Blast From The Past: 3T

Taj, TJ & Taryll Jackson - 3T

For the short time that they were making music and selling out venues across the world, 3T aka Tito Jackson's sons Toriano (Taj), Taryll and Tito (TJ), aka Michael Jackson's nephews made some pretty decent songs.

Blast From The Past: The Jackson 5, Mariah Carey & Michael Jackson - 'I'll Be There'

Mariah Carey and a young Michael Jackson (R.I.P.)

One song, three different versions.

I heard this song today, which became my inspiration for today's Blast from the Past' post. Such an incredible song that I really felt it wouldn't be right to just post one version of the song by either The Jackson 5 or Mariah Carey so included both, as well as the infamous 1992 Pepsi commercial featuring Michael Jackson. [One of my favourite Pepsi commercials of ALL time]. If you haven't seen it, after watching it you may see why I said that. No frills, no fuss, just simple. Short and sweet, yet magical as only Michael could.

Blast From the Past: Kriss Kross

One was called Mac Daddy, and the other was Daddy Mac. They were both called Chris. Both wore their clothes backwards, and for a very short period in the 90's pretty much every girl I knew had a favourite Chris and knew which one they wanted to marry.

They didn't last long on the music scene. Sure they made more than one album but after a sophomore track to 'Jump' the hype had pretty much fizzled in the UK at least for the boys. For the very short period of time that they were popular, many young girls over many nations were snatching up copies of Right On, and Word Up magazine for a cover shot or poster of the Atlanta, Georgia native duo.

That was NOT Michael Jackson Singing on The Simpsons

There's some Internet buzz today about the late King of Pop's vocals on an episode of The Simpsons in which Michael guest starred on playing a mental patient who thinks he's Michael Jackson.

Here's the breakdown in a nutshell for those not in the loop:

• Michael guest starred on an episode of The Simpsons with a speaking role. He was credited as 'John Jay Smith' not Michael Jackson.
• The song sung in the episode [written by Jackson] was sung by an impersonator Kipp Lennon.
• Michael recorded the song but due to contractual issues with his record label wasn't allowed to perform the song. 
• An original was recorded by Michael for the purpose of Kipp Lennon to mirror how the song should have sounded.

We Are The World - Then And Now 25 Years On

And yes that is Vince Vaughn in the back there. I know Jeff Bridges can sing, but did Vince think this was the 'Charity Song Crashers' or something? He looks so out of place.

If you still miss Michael then grab a tissue, because I started welling up from the sight of his glittery socks.

Nothing can touch the original classic. After watching both and becoming familiar again with the original which was released when I was 5 years old I can see why Jay-Z said his piece on not wanting any part of the remake. To me it was barely OK. There was rapping and auto-tune and Jamie Foxx still acting his part of Ray Charles in it. I guess that was his way of paying homage to Ray who featured in the original. You did a movie Jamie, it was enough and we thanked you already. The Academy thanked you. Now LEAVE IT ALONE! Watch the original version if you want to see legends that have passed like Ray and MJ and just a stellar yet simple well sung charity single.

I don't care what anyone says Michael was looking fine in this video. High water pants and all.

Wyclef and the howling, yelling and screeching. Lord have mercy! I quickly pressed pause, moved my cake to the left, to the left and let out a loud RAATID! I now have 6 foxes gathered at my front door after playing this.

The rap in the middle was unnecessary. Some people say it puts a stamp on music of today. Um I don't see any Run DMC or Sugarhill Gang in the original. Rap/Hip-Hop is not brand new! People need to remember this. Hip-Hop doesn't have to be anywhere and everywhere you know! Geez!!!

Nicole Scherzinger....really sweetie all that video and vocal time could have better gone to Pink, Celine, Barbara, Jennifer Hudson...Shoot, We should have just had Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Gladys Knight and Celine Dion sing the damn song and sent everybody else home!

Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and T-Pain had no place in this song. I didn't mind the parts by Kanye and Will.I.Am. maybe because you were able to pay attention to what they were saying as opposed to Busta, LL n dem waving their hands like we're getting down in a club.

Ummmmmmmmmm NO!

The original to me was flawless. You didn't have to know every artist in it from 25 years ago to appreciate it. They just went into the studio and did it justice.

I hope there's an option to buy the original as well as the new version, because the new version is NOT going on my ipod anytime soon.

So for all those saying "don't be so harsh, it's for a good cause." You can still NOT like the single. WON'T buy it, but can STILL donate to Haiti so stop your noise!

We Are The World

We Are The World 25

Here is my take on it whilst watching the new version.

So Justin Beiber is worthy of Lionel's opening line huh? This world is going to hell in a handbasket, and at the speed of light.

Who's that white woman after Nicole and J-Hud sing at the beginning?

With all the technology in the world that Janet/Michael split screen looked hella budget. And how many years had Janet been in the industry? You'd think she would have mastered the art of lip synching by now.

My Favourite vocals

Jennifer Hudson

Josh Groban

Barbara Streisand

Mary J Blige

Pink - Love her voice

I'm guessing the guy after her was Bebe Winans

Michael Jackson

Celine Dion - She has me always like a deer caught in the headlights

Jamie Foxx as Jamie Foxx

Usher

Fergie Ferg

Mary Mary

Kanye & Will.I.Am solos - I actually paid attention to what they were rapping about. More than I can say for that 'wave yo hands, let's throw up a gang sign at the end crap middle part' And WHAT THE HELL is Nicole's tired kitty cat ass doing next to Will.I.Am during his solo waving her arms like she's hitting a damn note? Oh she done pissed me off something chronic today with her over exposed self. Does she think this is her group always taking lead?

What The Hell Vocals

Justin Beiber

Miley Cyrus

T-Pain - DON'T.MAKE.ME.COME.OUT.OF.CURSING.RETIREMENT!

Lil-Wayne

Wyclef

Enrique Iglesias - Male Shakira nuff said

Toni Braxton - 2 decades on and I still don't get her transgender voice.

Akon - On everything that man does = a natural disaster.

Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles - Before we 'got it' it was over and I was pretty much like huh?

The rap in the middle - Oh if y'all could see my face now. I look like I just caught you in bed with my last cookie. MY FAVOURITE COOKIE. It actually makes me want to hurt somebody.

And why the bloody hell wasn't Slash on guitar in this song during the guitar riff parts. A solo by him over that rapping would have been much better.

Jordin Sparks, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Slash, Destiny's Child [reforming just for this song], Justin Timberlake, Bono, Bon Jovi, Chester Bennington [lead singer of Linkin Park], Axl Rose, Bruce Springsteen, Jody Watley, Christina Aguilera, or Boyz II Men are some artists I think would have served better taking the place of some of the people or just adding in there period.

Anyway my critique is solely of the video/song...nothing to do with the fact that's it's for a good cause regardless.

If you like it buy it, it will go to Haiti. If you didn't like it, don't buy it, you already know you can donate to Haiti via other means.

World25.org

MJ Is The New Elvis!!

Conspiracies are rife. I just logged on the Innnnernet, and saw this video of what claims to be Michael Jackson coming out of the back of a coroners van.

"A video posted on the internet claiming to show Michael Jackson stepping out of a coroner's van has stoked conspiracy theories that the King Of Pop is still alive.

The shaky, hand-held footage taken in a darkened underground car park sees a man climbing out of an ambulance.

There is no suggestion that the clip is genuine, and the man's face is completely obscured. Even the number plate of the ambulance cannot be seen.

Conspiracy theorists, however, are likely to jump on the video and claim that it is proof that Jackson's death was faked.

The person who posted the 29-second clip to the video-sharing website LiveLeak said the footage had come from a 'trustworthy source' but refuses to name who it is.

Conspiracy theories are rife on the internet, with many claiming that their moon landings were faked, the September 11th attacks were staged and that President Obama is not a US citizen.

The LA coroner confirmed Jackson had lethal levels of propofol in his body when he died in June at the age of 50"

You can't see much except a thin MJ like frame pale face, which wasn't even clear and a shoulder length black wig.

Faking your death is illegal and if caught you will be imprisoned for it.

Secondly who the hell rides in the back of a coroner's van, hops out and goes through a secret entrance.

Also who just lies in wait with a video camera/cell phone waiting to film it?

There are 2 possible answers to this video:

1. It is indeed Michael Jackson and he did fake his own death.

or the more realistic...

2. This whole video was planned and orchestrated with an MJ lookalike, setup to be filmed and sold to the media worldwide for money and attention.

What do you think?

I think #2. but personally I hope it's him and he is alive...could you imagine the global frenzy shoot I'd have 10 packets of popcorn beside me watching this whole mess go down on every news channel. Only because outside of my life I like to watch a lil drama, and there needs to be a dead celebrity who is in fact alive..please in my lifetime let it happen...just the once!! But seriously when you're the most odd looking and most famous man on the planet, where are you going to hide out? Ummm is he going to undergo reconstructive surgery to disguise his look for the 14th time?

I'm A Hustler!!!

Whatchu know bout me???

My 2 MJ tickets sold for £225 each.

Am I happy?

Dumb question!!!!

On my way to the bank to deposit this weeks £485 cheque from selling my gold.

God is GOOD!

**Does the George Jefferson strut**

WELL DONE HAYLEY FOR SELLING YOURS TOO!!!!

Michael Jackson Tickets For Sale! - BOTH PAIRS NOW SOLD!!!

I told my friend I'd put up a link for her Michael Jackson tickets as well as mine. Both of ours are listed on Seat Wave.

The tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow. Why some fools are pitching tents outside the O2 I don't know. Have they heard of Internet?? Whilst they are standing in line tickets will be sold at the stroke of 7am and FAST.....the world over.

Hayley's Tickets SOLD £220 each

28th August 2009 @ 18:30

Level 4

Block 409

Row K

LondonDiva's Tickets SOLD £225 each

26th July 2009 @ 18:30

Level 4

Block 411

Row K

Seats 697 & 698

And if you think that is steep in price for that seat...TRUST people ARE PAYING for tickets for this concert.

Who's Bad?

I managed to snag 4 Michael Jackson tickets for this summer's This Is It extravaganza at the O2.

LondonDiva will NOT be going. I'd rather miss it, than go and be a hypocrite [supporting off key folks].
Two tickets have gone to my co-worker and her sister for face value, and the other two I will be selling on, yes for a profit…watch all the MJ fans come up in here tell me I'm disgusting! Mi nah business. This IS business!! I'll give 10% to charity from what I make anyway. Let's hope MJ is doing something good with the cash raised himself before anyone wants to bash me. In case you missed it the first time, mi nah business!

Well there are 6 more dates added as I type this raising them up to 16 shows in July/August. I knew they'd do this. This isn't rocket science. I was able to get a pre-sale code [not all pre-sale registered users were lucky to receive one, so this is pretty much a lottery]. Then they went on sale at 7am, didn't get a ticket, went to work and got 4 after 9am. Result!!!

May not seem like a big deal but around 1 million people around the world who have pre-registered [even though it was only open to UK residents]. These tickets aren't even on general sale until Friday. So even though they are on the upper tier of the O2 arena, some people never got tickets at all. My sister and friend are still trying [for seems like an hour] to get some. It took me 6 minutes. And I was looking on the MJ forum and some people are seated to what seems to be near the back of the stage. What inna di raas???? So I'm lucky to have gotten these.

Sunday July 24th 2009
O2 Arena

Level 4
Section BK411
Row K
Seats 697 & 698

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster

X Factor: Austin Drage - Billie Jean

X Factor, like American Idol, but slightly different. Simon Cowell is a judge [surprise surprise] and he created this concept.

There are 12 contestants, who go through the audition process like on AI and through to boot camp [like Hollywood on AI]. From there there are 6 in each category who then go to the homes of their potential mentors, this year was Barbados [Simon], Cannes [Cheryl], St Tropez [Dannii] and Ireland [Louis], where they are told if they have made it through or not.

3 boys 14-24
3 girls 14-24
3 groups
3 Over 25's (male or female)

Each group has a mentor who are also judges, like Paula, Simon and Randy.

3 boys - Simon Cowell
3 girls - Cheryl Cole
3 groups - Louis Walsh
3 Over 25's (male or female) - Dannii Minogue

(l-r Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell)

They sing, they get judged, we the public vote and the 2 in the bottom sing a different song to be saved. It then goes down to the judges who they want to save. If the vote is even, it goes to Deadlock, and whoever got the lowest public vote leaves.

Last night's X Factor theme was Michael Jackson. Out of the 11 remaining contestants in week 2, Austin Drage is by far my personal favourite. There are a few better singers in this year's competition with all of Cheryl Cole's category [who has the girls] being excellent then the odd few in Dannii Minogue's category with the over 25's, like sexy Spaniard Ruth Lorenzo, and 5 kids by 5 men, done drugs,robbed people, been in prison and now turning her life around Rachel Hylton who can belt out a tune week after week. But there's just something special about little twenty something Austin. Maybe because he's better than last year's winner Leon Jackson and probably one of the best male vocalists we've had in the 5 or 6 years on this show. Never has there been a bigger winner than Leona Lewis, but maybe, just maybe there's someone in this competition this year like Alexandra Burke or Laura White to compete with the likes of Leona, who quite frankly, aside from the voice is a bit bland. [Poor Leona can't even wave with conviction]

So last night Austin [*swoon* I even love his name] does a Chris Cornell cover version of a Michael Jackson cover, which was also covered by David Cook on this years American Idol. You still with me? Well seeing as Austin is in Simon's category of the boy artists, it's no wonder he pulled a little trick out of the bag thinking that the British public had never seen it before. "American Idol only gets aired 2 days after it's aired in the US Simon, we've seen it".

Austin did his version justice as did David Cook. Both guys are talented and can sing, although who's version I preferred I don't yet know. Maybe Austins, as he went a little further with his version of the cover of the cover of the cover.

I don't think Austin will win, as I think it will be a girl this year, but I'm definitely hoping he gets a record deal, because I love this boy's voice, he apparently the only contestant that writes his own material and I would snap up anything he sings in a heartbeat. Plus he's cute as anything.

I'm sorry I think he's the dark horse of the competition, too much focus on the girls and not enough credit going to Austin. He's the only decent boy Simon has got in his category and needs to work his magic if he wants to win big like he did when Leona was in his.