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Michael Jackson: Vegas, Brown And The Death Of The Ego
by Ife Oshun ·
After a year of self-imposed exile from the U.S., Michael Jackson has returned to settle in Las Vegas where reports claim he’s working on putting together some sort of show.
While some people think a run (alá Celine Dion) could never be pulled off by Jackson, there was no doubting the love the faltering King of Pop received, and gave, when he made a rare public eulogy at the funeral of the legend of legends, Mr. James Brown. After a long gaze (alá Billie Jean video) at the body of the music master, Jackson kissed it (watch) and, later, tearfully said:
“When I saw him move I was mesmerized. I’ve never seen a performer perform like James Brown and right then and there I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. James Brown, I shall miss you and I love you so much. Thank you for everything.” (watch)
Despite all the melodrama (and lack of music) in Jackson’s life, his appearance at the event almost overshadowed the very man over 8,000 people (including a happy-footed MC Hammer) had come to honor. What’s even more amazing is the idea that Brown’s last conversation with Sharpton included the idea of Jackson helping to save Black American music.
As reported previously, Akon has been in talks to collaborate with Jackson and now Chris Brown has come on board as a guest on the upcoming will.i.am-produced album.
“We got a chance to meet at the World Music Awards and we’re talking to his management about when we can set up a date to be working on his album,” the young Brown told Billboard. “It would be an honor and a blessing for me to work with my idol. He’s one of the reasons I do my music.”
If not the adulation of an upcoming sensation like Chris Brown, perhaps the death of James Brown will give Jackson that needed kick in the ass to lose the ego and drop some dope music.
