Spike Lee wrote a letter to Michael

Legendary filmmaker Spike Lee, directed two controversial videos for Michael Jackson as well as the eulogy on film to accompany the posthumous single "This Is It". Jackson and Lee collaborated on both videos for "They Don't Care About Us. The first version was filmed in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil and featured local residents and the cultural music group Olodum. It showcased the both the crushing poverty and resilient spirit of the area. The second video depicted Jackson as a prisoner in a prison filled with discontent inmates. Scenes of Jackson handcuffed and protesting in the mess hall were interspersed with images of police brutality, genocide, execution, and bigotry. This duo of videos remains among Jackson's most powerful in his catalogue.

Lee continued his support of Jackson by staging a community-wide birthday party in honor of Michael in Brooklyn last August 2009. At the beginning of this year, Lee released a touching music video ode to Michael to accompany the single "This Is It." The video featured scenes from Michael's life and his hometown of Gary, Indiana. Now, Lee has penned a letter to his friend for the luxurious coffee table book, Opus: Michael Jackson. The Opus is a massive 26 lb. book containing photos, drawings, letters, and more celebrating Michael. He had considerable input into the work and it is the last official book to gain his approval before his passing.

Read the text of Spike Lee's touching personal letter to Michael below:

October 10, 2009

Dearest Michael,

Last week I made a pilgrimage to your birthplace, Gary, Indiana. I stood
inside your family’s modest three-bedroom home on 2300 Jackson Street. I felt
the magic. It started there, nine kids plus your parents, jam packed, livin’ on
top of each other pursuing The American Dream. For this alone 2300 Jackson
should be declared a National Landmark. One has to go back to the beginning to
clearly see the entire journey. Gary, Steel town, Midwest, blue collar, hard
workin’, hard livin’, great work ethic and simple basic values. It’s there early
where you learned ‘you had to sing and dance like your life depended on it’
which it did. You and your family made the dream a reality. But as we all
finally learn (sooner or later) dreams have costs and costs have consequences. I
truly cherish the short time we worked together, visiting my home in Brooklyn,
huggin’ and kissin’ my newborn daughter Satchel, as if she was your own
daughter, our fantastic journey to Brazil to shoot the video for ‘THEY DON’T
CARE ABOUT US.’ I regret never getting to inform you that our video was directly
responsible for the great film CITY OF GOD being conceived and made. Michael,
your life touched people the world over you will never know. Michael, I’m one
year older than you, we grew up together. I had my Afro just like you. I wanted
to be like you. Wanted the cute girls to fawn over me the way they did you (the
girls were not going for it. They’d rather make goo-goo eyes at your pictures
plastered all over their bedroom.) At that young age I had no notion of what I
wanted to do in my life. You made me see the possibilities even though I could
not sing or dance a lick despite coming from a musical family. You, Jermaine,
Tito, Jackie and Marlon showed us the way. You guys were young Black boys like
us. Upon us was a new day, a new world and it’s on us to make the most of it. In
closing Michael, you checked out of here way, way too soon but while you walked
this earth in your physical form you changed it. You changed the World, changed
the Game forever.

May you rest eternally in Peace.

Love,
Spike Lee

P.S. Brooklyn luvs ya!

Chris Brown "Invented Head"

This was posted on Saturday for a reason.  Just....wow.  Chris Brown will drop a mixtape on Valentine’s Day featuring 32 remixes of other people's songs.  Look for the mixtape "In My Zone" hosted by DJ Drama Brown in a beauty supply store or car trunk record store near you.

Danger may be a firestarter and a danger to herself

You might recall Danger, For the Love of Ray J's most famous contestant, had a baby last year; rumor has it she's pregnant again, but anyway, she is in trouble with the law now.

TMZ Reports:
We’re told the L.A. City Fire Department received a 911 call around 2:15 PM PST today from Danger’s complex. When cops arrived, the fire had already been extinguished—but arson investigators were called to the scene.
After checking out the situation, authorities decided to detain Danger –whose real name is Monica Leon — pending further investigation.
Sources say Danger is currently under a 72-hour watch.

This is not a Trey Songz post

Jet redesigned it's magazine to attract a younger demographic...
(hope they didn't delete the centerfolds of the Hampton hunnies)

Sometimes a uni-brow works or someone sat on her face and left skid marks...

Kanye's Greatest Hits

Kanye West was not invited to the Grammys on Sunday and he and Amber Rose have been keeping a relatively low profile. I thought you might be going through a little withdrawal, so we put together a playlist of his greatest hits. Enjoy!












and of course



We miss you Kanye!

Serena aces the latest issue of VIBE Magazine

Oakland BART pays (only) $1.5 million for this:

The Oakland Transit Police settled for $1.5 million to provide for Oscar Grant's 5 year old daughter after an officer murdered him on New Years 2009. John Burris, the Grant family attorney originally sued the authority for $50 million but the family declined part ownership of the Raiders and took the cash instead.

Tennessee House Passes Michael Measure

The Tennessee House of Representatives narrowly passed a measure to honor Michael Jackson on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Rep. G. A. Hardaway of Memphis, squeaked by Wednesday on a vote of 51-22 with 16 lawmakers present and abstaining. Measures need at least 50 votes to pass the 99-member chamber.

The measure has drawn considerable heat amongst the conservative constituency of the Southern state. This general disdain is echoed by the lawmakers who opposed the measure. Democratic Rep. Henry Fincher of Cookeville said he voted against it because Jackson was "credibly accused of child molestation." House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada said he objected to money being spent to honor entertainer, however he tendered an "aye" vote. Nevertheless, the state Congress regularly considers such measures; two years ago a measure to honor Tennessee native Justin Timberlake failed to pass.

If you would like to read the full text of the bill, click here. We ask that you take the time to call or e-mail at least five legislators from this list who voted yes and five who voted against the bill. Contact information on all the congresspersons can be found here on the House Member Website.

FLOTUS Michelle Obama sat down with Matt Lauer

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

First Lady Michelle Obama sat down with Matt Lauer of the Today Show to discuss her husband, her family, and her role as the First Lady.  The take away message of the interview is the Obamas are regular people and the Michelle you have seen over the past few years is the real Michelle.

The Making of Sade's Soldier of Love

...got a hold of a pre-release of Soldier of Love.

If you watch the promo, Sade's bandmates mention that she was inspired by the scenery, wind, rain and the typically poor British weather outside of the studio.

Unfortunately, after listening, you will probably wish she recorded this on the island of Martinique. Sounds mostly like a sNorah Jones CD and for me the best tracks were 'Soldier' and maybe, 'Skin'.

And that's all I have to say about that...street date: February 9th

Mike Tyson on Italian 'Dancing With the Stars'

'down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier'

"Honey would you please get your ass out the sink, finish your face and come to lunch now?"

Where did Cousin Snooki put her 'Bump-its'?


Oh yeah,and Miss America is black.

Other Grammy Wins

Composer/musician Terence Blanchard accepted the Best Improvised Jazz Solo award at the 52nd Annual Grammys.  Maxwell was awarded the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance award.

Pizza dough out on the dance flo'

The only Verdine I know arriving at the Jim Henson Studios for the recording of "We Are The World (again)".


Jesus was the fence between this crew and Katrina...

Dr. Murray expected to surrender to LAPD today

LA prosecutors plan to FINALLY charge Michael Jackson's doctor with manslaughter, lawyers in Los Angeles said last night.

The prosecutors will file a criminal complaint against Dr Conrad Murray in court rather than go through a secret grand jury, sources said.

The complaint would be the prelude to a public hearing in which a judge would consider evidence to decide if there is cause to try Murray on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. He faces up to 4 years in prison if convicted.

The Houston cardiologist, 56 years old, is ready to surrender, according to his lawyer and the all-knowing TMZ gossip site.

Documents related to the singer's death have shown Dr. Murray injected Jackson with propofol shortly before he died on June 25, 2009, prompting a mourning period worldwide like none ever seen before. Dr. Murray is also said to have performed CPR on the singer.

You know Joe Jackson and his ambulance chasing attorneys are already preparing the wrongful death civil suit against the good doctor.

100 Black History Makers of Today

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I know this is late, but it is Black History Month.

Gabourey Sidibe graces the latest issue of Ebony

Oscar Nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, better known as Precious from the movie of the same title, was honored with the cover of the lates issue of Ebony.  Gabby discussed her views on Hollywood, other's perceptions of her, and her plans for the future:

“I don’t try to live up to the standards of Hollywood or any of that – I know that I’m different and I celebrate it. In a weird way, I kind of really, really love being the alien in the room. I dig it...I would like to be funny in a film, or I’d like to be a romantic lead. They’re all dream roles. There’s nothing specifically that I want, I just want everything.”

The Trailer for Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married, Too?"

60 Minutes did a special on Beyonce Sunday night

Ain't No SON-shine

A new member of Destiny's Child has been born to Mathew Knowles and jumpoff Alexsandra (if lovin' you is wrong, I don't wanna be) Wright. DNA tests also confirm that Daddy Knowles IS the father. The name of the child has not yet been determined-but we'll take suggestions here.

House of Derriere diva Tina Knowles filed for divorce back in November.

Face off the Milk Carton

that's Auntie Anita at the EMI Grammy afta-party

Diddy, King Latifah and Pharrell to Host BET's Haiti benefit

The concert is titled “SOS Saving OurSelves — Help for Haiti.” It will be held at the American Airlines Arena in Miami and will air live Friday Feb. 5th on BET, MTV, VH1 and Centric at 8 p.m. EST.

Wyclef will perform a special tribute to his country and other acts scheduled to appear include: Mary J. Blige, Drake, Justin Bieber?, Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, Robin Thicke and Monica. The press release also stresses that the program will be produced by the crew that put together the successful 'Hope For Haiti' telethon, not the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

In related more important news:
Post-quake stress and trauma means that many mothers in Haiti can't produce milk to feed their children. Malnutrition for orphaned and premature infants is also a major concern. Initial screenings for the milk bank, the La Leche League, require a photo of your breasts. E-mail your photos and return address to: wheresmystimulus@zain.nigeria.com. You will be contacted in regards to the next step in screening.

The only way the First Lady visits Wendy

Meanwhile, Boris Kodjoe prepares for his upcoming BET/Centric movie role:
"Suge Knight Made Me Do It"

We Are the World for Haiti

was re-recorded in LA yesterday...

Don't fret if you bought that poison Princess and the Frog jewelry

Don't fret if you bought that poison Princess and the Frog jewelry containing toxic levels of heavy metals; you can still get your brown-skinned bayou princess fix now that Disney is set to release a limited-edition Princess Tiana doll.  The doll, which can be pre-ordered from Disneystore.com for $99.50, features the title character from their latest movie resplendent in a layered green and yellow ballgown with elbow-length gloves, a flowing tiara, and a fortune in jewels.  Tiana holds her frog prince in the palm of her hand.  The doll comes with an exclusive 3-disc edition of the movie on DVD, Blu Ray, and Disney File.

The Third Annual BET Honors

Gabrielle Union hosted the third annual BET Honors at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC.  The awards show honored the achievements of Queen Latifah, Diddy, Dr. Keith L. Black, and Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, the President of Brown University. Jennifer Hudson and Kim Burrell serenaded Whitney Houston before Ne-Yo did the honors of presenting her with a double platinum plaque for her latest album I Look To You.  Performances and appearances included  Stevie Wonder with Take 6, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, India.Arie, Chris Tucker, Taraji P. Henson, Victoria Rowell, Beverly Bond, Trey Songz and Ryan Leslie.  Also in attendance were Terry Crews, Omarosa, Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Tichina Arnold, Steve Johnson, CeCe Penniston, Andre Harrell, Joe, Janice Combs (Diddy's mom), Mya, and Washington Redskins receiver Devin Thomas.

Precious was nominated for 5 Oscars

Including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screen Play, Best Movie and Best Supporting Actress (Mo' is actually getting an Oscar y'all)...

Other Notable Oscar Nominations Include:

Best Actor:  Morgan Freeman for Invictus
Best Director:  James Cameron for Avatar and Quentin Tarantino for Inglorious Basterds
Avatar and Inglorious Basterds were nominated in numerous other categories.
Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song:  The Princess and the Frog

Michael Jackson's This Is It was notably absent from the nominations.

Murry J. goes 'Kendu' on her band

Mary J Blige forgot her manners, stopped her band from playing then publicly chewed them out in front of Hollywood A-listers and industry execs at a Clive Davis sponsored pre-Grammy event inside the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom Sunday evening.

Legendary Michael Jackson bandleader Greg Phillinganes, later said that Murry was right to stop the music and correct them as long as she didn't throw the mike at him again .

In other post Grammy news, what if Beyonce invited Aretha to sing background on 'Halo'?...something similar happened when rock icon Stevie Nicks joined country-pop princess Taylor Swift to sing a high school love anthem on stage.


They look like Mike spit them out hisself...


No comment...

Jackin for Lattes

DMX appears at a Paces Ferry Starbucks

The Grammys 3-D Earth Song Tribute to Michael Jackson

Hearing Michael's voice in this song sent chills through me. He is so impassioned, especially in the call and response. I thought the tribute was beautifully done; each singer brought something special to the tribute. Michael was always cutting edge, so it is only fitting that Michael be the first artist to bring 3-D to broadcast television.

Michael would have been proud of his children

Both Prince and Paris Jackson were clearly nervous. Heck, I would have been terrified to speak in front of all those people in that room and millions more watching around the world. It was very nice of their cousins 3T to come on stage to support them. All of them looked very polished and grown up. Prince and Paris were very articulate and what they said about Michael was touching.

Interestingly, Randy Jackson tweeted other family members were not even invited to the ceremony and followed that up with something cryptic about "the truth". We are presently trying to get to the bottom of that...

2010 52nd Grammy Awards Maxwell

I adore this song! Maxwell is always guaranteed to get his grown man sexy on with this one! I heard his voice crack a couple of times, but he still killed it. His duet with Roberta Flack is one of those classics we'll be watching for years to come.

If you have trouble viewing the embeded player click here.

Pink managed to upstage Lady Gaga for the most WTF? performance of the evening

Ga Ga's performances always elicit a raised eyebrow from me.  Stephanie has undeniable talent insofaras songwriting, piano, vocals, and creativity, but I can't help but wondering why she feels the need to try to frighten me with each of her performances.  Why oh why does she have to have some unattractive costume with her ass hanging out?  Why does she have to bleed, get dirty, or almost set herself on fire?  Why the spectacle?  In my opinion, it only detracts from her music.  I cannot believe Sir Elton John went along with this fuckery.  You just know he had to take a Valium before they rubbed that soot on his pampered visage.

Now Pink?  That right there?  This $hit right here?  I was really feeling her performance when she came out backlit in the robes.  It was pretty...then she stripped nekkid and lost me.  If that had been anyone else--say Janet Jackson, for instance--the censors would have cut to a test pattern or a commercial or something.  The public would have been in an uproar and CBS would have been fined by the FCC.  Yes, I know she was in a body stocking, but she showed way more than Janet ever did at the Super Bowl as did her gilded angelic friends.  Then there's the issue of the...fluid.  WTF was that?  Let me just say, if that had been me in the audience wearing a borrowed designer gown on loan with a million dollars worth of jewels getting wet with fake amniotic fluid or piss or whatever, someone might have been extracting a Jimmy Choo from their aerobicized glutes.

2010 52nd Grammy Awards Beyonce

Beyonce performed an impassioned medley of songs for the Grammys last night.  She opened with an army of soldiersswagger jacked from the "They Don't Really Care About Us" portion of Michael Jackson's:  This Is It behind her.  Beyonce was dressed in some sort of chain mail-inspired dress with her ever-present stilletos stomping out her shoe game proper.  I am in complete awe of her ability to run and dance in those things.  I can barely manage to look cute while I sit in them because they hurt!  She broke out into "If I Were A Boy", followed by a cover of Alannis Morrisette's "You Ought To Know."  I was left wondering two things:  1) What on Earth the soldiers had to do with either of the songs she sang? and 2) Considering how much Sasha Fierce loves the spotlight, why she would use her solo time on stage to sing someone else's song, and an old one at that?  Don't get me wrong, I love that song by AM.  It is fierce and Bey did it very well, but why couldn't she showcase some of her new work?  I didn't understand the headbanging bit either.  You know, since we're on a roll here, am I the only one who feels like "Single Ladies" and "Halo" have already been out for about five years?

2010 52nd GrammysWeezy, Drake, and Eminem

If you have to bleep out that much of a performance, you may as well just cut out all the audio.

Mariah Carey "Angels Cry" feat. Ne-Yo music video

Tyrese performed a tribute to Teddy Pendergrass on the George Lopez Show this week

He can act, he can sing, and he's fine!  Mmmm hmmmm!