Grammys don't need Michael Jackson

There is one question that will dominate the pre-Grammy discussion over the next week-and-a- half:

Will Michael Jackson appear on the telecast, or won't he?

Two days after the Feb. 10 awards, Sony's Legacy Recordings will release the 25th anniversary of "Thriller."

You can bet the mystery surrounding Jacko's rumored appearance will drum up more hype for the release (witness this posting), which will certainly boost CBS ratings thanks to those curious to see what state Jackson is in. That's why I'm not expecting a firm answer anytime soon.

But here's hoping he's not in the Staples Center next weekend. For one, if he is, every other artist and performance will be overshadowed by talk of what Jackson will/or won't do, and what he will look like. And besides, the Grammys should honor the past year in music, not help sell a re-issue for Sony.

But more important, Jackson has already received a better tribute than the Grammys can provide. It came by way of Chicago rapper Rhymefest, who, along with Grammy-nominated producer Mark Ronson (Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse), has crafted a Jackson "dedication album," which takes inspiration from Jackson's work to create compelling new songs. I first learned about the project, dubbed "Man in the Mirror," via the blog of the Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot, and I haven't been able to stop listening since I downloaded it on Friday.

And speaking of downloading, one should head to the official Web site of Ronson's Allido Recordings (a label affiliated with Sony) or Rhymefest's MySpace page to download the project now. It's free, and these kind of unlicensed remixes have a tendency to disappear  suddenly.

But Rhmyefest is able to do what major label marketing firms have failed at doing, and that's trim Jackson of the tabloid drama and bring the focus back to his music. Rhymefest sets out right away to humanize Jackson, and bring him down to earth, portraying him as a simple man from Gary, Ind., one who still has the power to unite a desperate community (see "Mike the Mentor"). He also inter-splices the album with brief, but always humorous, "conversations" with Jackson, in which Rhymefest's inserts himself into dialogue from Jackson interviews.

It's a tribute to a hero, but also a call to action. The 25th anniversary of "Thriller" comes bloated with extra tracks and remixes from will.i.am., Kanye West, Akon and Fergie, a disjointed smattering of superstars rather than a cohesive collection (as Rhymefest writes on his MySpace page, "As a fan, I expected a bit more"). By contrast, Rhymefest and Ronson have created a seamless offering, in which the rapper and the King of Pop play give-and-take with Jackson's songs of yore.

"Can't Make It" opens with a sample of "You Can't Win," and swipes and spices funk sounds over bombastic beats, mixing hip-hop dreams with a working-class reality. Rhymefest re-imagines "Dancing Machine" as a sparse club tune, and Rhymefest dramatically dances around a young Jackson covering "Ain't No Sunshine," re-crafting it as a song about tortured aspirations.

Rhymefest has more fun with Jackson's "Break of Dawn," turning it into the sly and soulful "Breakadawn," in which he wonders what Jackson's share of the Beatles catalog is worth. "Don't Let Your Baby Catch You" becomes the playful "Foolin' Around," and the title track brings it to a show-stopping close, with Rhymefest asking what he's done to lose the trust of his own mother.

After listening to "Man in the Mirror," it's clear there's only one Jackson Grammy pairing worth hearing: Jackson & Rhymefest, a duo that would probably make CBS suits cringe.

(Photo courtesy rhymefest.com)

Comments

[Y'AAAAALLLLLLLL]

wacko's a has been, does not belong there, has not done anything worthy since he accused mottola of being devilish, and that charade stunk too, shine the light on new and good artist, we don't need a pedophile strutting his stuff and leave us wondering whether or not his nose will fall off or any other appendage for that matter, don't celebrate the old, ring in the new!

[Frankie R.]

Jacko Wacko's music is very much passe now...he's not all that thrilling anymore...plus Michael wannabes like Chris Brown & Usher to fill in...

[Cathy T]

Hopefully Michael Jackson will appear and even perform at the Grammys, that way people will actually watch it! The music today is just not good at all! We need The King Of Pop to make music exciting and innovative again! I haven't watched the Grammys since the last time Michael was on them but I'll definitely be watching this year!

To the first answerer: Please tell me that you don't actually believe those ridiculous allegations that were made against MJ by those gold diggers!

[dustin]

why did u bleach ur skin. and people say u like little boys is that true??????????????

[Amanda]

Shut up fools what do you know?? 'Michael is passe' GO AND SIT DOWN, PLEASE. The music scene is what it is today BECAUSE of Michael Jackson. He is well respected by fellow artists and his fans all around the world.

Listen to yourselves people like you give me joke - since when has anyone's nose fallen off. What kind of a stupid statement is that, so he had a nose job - GET OVER IT ALREADY. I am sure we could cuss you down just as bad on your looks.

Perhaps you should try finding out the TRUTH before labling anyone a paedophile. For your info that boy claimed MJ molested him AFTER the 'Living with MJ' program was shown. So that makes a whole lot of sense doesn't it - while the whole world is thinking what's going on with Mike and kids he decides it's a good time to molest the boy in the video - YEAH RIGHT!!

[JozieLee]

Love him or hate him for his personal frailties Michael Jackson has composed some of the most beautiful music ever written. Thus he should be invited to this or any other Grammy award ceremony. He's part of musical history and should be respected and honored for his contributions.

[antoinemarionette]

When Usher and Chris can spin around at 20 mph, 8 times, fall on their knees and sing like an angel, I'll certainly be willing to compare them. Until then, there is only one incomparable, magnificent, beautiful, elegant, graceful, mega-talented artist that all other recording artist should admire and emulate: Michael Jackson. He's got the largest fan base on earth, for any artist. He's sold more music than any artist and for those who do not love him, at least have the human decency to show respect for one of the greatest humanitarians this world has known.

[simom]

MIchael Jackson has never been convicted of child molestation!
He could have paid that last gold digger out but chose to take it to court.

[R.J.]

Although I do not like the fact Michael Jackson bought the rights to the Beatles he would never molest a child.

MJJ is one of the last great musicians along with Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, and Billy Joel. As Jackson said himself on a magazine interview, "Todays generation just doesn't know music".

[Srini]

Forget about his personal history. But his contributions respected by billions around this world. He is still king of pop...God bless him.

[Helena]

Yeah it's been pretty much confirmed the recent allegations were a crock of crap by people trying to get in his pockets so that's not even an issue with me.

I do have problems with people comparing the official remake to an unofficial one and acting like one's better than the other. Hello! They're all his music, his influence and the love people have for him and his different creations.

[Adam B.]

Its funny that you guys waste a lot of your energy hating, someone that has always gave tons of money to charity and has never said a bad thing about anybody.

What every one is missing is the facts.
Fact:
Michael has sold more records than any other male artist.
Every year his thriller album sell thousands.
He has won countless Grammys.
He has given all shows including Ophra the highest rating, EVER.
The list goes on!
He is a true artist and the Grammys is were he belongs.

[casper]

"why did u bleach ur skin".....what is that suppose to mean, your being ignorant to the entire community of people who have vitiligo, and should be ashamed of yurself.

[Joseph]

I hope michael is at this years grammys. To say he is no longer "thriling" is a joke. Look at todays current songs "just fine" and "please don't stop the music" BOTH sample michaels magic. As Pharrell said....michael jackson can be 95 years old and moonwalking at one mile an hour and the world will still have its eyes watching every momment...

[DB]

Michael Jackson was just as guilty as O.J. But slick lawyers got both of them off. And he's become a "sponge," living off one rich person after another. He needs to get a real job, and forget about doing music ever again. He had his day, and it's so over.

[Ted]

I am enjoying the quotes from the insane people defending Jackson's wacky lifestyle. Sure, defend his music - that's fine - we all enjoy it. But his crazy behavior has turned him into a walking sideshow. Vitiligo? Are you serious? The man bleached his skin because he was sadly ashamed of being black. Yeah, there's someone the black community should be proud to rally around.

[Anthony]

Everytime a Michael Jackson story comes up, all these haters crowd around like a bunch of try hard bullies, Jackson never molested children; if so why would the jury give 10 straight not guilty?

Ted i think you should think before you talk/write/type whatever, MJ never bleached his skin it's a disease called VITILIGO! get it through your thick head, the man even said it on th Oprah Winfrey show; heres a little something from Wikipedia and the show i actually watched:

Appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993, Jackson addressed the rumors claiming that the change in his skin color was due to the disease vitiligo. In the interview, Jackson became emotional, saying that: "I'm a black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity... I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin, it's something that I cannot help, OK? But when people make up stories that I don't want to be what I am it hurts me... It's a problem for me that I can't control."

If you cant understand that, then i dont know what will.

Leave the poor guy alone and show him some respect, i hope he turns up at the grammies, ill do anything to watch it.

MJ
King Of Pop

[Jessica]

For one thing, Michael Jackson was aquitted of all charges because there was lack of evidence, the mother of the accuser had a history of false alligations so she's known to extort money, and because he just didn't do it. You people who are bashing MJ needs to back off and leave him alone. He didn't bleach his skin, he had a skind condition that caused his skin to lighten. Instead of looking at MJ for who he really is, some people go by what the media says which is way off. He is very talented, sweet, down to earth, and I know he will make an appearance at the Grammys. I hope he's there. Just so you judgmental people know, there will not, and never will be another Michael Jackson. He is the legend, great and the one and only King of Pop!

Go Michael!!!

[Ray]

I just wants to say one thing here. You walk in to some remote Asian village, ask around if anybody heard of Usher, 50 Cents, or Elvis for that matter, you will surely get a big NO for answer. Ask about Michael Jackson...I am sure that some one will be able to do a dance move or two for you. That is the Michael Jackson as the world knows him. People around the world know him for the multi-talented artist he is. I honestly don’t believe that any harm can ever come to his fame as an international superstar . So why the grudge folks, if he is going to make more music, lets hear it and let the world be the judge of it.

[Cathy]

Actually Michael Jackson really does have Vitiligo, do some research and get the facts! It is ridiculous to think that it's possible to bleach your skin, pour some bleach on your skin and see what happens! Michael is a very proud African-American man! Haters who are completely ignorant to the facts and just believe what the media tells them are the ones who are insane!

[Julio]

I'd better say " Jackson doesn't need Grammys"....non artist has won more Grammies than him...

[friend]

I am looking for Michael Jackson at the Grammy's! and the Superbowl. I usually don't watch either, but will be watching both this year. BET is also doing an award next month. He's so busy now, i've got to get a day planner just to keep track. I haven't seen him since last year's awards shows for WMA and the Japan MTV awards, so I cannot wait to see him. DVRing it all so I can keep it. Don't worry too much over the ignorant, ya'll. Places like this are the only place where they can feel any glory, and come the night of the Grammy's, the SuperBowl, the BET Awards and all the rest, you can bet their you know what's will be plunked down in front of their tv's watching it too. Even the haters can't resist watching. For those of us who are actually informed, and don't live off the tabloid feedmill, it's a time of celebration :) Peace to all.

[yuna]

As what the article said. Michael Jackson has already received better tribute that the grammys can provide. He received countless awards. As far as i know he just received Life time achievement awards from NRJ in France this January 2008. He acquitted in 2005 on all accounts. Why are you still bashing him? In America Michael's Album got the lowest selling rate compared to other countries. Is it because of the allegations? well, are they having doubt about their own justice system? In Michael's case there's no evidences at all compared to OJ's. people should stop comparing about the two cases. Regarding skin color, if he bleached his skin i think there are also other afro people who bleached their skins too if it is possible to get white in bleaching. And why Michael hadn't stop bleaching his skin in early 90s? when his skin appeared perfectly white as white as normal white person? stupid. use your brain people. there are lots of evidences that he has vitiligo and discoid lupus. Don't stay ignorant go and get yourselves informed. If you think Michael has lost abit of direction in his personal life, maybe there's reasons behind it that we really don't know. But, of course people will surely make up story about it. Most specially those who don't understand individual psychology. Michael Jackson's music is what the new generation must have to listen. I'm 17 years old but i still love Michael Jackson's music. My Parents are not Michael's fans so, nobody had influenced me to like the music of Michael jackson. It's the music of Michael that compelled me to love him as an artist.

[yuna]

As what the article said. Michael Jackson has already received better tribute that the grammys can provide. He received countless awards. As far as i know he just received Life time achievement awards from NRJ in France this January 2008. He acquitted in 2005 on all accounts. Why are you still bashing him? In America Michael's Album got the lowest selling rate compared to other countries. Is it because of the allegations? well, are they having doubt about their own justice system? In Michael's case there's no evidences at all compared to OJ's. people should stop comparing about the two cases. Regarding skin color, if he bleached his skin i think there are also other afro people who bleached their skins too if it is possible to get white in bleaching. And why Michael hadn't stop bleaching his skin in early 90s? when his skin appeared perfectly white as white as normal white person? stupid. use your brain people. there are lots of evidences that he has vitiligo and discoid lupus. Don't stay ignorant go and get yourselves informed. If you think Michael has lost abit of direction in his personal life, maybe there's reasons behind it that we really don't know. But, of course people will surely make up story about it. Most specially those who don't understand individual psychology. Michael Jackson's music is what the new generation must have to listen. I'm 17 years old but i still love Michael Jackson's music. My Parents are not Michael's fans so, nobody had influenced me to like the music of Michael jackson. It's the music of Michael that compelled me to love him as an artist.

[friend]

edit on my comment, of course i've watched the video captures of NRJ and saw him on the covers of all those magazines of late. i just meant i havent seen him like live, even tho Superbowl's info atm is for the TV spot alone (which i can't wait to see :) i am keeping my hopes up for something unexpected at the half-time show. wishes on a star....