Michael Jackson was finally buried yesterday at the Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in California last night. Family and old friends attended the ceremony that was aired last night on CNN and other news outlets. Fans arrived and lined the streets with signs to show their grief over their lost icon.

Michael Jackson of course contributed to hip-hop by influencing a new generation of musicians who grew up listening to his music. Though just 50 Jackson will live forever through his music.
Image: BauerGriffin.com

Kanye West declaired himself the new “King of Pop” when addressing a Scrape TV yesterday. West, who is known for his over-inflated ego has said that after the passing of Michael Jackson it’s time now to pass on the crown.

Unfortunately someone forgot to tell Kanye that no one is ever declared King of Pop, there is no coronation or ceremony involved. Michael Jackson received the name after his close friend Elizabeth Taylor handed him a “Artist of the Decade” prize back in 1989.
If any rapper is to receive any Kingly title in the hip-hop industry it would have to go …read more

MC Hammer was on the Wendy Williams Show yesterday where he talked about that scene in his “Too Legit to Quit” video where all you see is that sequined glove.  It’s assumed that it’s Michael Jackson (obviously, not for real) who has to conceded that Hammer is “too legit.”  It always cracked me up back in the early 1990s so it was funny to hear him talk about it.
He told the story of the time Michael Jackson actually called him and he hung up on them because he didn’t believe it.  He said when he called back, he knew it …read more

New hip-hop/R&B singer Chanj has been making his way to the top with his singles “It’s The Worst” that was produced by Steven Russell and “Maybe” produced by Dre & Vidal. Three big names in the music industry notable for working with chris Brown, Usher, Mariah Carey and Jill Scott to name a few.
Chanj performed live in Los Angeles, California for a KJLH 102.3 event. He performed “It’s The Worst” and Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There” acapella as a tribute.
Let me know what you think of this new up and coming performer.
Image used with permission.

Ne-Yo is on tour in Europe right now with protege Jaydn Maria. So far so good except for his concert last night in Manchester that left fans mad, disappointed and confused.
Ne-Yo’s concert was going fine till after a energetic tribute bit from Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall”. After Ne-Yo looked distraught as he failed to be able to look up and had tears in his eye’s. The crowd cheered for his moment of Jackson loss, but became mad after Ne-Yo announced that he was going to end the concert and have Jaydn Maria finish off the show.
Image: BauerGriffin.com

Stevie Wonder gave perhaps the most heartwarming performance at the Michael Jackson’s memorial. An event that filled up the Staples Center in Los Angeles, millions watched the event unfold live on TV.
Stevie sang “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer” at the memorial service held on July 7th, 2009. Perhaps the most appropriate song of the night, it helped bring the attention completely to Michael Jackson.
Allaahumma in kaana muhsinan fa zid fi ihsaanihi wa in kaana musee’an fa tajaawaz ‘an sayi’aatihi. Allaahumma ighfir lahu wa thabbit-hu bi’l-qawl il-thaabit.

Usher is self proclaimed as the biggest fan Michael Jackson ever had and was one of his greatest influences. Because of that connection Usher felt that he had to be apart of the tribute memorial service that was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California today July 7th, 2009.
Usher sang “Gone Too Soon” before the crowd of mourning fans, family and friends. His performance of the song was said to be one of best performances that evening as everyone became teary eyed by the lyrics. Watch the performance below.
Rest in peace Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s father Joe Jackson wasn’t invited but showed up anyways to the 2009 BET Awards. He was there to represent the Jackson family during the awards show who payed tribute to the late Michael Jackson.
Though ticketless, Joe Jackson was ushered through the red carpet to the front of the stage seating next to Jay-Z and Beyonce. The 2009 BET Awards payed special tribute to the life and music of Michael.
Image: Bauergriffin

Michael Jackson has been an influence on many music genres. Pop, country, rock and hip-hop artists have all looked to Michael for inspiration. With his recent passing artists the world over have come out with statements praising the King of Pop.

Ludacris: “If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the fam. R.I.P.”
LL Cool J: I’m devastated by the passing of Michael Jackson; incredibly sad….. He was one of my childhood idols. I salute you King of Pop.”
Ice T: “Rest In Peace Mike. People …read more