the O'Jays tribute. I was a wee bit confused on Keri Hilson attire for her performance, but I totally understood the end of her performance when she did the call & response with her dancers :-)
And finally, the most touching moment of the night was definitely when Janet Jackson came out and spoke on behalf of the Jackson famliy. Obviously still heavily affected, she was strong and stood her ground and gave a beautiful thank you to everyone. Over all, I think when I take over BET in the next 10 years *you speak things into existence, they shall come to pass* I will be sure to do a better job in a situation like this and work on better programming. I will say this though, I do commend Debra Lee and the entire BET staff for trying their best to put together a tribute to Michael Jackson in such short notice. Let's just hope for future references, BET will look at this train wreck of a show and try to work better.
As I sit here watching the "Say Say Say" video on VH1 featuring Paul McCartney and the one and only King of Pop, I still can't grasp and wrap my mind around the fact that Michael Jackson is really gone. The Entertainer of our lifetime, a man of genius and innovation - Michael broke music, race, and many other barriers. And although I only caught the last twenty years of his life, I swear - I feel like I've been following since he started singing with his brothers at the age of five. Michael's legacy will forever be alive in the hearts of millions across the globe. My heart is still very heavy - as a dancer, choreographer and music lover, I have never, ever been affected by an artist's passing in this way. His smile, quiet nature and bad ass dance moves will always live in my heart and TRUST and believe that my kids and my grandkids will know who MJ was and the REALNESS of his music.
I remember watching his performance of "Heal the World" at the Super Bowl and imagining that I was one of the many children standing up on stage with their arms swaying from side to side. Running home from the park to watch the world premier of "remember the time" and INSTANTLY immulating the king-tut dance moves...watching countless marathons on VH1, MTV, & BET and being captivated by the magic that he produced on stage.
Not only was he an amazing performer, but the actions he did as a philanthropist are just infathomable. "Man in the Mirror" is a classic example of the change that Jackson initiated through his music. Just sittin here watching his videos, I can't event begin to think about the major impact his life has made on this Earth. It's unbelievable that this has happened to such an influence on the history of music as an entity.
In closing, I am praying for the Jackson family's strength during this time of grief. I pray that the media *knowing that they probably won't* but that they would have the decency to at least show this man some respect and let him rest in peace. *another part of me - another JAM!* I hope the tragic death of this iconic man teaches us as a human race that we've got one life to live and it's not about how long we live it, but what impact we can make on the people that we come in contact with from day to day. Life is entirely too short for us to stay angry or hold grudges. And as this is may be said everyday, it really does hold true. I'm taking a personal vow to change the way I react to certain situations. The lessons that Michael taught the world through his music are truly remarkable, and I hope that we can all continue to learn from them as time goes on. May God bless your soul Michael Jackson. You have physically left this Earth but your spirit will forever live the hearts of us all.
I never, EVER thought that I would see this day coming, but Michael Jackson, an iconic staple in music across the world, has passed away at the age of 50. As a dancer and music fien, I couldn't believe the words as they crossed my BlackBerry screen. Words cannot even begin to express how I'm feeling right now but I know that his soul is resting in a better place. All my prayers, condolences and thoughts are with the Jackson family in their time of grief. The world will never forget you Michael, your music and spirit will live on for eternity. Rest in Peace.
Charlie lost one of his Angel's today....Farrah Fawcett lost her three-year battle to cancer today. Her beautiful spirit will forever be remembered. <3
Here's a new joint from get out of jail free bird (i'm just kidding y'all) Chris Breezy - shouts out to The Neptunes for producing such hot @$$ track ;)
