“Bille Jean” is one of those rare tracks that 90% of the modern world could name within the first 10 seconds of the track’s opening notes.  From the amazing yet understated video treatment, to Michael’s swagger,  “Billie Jean” is a crash course on the life of an 80′s rock star in under 5 minutes.  MJ weaves a cautionary tale that sagely advises us “don’t go around breaking young girl’s (or boys for that matter) hearts.  The track hit # 1 on both the Hot 100 & R&B charts.  Michael had done many videos prior to this, but “Billie Jean” was the first true glimpse into the visual genius that we would witness throughout his entire career. In a televised interview, Michael mentioned that “Billie Jean” was in reference to all of the girls over the years who claimed to be pregnant by his brothers.  After his death, their were rumors that Michael has a grown son who attended his funeral.  Which begs the questions: “Did Michael trick us all?” ” Could Billie Jean have been real, and was “the kid” actually his son?”

The “Girl is Mine” was a mash up of two icons from different musical genres.  The song peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B charts.  The collaboration was revolutionary in a time in which artists did not “genre hop” as easily and calculating as they do in today’s music.  It is the type of collabo that makes you scratch your head until you hear the actual track- then it all comes together.  My favorite part of the song is the friendly banter that begins around 3:00.  Sadly, the friendship between Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson did not last, as they had a falling out over Michael’s stake in the catalog that holds rights to the Beatles music.  What is your favorite part of this song?

From her notorious “Sextapes” series  to her beautifully haunting first album release, Far Away, Marsha Ambrosius doesn’t fail to live up to the anticipation in her album, Late Nights & Early Mornings. Fully stepping away from the days of Floetry, Ambrosius makes an impressive statement in her first solo project. Known for her feathery vocals and proven songwriting and production, this album brings an incredibly emotional, sensual, and mature experience which fits Marsha brilliantly. (more…)

Join the Michael Jackson Experience Fan Page here.

I can remember sitting on my bedroom floor and spinning my mother’s 45s on this “old school” portable record player that was the size of a kid’s luggage bag. While I was a kid of the 80′s and totally emerged in the phenomenon of Thriller, I was still fascinated and drawn to the early Motown recordings like Mama’s Pearl and of course, ABC. Even though I wasn’t born at the time of those recordings, it was funny how this childhood prodigy from the 60′s could still intrigue a 6-year-old like me in the 80′s. When I flashback on those moments as well as many others and remember the voices who moved my heart in this love affair with music, none has made a greater impact then the brilliance and soul of Michael Jackson.

For those who question this day’s significance, this isn’t simply the birthday of an icon. This is the celebration of an artist whose music broke countless records and crossed unimaginable barriers. This day we salute one whose gloved hand and captivating dance opened the doors for so many while carrying the torch of honor for those who influenced his craft. Michael Jackson’s presence could make an empty stage a timeless moment and his art showed us the “power of music” and what real artistry can create, inspire and awaken in all people.

So on that note, Grown Folks Music would like to present the “Michael Jackson Birthday” Tribute Mix from DJ Phaze. We hope in listening to this inspired piece you will remember the splendor of the “greatest” who’s ever done it – Mr. Michael J. Jackson.

Hit the jump for the playlist as well as DJ Jazzy Jeff’s original tribute mix from last year.

Happy Birthday MJ by GrownFolksMusic

Remembering Michael

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A very fitting tribute by none other than Spike Lee.

Michael Jackson – This Is It – Directed by Spike Lee from 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on Vimeo.

Heard about this earlier on our local radio station V-103 and had to peep it for myself. Very creative, dope arrangement and performance from Sam Tsui (vocals) and Kurt Schneider (production and arrangement).

So, in honor of “This Is It” being released today, enjoy!

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Sometimes I think casual music fans tend to forget how dope DJ Jazzy Jeff is as a true DJ. Well, as if there was any doubt, he has blessed us with his long awaited personal tribute to Michael as only he can do. The mix is 49 cuts and a little over an hour of pure bliss, which you can download for free here.

You can pick up your commemorative, caricature T-shirt from Undercrwn. Be sure to check him out on Twitter as well. For some background on his thoughts regarding this mix, check out some quotes after the break courtesy of MTV.
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