Michael Jackson was here, and then he was gone. One of the greatest artists that we’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing, from his ridiculously genre-defining dance moves to record-breaking sales numbers and far-reaching cultural impact, Michael Jackson was the single most important person in music for a large part of his career. Some of the biggest pop and R&B artists that broke on the scene since MJ reigned–Ne-Yo and Chris Brown to name a couple–have the legendary Michael Jackson to thank for their livelihoods.
We’d like to highlight two important things that have happened since MJ’s passing that highlight his legacy effectively, and accentuate the impact he’s had on so many young lives.
Earlier this year, a posthumous Michael Jackson album, XSCAPE, was released via L.A. Reid and the good folks at Epic Records, and at the time of the announcement many were tentative to throw any hope into the idea of the project. Those that had faith in the LP were rewarded with a short, sweet, and excellent album, featuring top-of-the-line production from Timbaland and a collaboration that was long overdue: MJ and pop’s current golden child, Justin Timberlake. You can’t help but feel the sharp feelings of nostalgia the chorus of “Love Never Felt So Good” emits from you, and the greatness that was and still is Michael Jackson.
Also, given current events, can we take it back to 2010 for a minute? It was just over a year since Michael Jackson passed away, and just under two years since one of the most trying times of Chris Brown’s–and, to be fair, Rihanna’s–career. He was still being attacked by the public for physically assaulting Rihanna, and after releasing the most mediocre album of his career–he would wind up winning a Grammy award for the next one, but he didn’t know that at the time, of course–it appeared the projected new king of Pop&B was in danger of never recovering. Then, this happened. An entire segment of the awards show had been carved out for CB to carry out a Michael Jackson tribute, and aside from absolutely killing it, Brown succumbed to the weight of the moment and broke down in tears during his performance of “Man In The Mirror” (fitting, right?)
Now that Brown has been released from prison for the second time this year, we wanted to re-visit this clip as a reminder of what that song meant to Brown in his life and career at the time, and how it’s salient messages are representative of the road Chris is currently on to return to top form, both musically and socially.
We salute you, MJ, on the 5th anniversary of your untimely death, as a once-in-a-generation influence of not just musical styles and trends, but the way people carry on their lives, and love the human race. Rest In Peace.
