The King of Pop Laid to Rest in Final Resting Spot

Los Angeles, CA – It has been two months since the death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and after weeks of investigation into his sudden passing, his body was finally laid to rest this past Thursday night (September 3).

The Jackson family put together a memorial service at the Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles for only relatives and closes friends. It was a sincere, yet private ceremony that was closed to the public and the media. With the same heartfelt conclusion his children provided at the Staples Center for his fans, they took center stage again showing their undying devotion to a father they loved so dearly. All three of Michael’s children: Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II, commenced the ceremony by placing a golden crown on the casket, giving him the respect and honor that he so rightfully deserved as the King of Pop.

The touching and grief-stricken ceremony was held outside the great mausoleum where Michael’s final resting spot was chosen by the family. The ceremony was attended by more than 200 relatives and dear friends that knew Michael in a personal light that were beyond his beloved fans. According to MTV News, who received information from the family spokesperson:

“The stage was covered with six large bouquets of white lilies and white roses, and on either side of a flower-decorated dais stood two pictures of Jackson in a bright yellow shirt and thick gold belt. Helicopter cameras hovering overhead showed that Jackson’s family placed his flower-covered casket in front of the audience.”

The audience in attendance included a plethora of celebrities, stars, and musicians that were close to Michael throughout the years that they knew him. Some names included: Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley, Stevie Wonder, Chris Tucker, Gladys Knight, Elizabeth Taylor, Macaulay Culkin, Mila Kunis, ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, Corey Feldman, Barry Bonds, and the Reverend Al Sharpton.

Pastor Lucius Smith, who also offered prayers during the Staples Center ceremony, provided opening prayers for the family’s private memorial and spoke heartfelt words. Reverend Al Sharpton and Michael’s father, Joseph Jackson also spoke at the podium. During the ceremony, veteran R&B starlet, Gladys Knight provided her vocal talents as she sang her heart out for a friend that she lost too soon.The ceremony lasted about an hour and 15 minutes ending at around 9:45pm PT.

According to Us Weekly, all 5 of Michael’s brothers, wearing suits with their brother’s signature black armband and one sequined glove, were the pallbearers that carried the casket into the great mausoleum where they were followed by rest of the family and friends giving their final goodbyes to the King of Pop that was loved so dearly.

This was a press release statement that was provided by the family:

“The Jackson Family wishes to once again thank all of Michael’s fans around the world for their generous outpouring of support during this terribly difficult time. Their expressions of love for Michael and his music have sustained the Jackson Family.”

We have reached the final chapter of the life and times of the King of Pop. Michael has finally been laid to rest in his resting spot. Long live the King of Pop in our hearts, forever.

50 Cent Takes Shots at Jay-Z on ‘Flight 187’

New York, NY – 50 and Jay were going at it long before 50 was even signed to Shady, Aftermath, however the situation between the two never really got out of hand. That infamous feud quickly subsided when they both began touring. Since then the two heavyweights have featured in different tracks together providing lyrics for each individually. But as we know 50, he could never go on without saying something about the next person getting shine over him.

This past Thursday night, 50 just so happened to release a video of his latest track off of yet another mixtape in a slew of mixtapes he has been releasing in conjunction for the arrival of his latest studio LP. That mixtape is entitled ‘The 50th Law of Power’ with the track in question entitled ‘Flight 187.’

On that specific track, he directly targets Jay on one of the verses, throwing some jabs at the legend. Some say that the verse is a blatant diss to the face of Jay-Z, while others are saying it was just an open joke to one of his Hip-Hop mogul friends.

This was the verse in question:

“Jay rockin’ that Urkel look, isn’t he from Marcy?/ They say he growing dreads and now he’s talking like a Yardie.”

Jay did mention that he wasn’t going to cut his hair until the release of his latest album ‘The Blueprint 3.’ And for the most part, he’s kept it going for quite some time as his album is real close to release.

With another artist added to a list of artists that have tried, but failed, to take Jay-Z down with a couple of shots. Lately, ex-G-Unit member, The Game took his hand at taking shots at a legend, something he said he would never do. Jay on the other hand has not taken any of Game’s direct disses personally, nor has he even tried to entertain the notion any further than where it stands right now.

In the latest XXL edition set for release in October, Jay spoke to the writers and added his thoughts on the Game and everyone and everything that has occurred so far in the illustrious career that is the icon.

These were his comments:

“I mean, Game, I’m his fucking idol. If you ask him and he’s being truthfully honest with you … it’s just based off his insecurities and, for the most part, pretension. That type of competition doesn’t do anything for me. It’s almost like someone trying to set you up, and everyone knows they’re to set you up … it’s just dumb. It’s not in the spirit of competition, because he’s not competition for me. He’s not. Not then, not ever — he’d have to improve considerably. Competition for me is Nas, Eminem. Like Jim Jones? That’s ridiculous to me. So how do I respond to that? I can’t win. If I win, then they’ll be like, ‘See. Now chill. You’re a fuckin’ bully.’ And if Game manages to throw a haymaker from the West Coast, then it’s like, ‘Oooooh.’ It’s not even fun.”

At press time, Jay has yet to respond to 50’s recent shots and with his record as of late, he probably will not. We’ll just have to wait and see what escalates or subsides from here.

Jay must be the man of the hour; everyone is taking shots at the undisputed icon of Hip-Hop. And the more and more other heavyweight artists mention his name in tracks; his name will always be circulating all over the place, whether negative or positive. There must be envy looming in the air, because the only issue I see.

Video of Chargers LB Shawne Merriman Arrested for Choking Tila Tequila

San Diego, CA – In some interesting sports news, this has got to be a WTF moment. Not even weeks into the beginning of the season, San Diego Chargers Linebacker, Shawne Merriman, was apprehended and charged for allegedly choking his girlfriend, reality showgirl, Tila Tequila. According to reports, Merriman has had a history of steroid abuse, so experts say that might be one of the reasons behind his recent violent spurge.

Reports are still looming on whether or not they were actually dating, the authorities have stated Tequila was indeed his girlfriend. According to Chargers beat writer, Kevin Acee, the story goes that Merriman was trying to restrain Tequila from leaving his house intoxicated during a house party. Friends close to Merriman have vouched for him, saying that he was just restraining her from leaving the property in the inebriated state she was allegedly in and it apparently got out of hand.

At press time, Merriman has been charged with battery and is currently awaiting trial. This comes as a huge upset to the Chargers as he is a pivotal player for their defensive strategy.

Keep posted to 24hourhiphop.com for more updated news as this story is in the developing stages.

What was he thinking? They both must have been inebriated in some way or another. Tila Tequila has been known for her erotic exploits, especially while intoxicated, there might be a different story behind the scenes that got Merriman quite upset. Either way, that was an interesting WTF moment.

Here is the video from ESPN News concerning the arrest of Shawne Merriman: