Michael Jackson’s death comes as a sudden shock to a world that grew up listening to him through many generations. An immensely beloved musical icon amongst the industry and to the millions of dedicated fans alike, he is the pure influence for many artists we know in the industry today. We were able to listen to Michael over four decades of our lives.He was about to make a grand comeback with 50 upcoming shows in London, England that would have commenced on July 13. His immense popularity and the love his fans had for him was proven when the tickets to all 50 of his concerts were sold out within minutes after initially going on sale in March. As the world mourns the death of an icon, a musical symbol, a philanthropist, and a renowned artist, we reflect on his life and the many musical anecdotes he left behind for generations of his dedicated fans and the fans he has yet to come.

It is true that Michael led a very secluded life after the media tore him apart years ago with yet another case involving a child like he hadn’t had enough. Until this day, I still believe that he was innocent. For a man that has been in music practically his whole life, the world watched him grow and change through his life and his music. We’ve watched Michael since his early years with The Jackson 5 until he eventually went solo officially sometime in 1979 to record the album credited as an official solo act entitled ‘Off the Wall,’ after that he went on to record four more albums which all went platinum in just a short amount of time. Throughout the years, it was never a problem for Michael to adapt to the changing music around him, which later coined him, respectively, the phrase of the King of Pop. His diversity in music made him a great songwriter, composer, and magnificent entertainer. After the airing of Motown 25 in 1983, he introduced the world to the Moonwalk making it his grand signature dance years after until today.

For those four decades, he was a huge worldwide pop culture icon literally gracing stages all over the world and providing music for all his fans. Throughout the 80’s, he became a predominant musical figure and practically revolutionized the music video transitioning it into an art form and launched the idea of providing the general public with a mini-movie. 1983’s ‘Thriller,’ and 1987’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ which transitioned from the mini-movie entitled ‘Moonwalker,’ are perfect examples of his creativity and artistic point of view when it came to the ideas he put into his videos alongside the directors. 1982’s ‘Thriller’ still holds the title of the world’s best-selling record of all time selling over 100 million copies. As a musician, he was also given the opportunity to record music that related to the situation the world was in especially poverty in society. ‘Man in the Mirror,’ ‘Heal the World’ foundation and his work with the ‘We Are the Children’ foundation put forth examples of his love for the world and the children making him a devout philanthropist amongst many others of his generation.

Until this day, very few artists have been able to reach the amount of success Michael was able to reach. From all of his many chart topping hit singles to the platinum albums that still sell until this day. His music will always live on in our hearts forever. As we remember him today, we remember him for his music, his work with charity, and his love for all the people of the world. From the ‘Jackson 5’ to ‘Invincible,’ we will never forget.




Michael Jackson: The King of Pop (Rest in Peace – August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

24hourhiphop.com would like to extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Jackson family for the loss of an icon and a legend. ‘Your Legacy Will Always Live On Forever!’