Posts Tagged ‘Michael Jackson’

September 14th would have been Amy Winehouse’s birthday, and in her memory, her “Body and Soul” duet with Tony Bennett debuted on what would have been Amy’s 28th. In our salute to Ms. Winehouse, we have the beautiful song and video here. We also look at songs from artists whose collaborations were released after their passing. Happy Birthday, Amy, and Happy Birthday to me (shameless plug…Amy and I have the SAME bday)!

Around about the same time Diddy became the Master of Music Sampling, he rocked hip hop with “It’s All About the Benjamins” remix. Released 3 months after The Notorious B.I.G.’s murder, Biggie’s finale verse provides the perfect ending to a rap classic.

Singer Natalie Cole honored her late father by remaking timeless tune, “Unforgettable,” as a duet with her dad.

Nat King Cole’s soothing voice can never be duplicated, but the daddy-daughter collaboration is a precious reminder of the late jazz singer’s lasting legacy.

Lisa Marie Presley had her own daddy daughter duo when she teamed up with Elvis in 2007 to remake his 1969 hit, “In the Ghetto.”

No matter how old the song, Michael Jackson hits have an energy that make you dance and sing as if they were newly released.

Mike’s feel-good music influenced singer, Akon, to record “Hold My Hand” in 2008. Unfortunately, the King of Pop died before the track’s release, so the song was included on Jackson’s posthumous album, Michael.

What are some of your favorite duets from artists – past and present? Comment below, and be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

If you didn’t know before, I am here to reconfirm some not-so-breaking-news: Social networking has officially conquered the world.

Billboard, one of the industry’s most trusted authorities in tracking music charts, launched a new chart whose sole purpose is to tally artists’ popularity on social networking sites.

I introduce to you the “Social 50.”

The Social 50 started this December and gathers data based on the following criteria:

• Weekly additions of followers, friends, and fans on sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, iLike, and MySpace (wait…people still have MySpace pages…yikes)!
• The number of artists’ page views and song plays on the listed sites

Considering there are 500 million Facebook users, a host of (closet) MySpace users, tons of YouTube junkies, and a growing population of “Tweeps,” ranking popularity in the music industry with a chart like the Social 50 makes perfect sense.

Here’s Social 50’s current top ten.

10. Michael Jackson

Posthumously, MJ breaks records that artists strive to accomplish in a lifetime. With a little help from Akon, the Gloved One keeps rocking our worlds.

9. Shakira

8.  Linkin Park

7. Nicki Minaj

Soooo I still won’t admit that I actually like Nicki Minaj, but I pretty much have liked every single she has either released or has been featured on this year. Her beef with Lil’ Kim, her animated personality, and her close affiliation with Young Money make Ms. Minaj a constant trending topic. “Tell me how you do that ish…”

6.  Katy Perry

5. Lady Gaga

4. Eminem

3. Justin Bieber

Really, Justin Bieber. Why, oh, why are you such a little heart throb?!?  Bieber was discovered from his YouTube video performances, so the Biebs is an old pro at this whole social networking, popularity contest. And with touching songs and videos like, “Pray,” his star is destined to keep on rising.

2. Rihanna

1. Black Eyed Peas

Parliament front man, George Clinton, is suing the Peas for copyright infringement for sampling one of his tracks in their 2003 hit, “Shut Up.” Well, shame on them for plagiarizing, but good for them for being in the news. They (whoever they are) say that, “bad publicity is better than no publicity,” and I firmly believe that Social 50 will reflect increases in artists’ popularity in times of good press and in bad.

I mean, I totally listened to “Shut Up” 20 times on YouTube and compared it to a handful of George Clinton songs just to try to hear the alleged infringement.

You’re welcome, Black Eyed Peas, for those extra YouTube views.

If your favorite artists haven’t cracked Social 50’s top ten yet, then my advice to you is this: Spend less time Facebook stalking former friends, uploading bikini Twit Pics, or sharing elementary school picture collages on YouTube and opt, instead, to spend more time following your favorite band or singer.

Remember, with social networking, you, too, can be the change you want to see in the world.

For more of the latest music news and reviews by Erica Renee Davis, check back to Positively Celebrity!

December 8th marked the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic murder.  Yesterday, hundreds of faithful fans flocked to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, New York City to commemorate his legacy.

As a lover of all things music, I felt it was only right to pay homage to Lennon, as well.

I was not alive, however, to experience The Beatles’ ascent to immortalization  – the vehicle from which Lennon’s solo musical genius came forth. So my adoration for Lennon is a culmination of black and white still shots, grainy film footage, and re-mastered audio.

I have seen, though, artists from my generation emulating Lennon, recording their own versions of his classics.

So this is one Generation Xer’s humble tribute to the legend that is Lennon.

“In My Life”   -   Lennon to Dave Matthews

Written by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the melodic, “In My Life,” is a simple yet beautiful song whose meaningful lyrics are timeless. There’s something so sweet about a tune that reflects on how memories and relationships make life worth living. It’s a perfect, heartfelt story told effortlessly through song.

“Come Together”  -  Lennon to Michael

I remember hearing “Come Together” as a little girl and not having the slightest idea what the song was about. I remember hearing Michael Jackson’s version of “Come Together” as a teenager and still not having the slightest idea of what the song was about!

“He bag production he got walrus gumboot …He got Ono sideboard he one spinal cracker” are the lyrics that begin the 3rd verse.

Someone out there understands these lyrics or at least the mystery behind them. Please feel free to explain in the comment thread!

“Happy Xmas/War is Over” – Lennon to Sarah McLachlan

“Happy Xmas/War is Over” was another Lennon effort to protest the Vietnam War. The Harlem Community Choir lent vocals for this song, and you can hear them singing in the background, ”War Is Over.”

We can only hope that, in our lifetimes, those words will ring true.

“Yesterday” -  Lennon to En Vogue

Even though “Yesterday” belongs more to Paul McCartney than to the other Beatles, technically, it’s still a Beatles song which means it’s still a John Lennon classic which means it’s still quite relevant to this article.

Or maybe I just love “Yesterday” so much that I couldn’t exclude it.

The Beatles brought the song to life in the 60s while groups like En Vogue breathed new life into the classic decades after its debut.

“Imagine” – Lennon to GLEE

A true legend’s work has a powerful presence during life and an even greater influence after death. Begging for a ”brotherhood of man,” “Imagine” reveals Lennon’s wish for a happy world and cements Lennon’s legend as a misunderstood savant with a heart of gold.

Forever a favorite of mine.

And the GLEE cast’s cover of “Imagine” perfectly depicts the “oneness” John Lennon dreamt of.

John Lennon  – October 9, 1940 – December 8th, 1980

Halloween is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to take a look back at some songs that have creeped us out over the years! Let’s check out some eerie, throwback tunes in honor of this haunted weekend!

If there’s something strange in my neighborhood, chances are, I’m calling the police. But according to Ray Parker, Jr., a quick call to the Ghostbusters will rid your surroundings of all things weird.

You can even call the Ghostbusters when you’re seeing things “running through your head.”  This information will come in handy in the event you start
hallucinating. It’s too bad, though, their number isn’t listed.

The First Family of Goth had never been so hip until they met MC Hammer. The baggy pant, shiny shoed, hip hop guru put a trendy twist on the dark family with his hit, “Addams Groove.”  The track, which was a part of the Addams Family Movie soundtrack, had crossover appeal and proved that Hammer was really as legit as he claimed.

No other song or video has captivated the world the way Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” did and continues to do.  Each time the Making of Thriller comes on television, I am just as fascinated with and interested in the documentary as if seeing it for the first time. The King of Pop. “Thriller.” ‘Nuff said.

Rockwell Gordy’s biggest hit was, “Somebody’s Watching Me,” but for the
longest time, I thought the eerie track was a Michael Jackson song. However, Michael Jackson is singing backup vocals on the 1984 single. How, you wonder, did anyone manage to get The Michael Jackson to sing back up on a song? Well, Rockwell Gordy is the son of uber famous, Motown founder, Barry Gordy.  Must be good to have parents in high places!

Okay. So who remembers dreading after school piano lessons because there never seemed to be enough time between lessons to rehearse your assigned music? I was the undisciplined student who skimmed over the sheet music 30 minutes before my class.

Well, one song I remember slaving over was “Toccata & Fugue in D Minor.” J.S. Bach’s spooky  piece has been the scary theme music to numerous shows and movies. Death seems imminent every time those haunting organ notes are played.

“Tha Crossroads” was the 90’s chart topper from rap group, Bone Thugs N Harmony. Dedicated to their mentor, Eazy E, after his untimely death, Bone sings/raps about the afterlife in this classic. The grim reaper has an eerie cameo in the video, so it’s definitely not the kind of video you want to watch by yourself at night.

With these scary hits and some trick or treating, your holiday weekend will be spooktacularly complete! Happy Halloween, everybody!

Be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and features from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity.

Imagine breaking up with one of the industry’s most beautiful women following a violent domestic dispute, and then imagine having to hear her sing about it everywhere you turn. Literally. You have just walked one step in Chris Brown’s high top sneaker.

Chris’s ex, Rihanna, belts the chilling hook on Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie,” a song whose lyrics tell the story of an abusive relationship. Rihanna recently shared with Accesshollywood.com how having been a victim in an abusive relationship helped her relate to the song.

In addition to serving as a constant reminder of their love story’s nightmarish end, the track gives the Caribbean cutie her 7th #1 hit and reconfirms that, post break-up, Rihanna’s star is rising while Chris’s is virtually non-existent.

Chris’s 2009 release, Graffiti, hardly qualified as a comeback album, so the music world was anxious to witness his Michael Jackson tribute performance at this year’s BET Awards.

Even people of Team Rihanna persuasion were completely impressed as Mr. Brown’s dancing silhouette mimicked identically the King of Pop’s unique moves. And then it happened. All the magic of reliving Michael was drowned out by the water department Chris Brown’s uncontrollable tears.

Authentic or not, the water works and emotional breakdown seemed like a self-indulgent, public plea for sympathy. Operation Comeback #2: Unsuccessful.

Rihanna, on the other hand, is having a VERY successful year. With her hottie MLB arm candy, Last Girl on Earth tour, and platinum album, the grass on Rihanna’s side is looking really green. So what can Chris do to make his comeback?

Chris Brown became increasingly more irrelevant by not giving the public enough time to forgive and forget. Instead, he opted to release a compilation of subpar tracks and give a host of “post incident” interviews in which he came across as combative and defensive. His latest singles, “Deuces” and “No B.S,” have potential to be good songs, but the content and language is VERY mature and is a bit risqué for someone (allegedly) trying to repair his image.

Come back with confidence and with quality hits like  “Excuse Me, Miss” and “Say Goodbye.”  The work will speak for itself and will leave no need to beg for fan support. CBeezy is super talented. He just needs a bit of a hiatus to regroup.

Be sure to check out more great articles from music editor Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!

How ironic…

It is an artist’s cessation that revives his work to life. But no matter…it is irrelevant to dwell on how Michael Jackson was ridiculed by the public for his controversial personal affairs now that he is dead. Isn’t that right?

The gentle, crooning boyish/girlish voice of the King of Pop has always pervaded the minds of so many. Be it for his music, dancing, or flamboyant demeanor, the name Michael Jackson has been synonymous with pop icon. To each of his fans, MJ represented something; something spectacular; something angelic; something eternal. Yet, all the above describe Michael Jackson in his truest form.

It’s understood that Michael’s ubiquitous numbers will forever permeate the soundscapes. In my music library, here are five tracks that will never relinquish life:

1. Jam

2. Give In to Me

3. Scream

4. Remember the Time

5. Black or White

RIP MJ

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past couple days, you most likely know about Michael Jackson’s untimely death Thursday at the age of 50. I thought it would be an appropriate time to pay the superstar his due reverence with a top 10 favorite song list, but any list wouldn’t be complete without a Jackson joke; after all, its become a pop culture necessity for several years – well before he named his youngest child, Blanket.

So here’s one courtesy of Late Night host Jimmy Kimmel: “He was an extremely powerful symbol: a black performer whites could relate to and then later in life, a white performer who blacks could relate to.” Well done, Jimmy. And on that note I bring to you my top 10 Michael Jackson playlist.

10) Remember the Time

9) Rock With You

Who Is It?

7) Black or White

6) Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’

5) The Way You Make Me Feel

4) Beat It

3) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough

2) Man in the Mirror

1) Billie Jean (Quite simply the most timeless, brilliant pop song ever recorded. Pretty cool video too.)

As you probably noticed, Thriller is conspicuously missing from my list. The reason being that I always considered it a far better video than song. But that’s just me and everyone’s got their own personal Jackson faves.

R.I.P. Michael

Most well known and beloved actors and actresses in Hollywood have worked hard for their A-List status. But what types of mundane, low budget movie dues did these famous faces have to pay in their past?

Tom Cruise – Cruise and Brooke Shields made “Endless Love” in 1981. If the title isn’t corny enough, the reviews will surely keep you away. Variety says, “’Endless Love’ is a manipulative tale of a doomed romance which careens repeatedly between the credible and the ridiculous.” In 1983 Cruise made “Losin’ It” – a teenage rebel film where 4 friends travel to Mexico to party and are joined by a woman seeking a quickie divorce. One review says, “This doesn’t sound like much and it isn’t…” Luckily, “Risky Business” was Cruise’s next movie.

Viggo Mortensen – 1987’s “Salvation!: Have You Said Your Prayers Today?” stars Mortensen as a controlling husband questioning the credibility of his wife’s favorite television evangelist. The tagline is great, “SEX. POWER. MONEY. It’s all in the name of God!” Siskel & Ebert describe it as “boring,” “cliché,” “uninteresting” and state the performances are “wooden.” “Fresh Horses” (1988) is about a college educated engaged man that falls for a country girl who is supposedly 20 year old. Its tagline – “Love doesn’t have to last a lifetime.” And it doesn’t for “Horses” also staring two brat packers and Ben Stiller.

Joe Pesci – “Moonwalker” made in 1988 is a Michael Jackson film. Pesci plays the villain wanting to get kids hooked on drugs. Filled with kids (eek!) and dance sequences, this movie does not add credibility to Pesci’s resume. Another flop is “Betsy’s Wedding” where three very different families are brought together to plan a wedding for Betsy. Roger Ebert says, “…there’s nothing compelling here.”

Kirsten Dunst – Her first credited movie was “The Bonfire of the Vanities” which also starred Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith. Don’t let that fool you, a critic from Variety says, “The Bonfire of the Vanities is a misfire of inanities.” The only nominations it received were Razzies. “Greedy” is another big name film that flopped. A Washington Post reviewer states, “Their best hope is that “Greedy” will vanish quickly from public view.” Fortunately, Dunst’s next film was “Interview with the Vampire.”

Sandra Bullock – 1987’s “Hangmen” is the first movie credit for Bullock. The film’s tagline is terrible – “In this world no one is innocent, and if you want to live, you’ve got to beat the Hangmen.” It’s practically untraceable, which is not a good sign. 1989 brought “Religion, Inc.” about “Seeing God on TV inspires a New York adman to form a new religion based on greed, with a janitor.” One IMDB user states “Perhaps the worst movie ever made. “The Vanishing” (1993) is about a boyfriend’s search for his abducted girlfriend. Grossing a little $14,543,394, a Washington Post critic says the film, “merely leaves us stupefied, gasping for relief.”

Julianne Moore – Her first movie credit is “sLaughterhouse II.” And then “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie” described as “a lame effort.” “The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag” is said to be “Death by Mediocrity” by the Washington Post, “Stupid title, stupid movie,” by the Austin Chronicles, receives a 3.6 out of 10 rating on Rotten Tomatoes and only grossed $3,721,911. “Body of Evidence” (1993) receives a half star from the Chicago Sun Times, 1 star from ReelViews, and a 2.3 of 10 rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It gets worse. The tagline is “An act of love, or an act of murder?” This one should just be locked up and forgotten about it seems.

On the heels of losing his Neverland ranch, Michael Jackson is being sued by the son of the king of Bahrain, Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Reps for Khalifa say the self-proclaimed King of Pop owes him more than $7 million in a breach-of-contract case which claims Jackson promised to record an album for Khalifa’s record label in 2006, but the job was never done.

Just last week Jackson signed over the title of his much-loved Neverland ranch, after years of speculation that the King of Pop was actually…uh, let’s just say…not financially stable.

Since Jackson’s 2003 allegations of sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old at the ranch, and his subsequent acquittal, things have gone south for the singer. Way south. So stay tuned. There’s always more on the “Say what?!” lifestyle that has become Michael Jackson.