Shattering news recently hit the music world today as it was revealed that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has passed away. Rumors first spread of Jackson suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills. Paramedics later reportedly arrived after a call to 911 and found Jackson to be without pulse while not breathing. Jackson was then rushed to the hospital but unfortunately he was unresponsive to any recovery attempts from the medical staff.

This is indeed a huge loss for the music world, as despite the recent scandals that had surrounded Jackson, there was no denying the imprint that he had left during his time as a performer. Jackson first gained nationwide attention as part of the Jackson 5 in the 1970’s but even then very few could imagine the fame and success that would later come into his life.

Over the course of his career Jackson scored five #1 Billboard albums while reeling up seven #1 hit singles. To this day ‘Thriller’ stands as the biggest selling album of all time and he also had great success with albums such as ‘Bad’ and ‘Dangerous’. His final studio album would end up being 2001’s ‘Invincible’.

Despite the scandals that later tainted his career, there are lasting images of Jackson that are still worth positive mention. He was the first Af rican-American performer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV with such hits as ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, and of course ‘Thriller’. His dancing ability was also unquestioned, as he put the Moonwalk on the map. Despite being gone from us at this very dark moment, it is very clear that Jackson has influenced an endless amount of Hip Hop and contemporary R & B artists.

Jackson was one of the few artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and he racked up 13 Grammy awards in his illustrious career. His appeal spread well outside of the United States as well, as sales of 750 million albums worldwide is testament to such. Whether it was controversy or talent, Jackson always fond a way to stay in the public’s eye until his last breathe on earth.

Wanting to get a deeper sense of everyone’s reaction to Jackson’s passing, 24 Hour Hip Hop bowed its head and took a trip on some choice online forums. From remembering Jackson to his early ‘Thriller’ days to showing great sorrow over his loss, this is what everyone is saying about missing the King of Pop…

(MajStar @ MTV.com)…
“The world has lost a great timeless talent! There will never be another Michael Jackson; not even close”

(ASIFB @ Washington Post)…
“I remember seeing the tiger on the cover of thriller and wanting the album just because I lik ed the way it looked. Little did I know that that purchase would start an admiration for one of the greatest performers of all time. We miss you Michael.”

(OfftheWall11979 @ MJJCommunity)…
“For me, it seems like I really haven’t believed it yet, because all since I have been a fan, Michael’s life has seemed natural and obvious, as something that could never die, that we’ve taken part of. Therefore I haven’t accepted his death. I’m still stunned, is this real or what? I can’t get a grip of it. How much I just want to cry I just can’t, because I simply never thought this day would come. I just couldn’t imagine it. And now when it has come, it still feels surreal. I guess many share this opinion.”

(Brittany Coleman @ LATimes.com)…
“So Michael Jackson has died today everybody is so sad and is saying that they didn’t know this was going to happen, well I did and I hope for a new wonderful life for him in heaven and that his children and wife are well and have a new great life in the future, best wishes.”

(Boss63 @ SOHH.com)…
“I WILL NEVER WORK AGAIN ON THIS DAY!! JUNE 25 IS NOW A HOLIDAY!!”

(CoreyWilson10 @ MTV.com)…
“Michael 🙁 I can’t stop crying…. Thank you MTV for playing his video’s again. The Greatest singer of all time has passed away. May you live with Jesus my friend. Love you Michael!”

(Llehrs @ Washington Post)…
“As a black woman the same age as Michael, I remember the Jackson Five on TV. It was truly special to watch them perform at a time when prejudice and racism was high. They instilled a sense of pride. There will never be another Michael Jackson. He was the consummate performer and talented in ways that we have not seen since. His appeal crossed over racial lines. His influence on R&B and Pop will live forever. Thriller is one of a kind. MTV would not be what it is today if it were not for Michael. He was a music legend, an American icon, and a talented Black man.”

(Janena @ MJJCommunity.com)…
“I can’t cry either…this is really a BIG nightmare….when am I gonna wake up! I am shaking but I can’t cry. ”

(Big GWOP @ SOHH.com)…
“Rest in peace MJ…Your music will live on forever”

(TheBigTShow @ MTV.com)…
“When he was at his height, there was nobody bigger. Ever. He created MTV. ‘Nuff said.””

(Chief Black @ SOHH.com)…
“You Muthafuckas Show Some Respect!!! This Man Is A Legend!!! R.I.P. To “The King of Pop”…. Damn.”

(SuzannePDC @ Washington Post)…
“We sat in the back of the classroom listening to the Thriller album on the record player with big giant ear phones. Possibly the greatest birthday present ever was the Thriller shirt I=2 0got from my friend Holly – she had a pink one and I got the matching blue one. Just LOVED the Thriller album – still do. And it helped to make 3rd grade on of my favorites.”

(Hess @ MJJCommunity.com)…
“It’s so surreal”

(Superman’s Cap @ SOHH.com)…
“Say what you want about Mike in his later years, but the man was a legend that accomplished more in his career than most singers can hope to ever accomplish. R.I.P. to the King of pop.”

(Sheree @ MTV.com)…
“Thank you Michael for your gift of music and dance. Your creativity changed the world of music. Every time I hear your music it makes me move to the tune, and I know that is what you want. I was looking forward to more music. You will be missed. I am so sorry for your family. I have loved your music since the beginning, thank you!””

(GrWall5459 @ Washington Post)…
“I am the exact same age as Michael Jackson. I’m sure every black girl in the 70’s had a crush on Michael Jackson as I did. Remember the Right-on Magazines with the posters in them of Michael and The Jackson 5? Even though his latter life was filled with trouble and scandal, he will live on as the greatest entertainer in music history. Rest in peace, Michael.”

(UnbornMC @ SOHH.com)…
“Fuckn crazy. This guy could’ve gone down and still may as the=2 0world’s greatest entertainer and he fucked it all up. His music is still dope and timeless, but when I hear the name Michael Jackson, I think freak, pedaphile, and sell out. Just sad!”

(Cheryl Schytzko @ LATimes.com)…
“When I was growing up I watched the Jackson Five grow up also. They were the staple of pop music. As Michael and the family grew so did the music and it was wonderful and creative. I had their pictures all over my room, including my school locker. As I grew up so did Michael and I watched his music evolve into the most unique and innovated music I have every witnessed. He will be missed and my heart felt condolences to his children and his family. God got someone very special.”

(EgyptsGyrl @ MTV.com)…
“He was a ‘thriller’ from the beginning, forced all the imitators to ‘beat it’, and now he’s moonwalked out of our lives forever. Gone, but not forgotten…… Michael, we ‘remember the time’! RIP MJ………”

(Yeezy2009 @ MJJCommunity.com)…
“If one person I thought would really live forever, it was Michael. He was immortal. I’ve cried so much tonight. I Love You Michael.”

(Candle96 @ Washington Post)…
“I was 8 years old when Thriller came out, and it was one of the first albums I ever owned. (yes, we called them albums then)I fell in love with it immediately, but was too scared to play the title track20once it was dark outside. I was half-fascinated, half-frightened by the video, which I had to watch on the sly at friends’ because my parents banned MTV in our house. It wasn’t until I was older that I discovered earlier stuff and came to appreciate the Jackson 5. Although when ever I listen to his voice it is inextricably linked with the scandals of the more recent years, I can’t help but think how that little 11-year-old would blow the water out of most adult and teen pop performers today. Truly a gift that over the years was abused, exploited, and twisted. May he finally find peace.”

(Timmy D @ SOHH.com)…
“One of the greatest artists of all-time…….so sad and shocking for real!!!!…this came out of nowhere…..this is gonna be tough to get over and forget…..reminds me of when Aaliyah died, you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard……”

(Tolson71 @ MTV.com)…
“It feels like part of my child hood has been ripped away from me and I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Michael and am also saddened by the fact that when he was with us that money hungry people would not leave him alone…RIP Michael and may God be with your family. Lord please forgive people like Just me for not having any sort of class at all.””

(BX Connect @ SOHH.com)…
“R.i.p. Mike. I cant front there’s a lump in my throat. This man was a legend. Damn.I loved him when I was younger. I’m at a loss for words.”

(Jabrea100 @ Washington Post)…
“Thriller and Beat It are forever etched into my childhood consciousness. I still find myself dancing to those two songs as a 30 year old man. It’s too bad that his eccentricities and bizarre behavior reduced him into a punchline during the last 10-15 years of his life.”

(WUTZtheDeal @ MTV.com)…
“Unbelievable. One of the world’s most memorable performers is dead, and I’m watching crap reality programming on MTV. Aren’t you called “music television”? I’ve seen no MTV news breaks, no news crawl, nothing other than what I see on the website. Seriously – this should be a reality check for you guys. BET responded with live coverage right away – why can’t MTV? So disappointing.””

(COOL T @ SOHH.com)…
“I’m real sorry to hear Michael Jackson passed on. My heart goes out to The Jackson family. As far as entertainment Michael was The Greatest hands down. Thriller is one of the best videos ever made, Billie Jean is my favorite by him, and I love The Jackson 5 movie. Don’t take life for granted people. I turned 29 today and I pray to see many more birthdays! Rest In Peace Michael!”

(MPage81 @ Washington Post)…
“I remember being five years old and me and my twin sister begging our mom to let us watch the premiere of Michael Jackson’ s thriller music video on MTV. It was a big event in our house….family and friends came over to watch. At five Michael became my idol and has been ever since. This is truly a sad day, we have lost a true legend and an amazing talent that has contributed so much to pop culture. Rest in peace Michael!”

(Keo_Weo @ MTV.com)…
“Michael, RIP. As crazy as it turned out… your talent will forever shape the music world. For those that are talking all of the hate now… you will one day be like him… and I hope for your family’s sake, that no one disrespects you like that. If you didn’t like Mike, he is gone so shut up. Listening to him in 1970, I did not realize that I would grow up listening to such a musical genius. Peace.””

(Truth Be Told @ SOHH.com)…
“damn. crazy. yea we all had our jokes about Michael. but damn. he was the best at what he did. name a dancer, rapper, singer, who wasn’t influenced by this man. he was great. regardless of what he has and hasn’t done that may be negative, he will answer to the one who matters most. RIP to the man, the myth, the legend himself: Michael Jackson. we will miss you, your spirit, and your presence.”

(Vision AM @ Washington Post)…
“I grew up with the Jackson 5 and identified with their styles and music. As sad and regrettable Michael’s death is, it speaks volumes to the fact that there seems to be a higher power in control of our future. Sometimes it seems cruel and unjust but in a way fare. May he rest in peace.”

(Lisa @ LATimes.com)…
“Michael Jackson, touched my soul and heart with his magical dance moves and music. He was an artist and the greatest performer that has ever lived, to date. My family and I have been overwhelmed in disbelief and shock by the news of his untimely and unexpected death. The media and some have taken this opportunity to flash the negative; this is not the time to do so, with respect to his fans and family, please refrain your apparent ignorance. It is my firm belief that there will never be another performer like Michael Jackson. He was indeed SPECIAL! Born in the 60’s myself, I am not ashamed to admit to the fact that each and every time I would see him perform, he made me feel like a kid at Disney raised to the highest exponent. My love, heavy heart, prayers, and condolences pours onto his family, more importantly, I ask that God’s angels embrace you all with the comfort to be brave in moving through this horrific loss.”

Feel free to hit Chris Robinson up with any questions at www.Myspace.com/BoxingHarmony