It seems like the backlash is finally kicking into effect. Too much TV coverage, too much print coverage, even too many online discussions apparently. At first I had a list of blogs and media outlets giving opinion pieces on why Jackson was overrated and really not the special talent that they feel some are making him out to be. Then I thought… why on Earth would I want to drive traffic to their sites due to their half-baked ideas, attention-baiting claims and un-researched “facts?” If you really want to seek them out, go ahead and Google the words “why is Michael Jackson important” and try not to throw anything at the screen.
There’s a reason why Jackson was more important than 99.9% of his fellow artists. Actually, I can think of ten. And if you’re so inclined, I’ll share some with you.
Thriller. Let’s start with the most obvious. To this day it’s still considered the benchmark for the quintessential classic album. Seven successful singles on a nine track LP, genre-defining videos and a Guinness Book World Record of 110 million copies sold (double that of its nearest competitor). But what about the music itself? While most of his peers struggled to come to terms with a post-Disco landscape, some wallowing in empty electronic and soulless synth, Jackson shrewdly strode the line between Funk, Rock and R&B. Thriller was a clinic course in crossover fusion. Perhaps the most vital element of the album however was its ability to distinctly set MJ apart from other musicians. His sound and style were starkly unique and defined his music from this moment on and for the better part of his career.
He saved the music industry. It wasn’t just about the music and sales of the album, it was also the impact it had on music commerce in general. Thriller hit shelves in 1982 during one of the worst post-war recessions in the US. The music industry was flailing, but its release helped spark an immediate repatriation between casual consumers and music stores. Previously, entertainment had been an afterthought in their budget, but as the LP’s buzz and critical acclaim roared unchallenged, it suddenly became an essential item in the home rather than a luxury. Once back in the stores, people weren’t just picking up Jackson’s album, they were picking up others as well. The commercial stimulus was enough to keep the industry afloat until the recession passed.
If you’re a fan of Drake, Tona, Ayah or Art Of Fresh then you’re a Slakah The Beatchild fan by default. The producer/musician/singer/director’s crafted “butter-boom-bap” choons for all of the above and just released his debut album “The Soul Movement Vol.1” (in stores on and offline).
I could get into a detailed review of the album but why do that when a pretty reputable site already put the work in?
If you’ve never heard of Eternia you must be living in another city; her skills on the mic are undeniable and the authenticity of her grind is inspiring. Peep clips of her rockin’ NYC’s legendary Lyricist Lounge as she preps for her new album ‘At Last’, a collaboration with ‘local gone global’ producer MoSS.
Taken from her press release:
“Over the next 6 months, eternia will release steady video & audio leaks leading up to the highly anticipated release of eternia & MoSS’s debut album, “AT LAST”. Follow them as they shop for a record deal, promote the album, and countdown to the release date. And you just never know what special guests may pop up… stay tuned!”
Taken from the official Live Nation Press Release:
“North America’s only major touring hip-hop festival–will be in Toronto, ON this Sunday, July 5 at The Molson Amphitheatre. Festival promoter Guerilla Union regrettably announces that Common will no longer be able to perform at this Sunday’s show due to a scheduling conflict with a film he is currently shooting. He will, however, appear at all remaining scheduled dates.
Guerilla Union sent out a call for help and is excited to announce that Mos Def has stepped up for the cause. He will be flying in directly from the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland to take part in what promises to be a legendary day in hip-hop. “We are genuinely humbled that Mos Def would fly in all the way from Europe on short notice to fill in for Common,” states Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union. “Toronto hip hop heads are in for a real treat. He’s out promoting his new album and we were blessed enough to have him make it here to Canada. We know he is excited to showcase his new material. When hip hop gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Mos Def will be performing new songs from his recently released, critically acclaimed album The Ecstatic, as well as all of his classic material. Mos Def will join previously announced performers Nas & Damian Marley (performing new music from their upcoming collaboration Distant Relatives, as well as solo material from each), Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek (Mos Def’s Blackstar family, who will be performing as Reflection Eternal), Big Boi from Outkast performing all the hits, Somali born, Toronto native K’Naan, RZA from The Wu-Tang Clan, the legendary EPMD, Slaughterhouse with Royce Da 5’9”, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I, a newly reunited Slum Village featuring T3, Baatin, and Elzhi, M.O.P., Tech N9ne, The Knux, and hosts KRS-One, Supernatural and Pete Rock.
Melanie Fiona SMASHED The MOD Club tonight (so I heard). I had to miss it because of OTA Live but heard she killed it (don’t doubt it). Pic courtesy of my homie Rochelle’s iPhone and my BB. Melanie Fiona The Bridge in stores NOW (in Canada), US in August! Big shouts to FLOW 93.5 for putting on the show!
hyperadmin | News,Video | Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
If you’re a youtube addict you might be familiar with “Pruane2Forever”, a Canadian kid whose idea of online fun includes blazing 50 for his media-whoring ways. Well, apparently his Curtis rants got him right next to the man himself. Let the Pruane cloning begin (lol!).
From the man himself. If you don’t know, Voyce has had some serious local hits here in Toronto and has recently been working with Bryan-Michael Cox. He’s written for Day 26, Danity Kane, Cassie and more and is definitely making a name for himself as a songwriter. Check out his latest single here.
– I go by the name Voyce Alexander as you know. To be real with you my name Voyce has held me back business wise for a long time (a singer named Voyce). It has given people the wrong impression of me since the day I took it on. My real name is Aion (a-on) and that’s who I am in my music and in everyday life. Voyce was a boastful and ignorant person who was in the way of Aion’s destiny. From here on out I would feel it best to revert back to my birth name, Aion. I am leaving Voyce Alexander in the dirt! Aion means life, breath and eternity, and that’s what I intend to bring to the world through my music.
