Business, Homepage, Photos & Video - Written by The Source on Monday, July 20, 2009 17:36 - 1 Comment
Reminisce: “Michael X”- MJ Goes In On the Record Industry
Anyone who has followed the history of American music can attest to the fact that without African Americans, Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop and every other musical formed birthed in this nation would be drastically different. Only one naïve to the history of this country could deny the unmistakable influence of black folks to American culture. There is also a general unspoken consensus that historically, minorities are not properly compensated nor credited for their contributions to American society.
Mike Jack was of course aware of this, and while he may have had a reputation for being quiet and reclusive, he made it his business to speak with a group of fans in Harlem about the issue, and he didn’t mince words when it came to the shady practices and racial politics within the entertainment industry.
Being the music enthusiast I am, I couldn’t be prouder of Mike for putting the industry on blast about the way things have been run for decades. We all know Chuck Berry, Ike Turner and Little Richard can be credited with the creation of Rock ‘N Roll, but Elvis Presley is the so-called “King of Rock ‘N Roll.” Yeah, OK.
Michael also mentions that as soon as he broke Elvis’, The Beatles’, and The Rolling Stones’ sales records, the negative rumors about him began to fly. I don’t know if it was because he was black, but it is good food for thought.
Basically, he pulled a Joe Budden (a reference for the young people), and spoke his heart on camera, knowing there could be some backlash. It’s a trait that can backfire for some, but can open up minds when it comes from the right voice. MJ did his part, and I encourage you to do yours.
-Jessica Bennett
Jump to about the 3:00 mark of this video for more of Michael calling out Sony.
1 Comment
MFMJ
Leave a Reply
On Newsstands NOW!
The Source Mailing List:
Our Partners
The History of The Source: Watch Now
Source Exclusive: Watch Now
Our Partners:
Become a Campus Rep:
What’s really real? MJ is black? He spent thousand of dollars to turn white. A musical giant, no doubt. No excuse for touching on them kids. There is no defense for that. And don’t give me “He wasn’t convicted.” Please. The dude paid off their sleazy parents. If it was an isolated incident, I might be willing to consider giving him the benefit of the doubt. But, how many times did it happen? Anyone who’s keeping it real can admit that he was a straight-up Chester and as such is frying somewhere right now, like Thriller for real. Talent is not a license to take innocence and ruin lives. Yes, those kids will never be the same again. They can get on with their lives, but they will always be haunted by the memory.
And there is Mr. Fake-ass Sharpton jumping in the picture because the cameras are rolling. Dr. King preached racial unity. Sharpton promotes racism. Always Johnny-on-the-spot when some racist shit goes down to grandstand and fan the flames against all whites, instead of the disease of racism, for which he is a primary carrier.
Wake up and smell the coffee. Sharpton now and always has, worked for the government. Check the facts. Rebel? I think not. Funny how just around the time blacks and Jews were getting together, King and X got hit and Rev. Al and Calypso Louie Farrakhan took their places with the opposite message. Why did the FBI not investigate the Nation’s alleged involvement in the Malcolm X assassination?
People dog Kanye for playing the race card to gank awards from MTV (not that he isn’t a brilliant musician). Jesse and Rev. Al have been pulling the same gank move since the ’80s and none of the money is going back to the people they claim to represent. These guys cry discrimination and picket until they are paid to go away, without getting jobs for the brothers. ACORN is another similar race hustle. If you are going to fight against discrimination, don’t take an envelope to drop the issue.
Maybe an emcee will rise up with a positive message. Some one down for the people. As a fan, I’ll be waiting.