“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1969, and began
(1987), a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, his 1982 Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), BadDangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).



In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African-American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and Thriller—widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists. (Wikipedia)

It is sad to see such a legendary pop icon pass away, especially given the circumstances and his plan for a comeback (as the New King of Pop). Despite his shortcomings and problems with the law (from his child molestation trial, which he was later aquitted) and money, he was a one-of-a-kind (in more ways than one) superstar, who never quite wanted to grow up. With instant recognizability through his style, sound, and dance moves that transcended different generations and cultures, he will be sorely missed not only here, but throughout the world. Some of #1 hits include "Billie Jean", "Beat It", "Black or White", "Rock With You" and "Man In The Mirror" - check out below his greatest songs and videos, as we pay our respects to the greatest pop star that has graced the stages. Click HERE to see the quotes that are being said about Michael Jackson.







- EH

"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."
- Justin Timberlake

"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
- Madonna

"I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."
- Paul McCartney

"I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family."
- Diana Ross

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."
-Lisa Marie Presley

"I must confess I am not surprised by today's tragic news. Michael has been on an impossibly difficult and often self-destructive journey for years. His talent was unquestionable but so too was his discomfort with the norms of the world. A human simply cannot withstand this level of prolonged stress."
- Michael Levine, publicist

"I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched."
- Dick Clark

"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."
- Russell Simmons

"We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many."
- Dionne Warwick

"Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe."
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

"He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories."
- Neil Portnow, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences president

"Michael Jackson was my musical God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music. He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him."
- Wyclef Jean

"Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, and our hearts are heavy, heavy here. Michael Jackson was the world's greatest entertainer but more than that he was great humanitarian and a great, humble individual. The people of Gary, our hearts are full of tears because of the loss of Michael Jackson."
- Gary, Indiana, Mayor Rudy Clay

"Peace to the King. ... He was one of my childhood idols. I salute you King of Pop. You made the whole world moonwalk together."
- LL Cool J

"I am very sad. No one will be able to replace him. But I know that the light that he emanated from the stage will live on with all of us who saw him for what he was and always will be -- a great teacher, pure musical inspiration."
- Ricky Martin, pop star.

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic."
- Sean "Diddy" Combs, rapper, record producer and entrepreneur

"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. ... Long live Michael Jackson."
- Ne-Yo

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news . . . He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
- Quincy Jones

"I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure."
- John Landis (director of Thriller)

"I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend."
- Corey Feldman

"It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died; we are not only talking about a talented person dying, it's an amazing loss."
- Celine Dion

“I’m still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it is not true. It is too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."
- Uri Geller, psychic

"Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100 per cent original. We will always love, miss and remember your greatness."
- Ice-T

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."
- Brooke Shields

"I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player." and "I truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson."
- John Mayer

"You cannot say enough about what he has given to us musically and culturally. We take for granted people like him. ... All he wanted to do was give us great music and that's what he did. Every single day was dedicated to us.''
- Jamie Foxx

On a side note, apparently Michael Jackson may have recieved an overdose of his daily medication of Demerol from his doctor - who has conveniently gone missing. More on this as the story progresses.....

EH

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Why does it seem that everytime Ne-Yo teams up with another artist, he brings his A-game but when he releases his own stuff its debatable if its even worth posting?

His collaboration with Brandy (and production by StarGate) is no different - over a grand piano, strings, and simple snares StarGate created a beautiful melody that could be the whole track by itself. Not to say that Brandy and Ne-yo don't do a good job - their voices mesh well together to bring you the ultimate regret in "Too Little, Too Late". Shout outs to GWHH for the track.


Click HERE for the track.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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First off, check back tomorrow for a tribute to Michael Jackson and some of his greatest hits he left behind. R.I.P.

50 Cent drops his track "I'll Do Anything" in video form...check out the G-Unit general below!


Click HERE for the YT video.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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It has been reported that Michael Jackson passed away today at 3:15 pm, June 25th 2009. He died of cardiac arrest, as paramedics failed to get him breathing again at the scene and at the hospital. He was 50 years old.

Timeline of his death (sourced from LA Times):
Jackson was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center this afternoon by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.
Fire Capt. Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a call at Jackson's home at 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and took him to the hospital, Ruda told The Times.

[Updated at 2:12 p.m.: Paramedics were called to a home in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard.
[Updated at 2:46 p.m.: Jackson is in a coma and his family is arriving at his bedside, a law enforcement source told The Times.
[Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.]

RIP. Click HERE for his tribute.

Sources:
AP
CNN
People
TMZ
LA Times
Yahoo
ABC News
MTV
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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*UPDATE: Vince Carter heading to Magic; Courtney Lee, Rafar Alston, Tony Battie gone to Nets (I wonder why? Nets have approx. ~$29 million signed for 2010-2011... hellooooo free agents!)

Admist rumors that the Phoenix Suns were shopping their future hall-of-famer Shaquille O'Neal, there has been an announcement today that the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to pick up the 4x NBA champion, 3x Finals MVP All-Star for their upcoming campaign for the title in the 2009-2010 season.



This is a huge gamble, for both O'Neal's career and the Cavs, as O'Neal is reaching the end of his career (may have a few more years left) and is in need to post up some huge numbers in order to ride out his NBA life until retirement, as he has one year left on his contract and is looking to re-sign after the next season.


As for the Cavs, they risk disrupting their team flow, as LeBron James has yet to play with someone who likes to start the offense through him first, and takes up so much valuable paint space that James likes to invade. But, this can pay off in the long run as the Cavs have clearly shown they need a stronger presance in the paint (during their exit out of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Orlando Magic). This can also pay off, as a title next year will (most likely) guarantee James either staying through his contract or re-signing with the Cavs during the 2010 mega-free agent market. But, with so many potential contenders (Lakers, Celtics, Magic, Nuggets, Rockets (pending on Yao Ming's foot) and a handful of teams that can upset any of these teams), the Cavs may just lose out on James despite what happens...



For those who follow this blog, you know that I am a HUGE L.A. Lakers fan - and this could spell trouble (as well as most likely seeing a Lakers Vs. Cavs Christmas Day 2009 game) for the Lake Show and Kobe Bryant - but if Andrew Bynum, their budding center sticks true to his word about him and Dwight Howard working out together in the summer, O'Neal and James may actually be looking at a (few deadly) dagger(s) coming at them.



Plus, with Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics back in the picture and Howard viving for revenge, the Cavs better make some smart summer moves and secure some scorers on the wing...unlike Mo Williams who was supposed to be James's partner-in-crime but failed to show up.



We'll see what happens come fall of 2009 - its going to be an interesting season!

Click HERE for the full article from ESPN.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Kanye West, frequent fan and "unofficial" spokesman for Louis Vuitton, teamed up with LV to create a new pair of kicks set to release this year. Highsnobiety released this preview of the upcoming partnership...check it out!


Click HERE for the YT video.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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@ STRKNG LIGHTS BLOG

Ne-Yo yet again released another track, this time titled "I Can't Do That". Coming with a very clean sound, with upbeat sampling akin to Craid David's work, is this sign that Ne-Yo's getting ready to drop another album?



Click HERE to do that.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Ciara's newest single "Work" has been released from her latest album, Fantasy Ride. Featuring Missy Elliott, the track's a fast-beat with strings and equally fast hook, with an equally heavy flow from Missy. Check out below for the jump to the track + video.



Click HERE to do some "Work".
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)


Click HERE for the YT video for "Work".

EH

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Flo Rida teams up with Nelly Furtado to drop "Jump" - a heavy hitting track perfect to get people jumpin' this summer. Past Flo Rida collaborater Travis Barker did the drumwork for the track.



Click HERE to jump.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Akon released his newest video today from his latest album, Freedom, for his next single "We Don't Care."


Click HERE for the YT video of "We Don't Care".
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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@ STRKNG LIGHTS BLOG

Okay so I've given up trying to predict when this will be over - we all know about the Nike Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Puppets) ads they've been doing with Kobe Bryant & LeBron James for the past month or so... this time they be talkin' about how much % is mental (basketball). Check it!


Click HERE for the YT video of Shootaround.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault yesterday. He entered a plea deal which ended with him recieving 5 years probation, 180 hours of community service, one year of domestic violence prevention classes, and a fine. Rihanna and him have been ordered to stay at least 50 yards away, exempting industry events where the distance is reduced to 10 yards. As Judge Patricia Schnegg, who was presiding the case said, “I think it’s commendable you took responsibility for your conduct.’’ Click HERE for the full story.


Chris Brown, dropped a track titled "Not My Fault", produced by The Neptunes. Featuring the beats, synths, and breath samples the 'tunes have made their sound, Brown gives his reasoning about some unnamed girl who's "caught up" how its not his fault.


Click HERE for the track.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Clipse teams up with Kanye West to drop and release their lead single from their upcoming album, Till The Casket Drops, the offical "Kinda Like A Big Deal" video. Check it!


Click HERE for the YT video.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Nas teamed up with 18-years old Charles “C-Sick” Dumazer, who's from Chicago and won the chance to produce for Nas from the Red Bull Big Tune 2008 Contest, dropped the track "Film". The beat production from C-Sick actually fits really nicely with Nasty's flow, giving it a eerie-like feel. Nas bombards some mad lyrical bombs for your intelligence on his flow that's supposed to be film-like on the track. Shout outs to GWHH for the track. Check the full story here.



Click HERE for the "Film".
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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Usher's first interview since he went spiltsville with his and wifey Tameka Foster Raymond...




(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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A nice sum-up of the Lakers run to the Championship. Congrats again Lakers.

On a side note, more posts to come later today - computer here isn't very cooperative :(



Click HERE for the YT video.
(*NOTE: I do not provide/host these files, click on your own discretion!)

EH

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@ STRKNG LIGHTS BLOG