Chuck D blogs on death of Michael Jackson

AP

Chuck D of Public Enemy has blogged on the death of Michael Jackson, and his observations on the coverage of the tragedy by the press and community.

THE BUSINESS OF THE DEATH OF MICHAEL JACKSON

I purposefully sat out JULY to slowly write and regroup on how I was going to recommit the Terrordome into a true 2-3 times a month Blog . The Michael Jackson death required a month and a mouth of silence. We have lost a lot of SOUL over the past 5-10 years, JAMES BROWN, RAY CHARLES, RUTH BROWN, WILSON PICKETT, but the passing of MICHAEL JACKSON took the cake and has to make us all realize how short life really is here on earth. I was on a DELTA flight flying in from New York to Los Angeles when I saw the beginning of this tragedy from the seat screens that broadcast in the air. CNN showed breaking news and I glanced at it occasionally while I worked on my computer (taking advantage of the power source under the seat and the in-flight internet). It was then I noticed that the Breaking News exceeded a half hour, and I was getting IMs from the ground saying Jackson had passed. This news gradually became a reality for me as Wolf Blitzer made the announcement from the LA Times. I was flying straight there to drive up the coast so I knew to avoid all major highways near the UCLA hospital. Already the frenzy had started and I had an interview when driving up the coastline on PCH. I immediately told the reporter for the newly reduced Atlanta Journal Constitution that I was a bit in a (no big pun intended) STATE OF SHOCK, but knew that everybody was gonna pour out massive emotions in the wake of his death.

DAVEY D COVERED it thoroughly LAST MONTH. And he said it best from Jackson's public Memorial at STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles:

'Michael Jackson over the past two weeks was a bigger than life figure and in our rediscovering him, many of us rediscovered some long forgotten aspects of ourselves. For many of us Michael was still alive. He was still alive in spite of the incessant news stories about his death and the speculation as to what caused it. With each music or video tribute, television special or retrospective walk down memory lane, MJ was still here. His energy was around. His spirit felt. As I listened to his older material I found myself yearning for him to bust out with new material and resurrect a long lost soulful sound from a bygone era. But alas he was gone.'

Davey D at Michael Jackson's Memorial.

:

Michael Jackson and his family had been on my mind as recently as earlier this year. When I started one of my newest ventures, my songwriting company, I wondered about making some songs for the rest of the Jackson brothers, who I thought people would see without Mike. I didn't enjoy the fact that the JACKSON men weren't really in the business anymore. Nor recording. Nor really performing. I know that they'd seen/done it all, but I felt and feel that they are more of an institution that some rumor machine, ready for TMZ or the ENQUIRER, would only mention because of their brother. I was pissed because I knew that the heart and soul of this genius of Mike Jax was hurting and was collapsing under this negative non-stop attacking of his character. And alongside this, knowing that SONY would do anything to get that publishing back.

Still I knew the JACKSONS, Michael included, probably couldn't get a return call from this so-called business of a recording industry. I knew then that Urban and fake-black radio wouldn't play a thing from Mike if he was independent while he was alive. Prompting some fake ass DJs, Program Directors and Music Directors to test the market to see if he was hot, and instead playing some nondescript, nowadays "quick artist" singing nothing for nobody important. Cool, play your flavor of the month, some audio-sewage pumped by what remaining few labels are left. But damn, be open to acknowledge royalty in music when it calls. Or before it dies. Mike and the JAX clan had been doing this before many had a thought about being in the music biz. My thoughts if I was a radio programmer would be let MIKE be Mike and have the label deliver whatever. And play it to death, instead of playing him to his death. Yes, these so called urban powers that be, "played" him, alright, like they play with the masses of blackfolk listening, watching, and tuning and snoozing in.

Oh yeah, BET was a disaster zone waiting to happen when it rushed their so called tribute.

Cheap news for expensive yet broke ass times. ET, Larry King LIVE and every other so called 'news bureau' has been covering, uncovering, cowering, hovering over this for a month and a half. I can see that. But when major news networks become 'nitworks' replacing real, more important news with the aftermath of 'mess' and rumor, there stands a reason for concern.

Well ,myself being around the Jackson generation age where parents doled out ass whippings when crossed,I see where PC white america is shaken by Joe Jackson. While I think he was a bit over the top later on with the disease of 'fame,' his root reasons were to get his family and himself the hell out the hood. All you got to do is check the Jackson mini-series film for some reference. Call it what you want, but I've been witnessing 25 years of black kids killing each other in the midst of absent black fathers and over-flooded one-sided stereotypes in the media. Especialy black boys, as my wife Dr. Gaye Theresa Johnson points out. Joe Jackson might be seen a bit crazy to white america, but join the club, many of us loud black men are.

Michael Jackson needed somebody to support him when times seemed a bit low. If not the industry, at least the community. The increased support for prominent black people only when they're dead has to stop. But then again maybe Michael is our version of ELVIS. The business of the death of Michael Jackson has begun, how sad. If that is indeed the case, I'm casting my vote for IKE and NAT Turner week at a mall nearest you.

Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

You can now sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com for your dot. The portrait starts on August 28th.  A dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here.

More on Michael Jackson:

Who is it: A Michael Jackson like figure jumps out of coroner van, fuels conspiracy theories (video)

Michael Jackson death ruled as homicide caused by 'lethal' levels of Propofol in his system

Katherine Jackson praises Michael Jackson tribute in Vienna: 'It is a wonderful idea'

Michael Jackson memorabilia tour gets the green light

Nephew to Michael Jackson, Taj says: 'I loved my uncle so much and I just want to do right by him'

Janet Jackson to write tell-all book on Michael Jackson's passing and how it has affected the family

Remember Michael Jackson with armbands made by 12 year old fan raising money for charity

Jackson brothers reality show heading to A&E channel

Dr. Conrad Murray to be charged with manslaughter in Michael Jackson case according to law source

GQ magazine's tribute to Michael Jackson 'When Michael was cool': Jermaine Dupri, fans enraged

Michael Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson considering wrongful death lawsuit

Dr. Conrad Murray tapes message thanking supporters in the Michael Jackson investigation (video)

Michael Jackson's brothers to be pallbearers at private burial on MJ's birthday

Michael Jackson's burial announced for August 29 in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn

Michael Jackson's birthday burial: Father Joe says MJ will be laid to rest August 29

Michael Jackson birthday tribute August 29 planned at McDonald's Best in Holland

Joe Jackson wasn't paid to attend MJ's memorial: 'Biggest lie ever told in the history of the world'

Michael Jackson's doctor unaware of 'unusual problems' says Murray's lawyer

Michael Jackson left alone after Dr. Conrad Murray adminstered Propofol to make phone calls

Moonwalk: Berry Gordy will write introduction of reissue of Michael Jackson's 1988 memoir

Michael Jackson 'Will You Be There': Whitney Houston, John Mayer & more unite to remake MJ hit

'The Official Michael Jackson Opus': A book of photos, tributes, poetry & more published December 7

Michael Jackson's father Joe says the King of Pop not yet buried

Michael Jackson tribute song 'Better on the Other Side': Diddy, Chris Brown, Usher & others

Las Vegas pharmacy raided in connection with Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray investigation

Michael Jackson 'This is It' documentary confirmed to be released on October 30

Michael Jackson tribute concert to be broadcast live to 1 billion people says promoter

LL Cool J tribute song to Michael Jackson: 'Billie Jean Dream'

Janet Jackson to pay tribute to brother Michael at Music Of Black Origin Awards

Michael Jackson tribute concert planned for September in Vienna: U2, Madonna may participate

Michael Jackson buried in unmarked grave at Forest Lawn to prevent grave from being defaced

Prince to do Michael Jackson tribute performance at World Music Awards, Janet to accept award for MJ

Akon's tribute song to Michael Jackson: 'Cry Out of Joy'

Stevie Wonder breaks silence on Michael Jackson: 'If he wasn't at peace, he is in the arms of God'

Michael Jackson's face seen in clouds above NYC: Trained meteorologist says 'I saw his hair'

Michael Jackson to buried at Forest Lawn according to new report

Michael Jackson tribute album for charity: Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, and more to be included

Michael Jackson face seen on toast: Man claims singer's face is visible on slice of bread

Cory Rooney and Chris Apostle on Michael Jackson & his effect on the music business

Katherine Jackson speaks on Michael's death to Geraldo: 'I don't think he died of natural causes'

LaToya Jackson remembers brother Michael: 'Spread your wings, you will always be in my dreams!'

Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson's Bad album: 'He was inventive and experimental'

Chris Tucker's ex-gf writes open letter to Michael Jackson accusers: 'Tell the truth!' (video)

Michael Jackson: Sculptures of sand and clay pay tribute to the one and only King of Pop

Michael Jackson in Captain EO to return to Disneyland this Halloween?

'Moonwalk' Michael Jackson's 1988 memoir to be released again

Police searching the Las Vegas home of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray (live stream)

Michael Jackson's doctor tells police he gave IV drip of the lethal Propofol drug to MJ

Dr. Murray implicated in documents, under investigation for manslaughter, Michael Jackson's death

Michael Jackson payed a 'Dangerous' tribute by dancing Filipino inmates (video)

Support the Michael Jackson tribute portrait: An interview with artist David Ilan

'Save the World' Awards dedicated to Michael Jackson: 'Heal the World'

New report claims that Michael Jackson's death was 'almost certainly' a homicide

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray's office raided for evidence 'of the offense of manslaughter'

Michael Jackson film set for Halloween release

Michael Jackson's Law' to possibly help with drug regulation

Michael Jackson's son Blanket asks heartbreaking question: 'Where's my daddy gone? On holiday?'

Michael Jackson's death led to addiction confession from Jamie Lee Curtis: 'I too became addicted'

Shaquille O’Neal's video tribute to Michael Jackson: 'Beat It' (watch video)

MJ's doctor Conrad Murray feels he is a scapegoat: 'I didn't kill Michael Jackson'

LaToya Jackson's song to MJ is leaked (listen); Janet may step up as guardian to raise MJ's kids

Michael Jackson's final rehearsal footage to be released as DVD

LaToya Jackson to release tribute song for Michael Jackson: 'Home' debuts on iTunes July 28

Michael Jackson's unreleased song 'A Place with No Name': Listen here

Tito Jackson: Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II (Blanket) are MJ's biological children

Michael Jackson's children want to stay with their aunt Janet

Michael Jackson's intervention: Singer was confronted by family over drug use says brother Tito

ABC News accused of checkbook journalism: Joe Jackson interview

New Michael Jackson video game confirmed for Christmas release

Elizabeth Taylor is hospitalized grieving for Michael Jackson

LaToya Jackson: 'Michael was murdered'

Justin Timberlake, Usher and other stars to perform Michael Jackson tribute concert

Joe Jackson believes MJ's children may have future in show business

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee determined to see Michael Jackson resolution through

Brooke Shields turned down marriage proposals from Michael Jackson: 'He didn't want to lose things'

Coroner claims Michael Jackson's doctors not cooperating: 'I never saw needle marks on his body'

China to create replica of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

LAPD Chief on Michael Jackson death: Case could turn criminal; The coroner subpoenas medical records

Joe Jackson on why son Michael died: 'I do believe it was foul play'

Michael Jackson and Kim Jong II: MJ wanted to help save imprisoned journalists Laura Ling & Euna Lee

Roseanne Barr apologizes to Michael Jackson in new blog, sends best to his children

Judith Hill interview: Singer sang 'We Are The World' at Michael Jackson memorial (video)

Nancy Pelosi shoots down Michael Jackson resolution: 'I don't think it is necessary' (video)

Despite rumors Paul McCartney not devastated by Michael Jackson's will, what he says

The Michael Jackson BET Awards tribute video you didn't see: 'Gone Too Soon' (watch video)

The King of Pop Michael Jackson will be buried wearing white glove

Michael Jackson's doctor had been investigated before for 'botched surgery'

Celebrity tweets on Michael Jackson's memorial: What the stars are saying

Mariah Carey twitters on her singing at Jackson memorial: 'I could barely keep myself from crying'

Michael Jackson and the number 7: More than just coincidences?

Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine sings favorite song 'Smile' to MJ (video)

Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, & Lionel Richie pay tribute to Michael Jackson (videos)

An emotional Usher sings 'Gone Too Soon' to idol Michael Jackson (video)

Brooke Shields sheds light on friendship with MJ at memorial service: 'We had a bond' (video)

Mariah Carey sings 'I'll Be There' at Michael Jackson's memorial (video)

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Katherine speaks: 'I love him so much' (video)

Watch Michael Jackson's memorial streaming live from TMZ: Where to watch it online

Family in Stockton, California claims image of Michael Jackson seen on tree stump (video)

Michael Jackson's body to be escorted to Staples Center by SWAT team

Michael Jackson has moon crater named after his 'Moonwalk' dance move

Michael Jackson to lye in state at Staples Center for memorial service

Family announces who will participate in Michael Jackson's memorial (list); Liz Taylor NOT attending

Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe NOT attending memorial; confronts paparazzi (video)

Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe confirmed to attend memorial

Mariah Carey reportedly to perform 'I'll Be There' at Michael Jackson's memorial

Fan of Michael Jackson says singer healed her of incurable illness: 'He looked radiant, at peace'

Fans debate over 'ghost-like' figure seen at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch on CNN (video)

Jennifer Hudson among confirmed artists performing at Michael Jackson memorial

Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson at London's O2 arena concert: 'Long live the King' (video)

Madonna to pay tribute to Michael Jackson Saturday at London concert

Michael Jackson planned duet on tour with son Prince: 'He wanted his kids to see him perform'

Michael Jackson memorial details, sign up for random ticket lottery

Private funeral for Michael Jackson's family & friends before public memorial at Staples Center

Attorney General Jerry Brown launches investigation into prescribing practices of MJ's doctors

Martin Bashir of documentary comments on Michael Jackson's death: 'He was the greatest entertainer'

Debbie Rowe to fight for custody of Michael Jackson's children, will take DNA test

Confirmed Update: Michael Jackson to have massive public memorial Tuesday July 7 at Staples Center

U2 tour kicks off in Spain, band pays tribute to Michael Jackson at concert (video)

Jermaine Jackson's emotional interview: 'I had to see him once more, I wish it was me' (video)

Elizabeth Taylor devastated over loss of Michael Jackson: Actress is 'making herself ill'

Michael Jackson's will: Diana Ross to care for children if MJ's mother Katherine unable to (view)

Propofol drug found at Jackson home: 'Doctor should be prosecuted for manslaughter if used'

Michael Jackson still the King of Pop on Billboard charts: 3 of singer's records sell over 100,000

Neverland Reps warn of crowds to gather Friday for MJ's public viewing: Read the letter

Michael Jackson remembered by David Gest: 'Michael was smart, articulate and made me laugh'

Dolly Parton on Michael Jackson: Singer posts video blog, talks King of Pop (video)

Perez Hilton loses over 800,000 Twitter followers for callous Michael Jackson comments

Quincy Jones becomes emotional listening to MJ's music at Will.I.Am tribute to King of Pop in London

Michael Jackson public memorial to take place Friday at Neverland Ranch

Jane Fonda blogs on Michael Jackson's death: 'I like to think he’s happy now, free of his demons'

Lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor discusses why 911 wasn't called for 30 minutes (video)

Distressed fans commit suicide over Michael Jackson's death

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' tour to become tribute concert featuring stars including Madonna

Joe Jackson talks about son Michael and 3 grandchildren in press conference (video)

More here

More coverage on Michael Jackson