Today was a monumental and surreal day for most of us in the music community, because Michael Jackson was laid to rest. His impact on our world is immeasurable, but so is his impact on the music industry as a whole, including hip-hop. Every rapper (and singer) has a Michael Jackson memory, a favorite MJ song, and in some cases, an MJ “Beat It” jacket (just ask Prodigy).
The Gloved One touched everyone’s life at some point, in some way. His music inspired a plethora of classic hip-hop songs by the likes of Nas, Naughty by Nature, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Big Pun, Tupac, Puff Daddy, SWV and many others. He’s collaborated with many hip hop artists, including Heavy D and LL Cool J.
- Michael Jackson & LL Cool J – “Serious Effect” [Cocaine Blunts]
Hell, even Jay-Z brought him out at NYC’s Hot97’s Summer Jam, reminding the younger generation as to why he was the undisputable King of Pop and why he should be acknowledged as such.
MJ opened doors and broke down barriers in this music business for everyone of color. His was the first video by an African-American to be played on MTV. He broke countless records in the business, including 1 for the Thriller LP (63 million records sold worldwide) that is still standing to this day and for being one of the only artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame TWICE. His legacy will live on throughout his music, and so he will never be forgotten, nor can it be ignored.
To everyone in the music business, you should be lucky to have 1/10th of his genius and incredible gift, 1/10th of his soul, 1/10th of his longevity in this business and 1/10th of the way he could touch his fans and make them love him, support him & revere him.
- Rock the Mic Right – MJ Collaborations with MCs [XXLmag.com]
We should not mourn him, but instead we should appreciate all he’s done for the music industry, including hip-hop and thank God that we were blessed to able to see and experience such a talented man in our lifetime..his legacy lives on through us. Lets make Michael proud. We should all aspire to achieve such greatness.
