Controversy is defined as a state of lingering municipal heated debate over a matter of opinion. Rather its science and religion, philosophy and finances, politics and economics or a matter of sex and race, controversy is infinite. Recording artists understand this very well and recognize that music videos are their standing room-only epitaph to speak out against whatever current topics they that are plaguing them or speak for topics they are advocating. Here are some serious in-your-face music videos that are we consider the most controversial of all-time.

Violence

“Stan” By Eminem

The storybook narrative to this hip-hop epic tells the chaotic saga of Stan (“Final Destination” star Devon Sawa), his young pregnant girlfriend (“Dido”), and his downward spiral due in part to his infatuation with Eminem. The infamous scene in which is referred to as the most visceral moment is when a gagged and bound Dido, left for dead in the trunk of Stan’s 90-plus speeding car, is told to “shut up!” by a high-on-depressants Stan. The car-crash relationship ends with the two flying off a bridge and into water.

“Stress” By Justice

The Parisian electro-house duo caused a commotion when they let loose this rabid dog of a video clip with a chorus of disapproval. The film, shot in a shaky-camera documentary style, follows a squad of urban youths in Justice’s famous “cross” jackets probing the city streets. There was uproar because some thought all of the depicted youths were of African descent. Which was false: the mob of trashing teens varied in ethnicities. But the worst part is that these heinous droogs commit several acts of arson, GBH, grand theft, joy-riding, sexual harassment and vandalism before beating up the cameraman and spitting on the lens.

“Jeremy” by Pearl Jam

Naturally, this video clip is probably the most controversial video of all-time, nix to the blasphemy seen in crucifixion Christ influenced videos like Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Here we see an adolescent boy who is overlooked by his parents and tormented by school bullies. At his breaking point, the boy walks into class during a lesson armed with a hand pistol and stands in the front of the class. Then, he nonchalantly puts the glock in his mouth and fires away. The music video climaxes with the school children shocked, covered in his carnage.

“Born Free” by M.I.A.

World pop bad-ass M.I.A. was out for blood, in more ways than one, in this 9-minute music video epic. This X-rated NSFW viral work of art is an annotation on the nonsensicality of genocide and the ignored back alley ethnic cleansing around the world. The Romain Gavras clip depicts an armed force running through an urban tenement, pulverizing a couple in the midst of love-making, ignoring a man while he utilizes hard recreational drugs, and violently detaining a red-headed young man, placing him on a bus with other gingers while other keffiya-wearing gingers toss rocks and glass bottles at the armored vehicle containing the gingers. They are driven to a dessert, forced out of the bus and then told to make a run for it. Then, when no one moves, a trooper shoots a tween in the skull and the gingers are forced to run across a minefield. How fun!

“What it Feels Like for a Girl” by Madonna

The Guy Ritchie-directed film shows a pissed Madonna on a crime spree. After leaving a motel room high on pills and drunk off alcohol, she pilfers a Camaro, drives recklessly, crashes into a bunch of punks, takes an elderly lady from a nursery home, embezzles money after zapping a man at an ATM, assaults people’s officers with a pellet gun, mulling over teens by car, vandalizes property, sets fire to a gas station, and then commits suicide by driving into a steel pole.

Racism and Politics

“Gutta Time” By Master P.

Rappers have done very stupid things. Very stupid things like start crappy ragamuffin fashion lines, putting their posse on their payroll only to go bankrupt (sound familiar?) and play into minstrel stereotypes. But when the uncompromising lyrics to “Gutta” went multimedia in 2006, we saw a music video Birth of a Nation: “This video is an artistic statement without racist intent… it is not an endorsement of the KKK,” said the disclaimer. What happens next? Defeated by black basketball players aka the No Limit crew, the bitter Ku Klux Khan members with machine guns leave a note stating they’ve lynched the victors the following day. And the point? We’re still waiting…

“Show Me” by John Legend

While humanitarian John Legend is a relatively play-to-safe kind of soul-folk singer, this clip, used to launch the Show Me Campaign is one of 2000s most poignant and controversial videos. Directed by documentary filmmaker Lee Hirsh and shot in Zanzibar and Tanzania, the video explores the life of a deprived South African urban youth in thorny living conditions. Noticing that he can have a better life in a more developed country—with edification, proper health care, public transportation and cultivation—he mounts the wheel well of an airplane instantaneously before take off. With no food and zero heat, the result is tragic. It is an homage to young stowaways Yaguine Koita and Fode Tounkara, who died mid-flight from Guinea to Belgium in July 1999.

Drugs

“Purple Pills” By D12

Critics can argue that the song’s promotional music video was tantamount to PG-13 in comparison to its litigious lyrics. Lyrically, the song makes references to golden seals, Mushroom Mountain, uppers and downers, coke, LSD and the title track substance, ecstasy. That’s more drugs than a Bolivian drug cartel! The clip is a telepathic vision quest for all the burnouts with its hallucinogenic excursion.

Religion

“Hate Me Now” By Nas featuring Puff Daddy

Is there a spot in hell for one of hip-hop’s finest emcees? Predicting there would be imminent hullabaloo, the self-proclaimed street disciple issued a statement to precede the clip stating, “Nas believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and this video is in no way a depiction or portrayal of his life or death…” And pigs can fly. The original cut also had Puffy dangling on a cross too, but the devout catholic had it omitted. Somewhere along the line, Puff Daddy and two cohorts cracked a champagne bottle and other office supplies over Atlantic Records executive Steven Stoute, Nas’ manager.

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna

When 1989 commenced, Madonna unveiled gospel choir dance-pop jam “Like A Prayer” and kicked off her most controversial career zeitgeist. This wasn’t the first time Madge caused controversy; in 1986, her video for “Papa Don’t Preach” on her True Blue album, showed a “teen” Madonna pregnant.  This time, she took a different approach, featured burning crosses, suggestive dancing in a church, stigmata and Madge passionately kissing a black saint a la Jesus. Obviously, The Vatican slammed the clip for merging erotica and religion and Pepsi revoked Madonna’s endorsement deal.

“Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana

Anton Corbijn directed this acid-induced thrill ride. Beginning with the grunge rock gods watching an elderly man being administered medication via IV drip, the video unloads into an abstract surrealist al fresco vista inspired by The Wizard of Oz. The video features some heavy stuff—an elderly man (dressed as Santa Claus) climbs onto a crow-invested cross, a little girl dressed in a Ku Klux Klan get-up reaches for human fetuses in a tree, and an obese woman reenacts the front sleeve of the album by wearing a suit with human organs painted on it with angel wings fastened to her back. Disturbing, but beautiful.

Sleaze

“Black or White” by Michael Jackson

By all means this clip is not a very “X-rated” kind of video from the King of Pop. However, it’s at the climax when MJ get to the manhandles his private parts, zips his fly and then engages in an act of vandalism on a car with graffiti-ed slurs and a swastika on exterior. Some critics had it right—it looked like he had gotten off by defeating racism.

“Justify My Love” by Madonna

At the eve of her unleashed Sex, Madonna’s notorious porno-chic coffee table book, this 1990 hyper-raunchy video featured a ravenous pansexual Madge who divvied up a bunch of kind carnival sex fiends with the-partner, model Tony Ward. The clip, filmed in a cosmopolitan bordello that caters to eccentric lifestyles, shows pegging, androgyny, girl-on-girl action, gay sleaze, ménage à trios and some heavy BDSM.

Britney Spears – “Baby One More Time”

There’s still this wandering thought circling behind the universal praise of this video, and that is, why wasn’t this banned or put on during MTV’s late cycle? While it turned a teen pop tart into an overnight megastar, in one shot, Britney’s debut basically had an under-age Lolita shimmying provocatively in a Catholic schoolgirl uniform. If there was ever a way to shed the squeaky clean Mouseketeer rendering, Britney canned it here.

Britney Spears – “Slave 4 U”

All the holler and carrying on didn’t happen because a coming-of-age Britney simply wore the typical skimpy clothes. In this clip, a hedonistic Brit gets licked on the face by a glistening sex pig bystander and gets passed around like a collective bedroom toy.

“Dirrty” by Christina Aguilera featuring Red Man

Platinum blonde bombshell teen Aguilera had disappeared into the either for a short time before emerging from the ashes with obsidian curls and sun-kissed tangerine tan lines. No longer the rosey-cheeked lass, she returned as a makeup-splattered insatiable sex kitten. The David LaChapelle video depicts “a post-apocalyptic orgy” featuring X-Tina riding into a nightclub via motorcycle, then lowered from a cage into a boxing ring wearing nothing but a bikini and ass-less chaps. There are other avant-garde characters here too: foxy boxers, furries, female bodybuilders, contortionists, tattoo aficionados, cock fighters, fire-breathers, krumpers, lucha libre fighters, and mud wrestlers. But critics really chimed in, hinting at urolagnia or “water sports” when X-tina and back-up danced and splashed while getting sprayed with aqua in a lavatory.

“Gett Off” by Prince

His songs aren’t just ode to horny hedonists or wild one-night stand creatures of the night. This foray into the underbelly of Prince’s imagination riffs into a sexy dance number where two young women (amply named Diamond & Pearl) slide under one another’s legs, let Prince slither in between them and strips a girl down to her bra and panties. The ultimate male fantasy.

“Juicebox” by The Strokes

The dingy New York garage punk band featured three sex scenes in this clip. While the band rocks out in a neat radio office, six strangers and onlookers have a night out on the town. A lesbian couple make love on a balcony while being photographed by what could only be described as a pornographic freak-show director; after texting, a gay interracial couple shack up in a toilet stall while a voyeur watches; and fireworks explode in the back of a yellow taxi while a straight couple copulate. However, it a hilarious finale ensues when the straight boy falls out of the cab, getting sick after going down on the girl. Results? MTV chopped and screwed the final edit to air, and director Michael Palmieri reportedly removed his name from the clip.

These hot tamales are even too spicy for us!

1.

“Pagan Poetry” by Björk

By all defaults, Björk–the unparalleled queen of kooky–has had some very controversial work that should be on this list, however, this one will stick with us for a while. The 2001 Nick Knight-directed clip featured a scantily-clad star exhilarated and jumping for joy, distorted, rotoscoped stock footage of the Icelandic soprano doing the do with partner Matthew Barney, and then the climax—a graphic corset body piecing that will have you going Eek!

2.

“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

The dance-pop Liverpool band’s Welcome to the Pleasuredome debut, introduced the world to one of the naughtiest shag songs ever written, and it established itself as too racy for the like of the BBC. The video, featuring a ultra-sleazy, super passé gay club complete with a topless peroxide blonde, an obese nude Caligula figure and S&M boys, the clip ends with the bound singer showered in whipped cream aerosol when he sings “when you’re gonna come.”

3.

“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot

This ‘90s slapstick hip-hop summer anthem is a club starter if there ever was one. But back when its accompanying video first came out, it was banned by MTV. There was something oddly familiar about that mountaintop he was standing on!

4.

“Tip Drill” by Nelly

Ladies get ready to grab your pepper spray! It’s evident that Nelly loves a big, full, round, impeccably smooth butt and this video is jam-packed with all of the baby-oil soaked, gelatin-wobbling buttocks you can feast your eyes on.  So as the focus of the video, we’re not surprised when women’s groups claimed the clip demeaned women—especially when Nelly takes a credit card and slides it down the crack of a super sexy lady.

5.

“Rock DJ” by Robbie Williams

The British bad boy sex symbol left Take That and wanted to be taken seriously as an artist and then, he released this 2000 grotty go-go boy exhibitionist fantasy. Ending credits note that “No Robbies were harmed during the making of this video.” Hard to believe, seeing that this Vaughan Arnell-directed video features Robbie tearing his flesh and organs away, tossing them at the fawning fans until all that remains is a skeleton.

6.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails

Rihanna went to this video for inspiration on her funky summer anthem “Disturbia.” Fitting, see as to how “dark” her music’s gotten. Taking place in a sci-fi decadent 19^th Century mad scientist’s laboratory, the critically-acclaimed Mark Romanek-directed music video features NIN frontman Trent Reznordepicted shackled to a strappado in S&M fetish gear licking a phallic instrument, a simian bound to a cross, a nude woman wearing a crucifix mask, a diagram of a vulva, and a pig’s head spinning on a rotating device, to ensue controversy. The video invoked protests by animal cruelty groups, political commentators and sex columnists everywhere. Sadly, very little outcry came when they released the video for “Happiness is Slavery,” where some poor bloke drops trou, offers himself as a sacrifice to a machine as it saps his blood. We wonder why…

7.

“Me So Horny” by 2 Live Crew

This corny in-your-face 1989 music video has controversy written all over it, due in part to explicit obscene lyrics. But it’s the dancing women fashion choices that had critics hankering to pull it off the air: Rotoscoped G-sting bikini bottoms, and sports brassieres.

8.

“Part of Me” by Royce Da 5’9”

Shot in homage of The Twilight Zone, this love-sucks kiss-off shows a shallow, fornicating adulterer and ladykiller going back and forth between two women. The two women are done wrong after having two seperate steamy one-night stands and so they get their revenge. So, they play possum and come back to his place for a ménage à trios. Too bad he falls asleep some time later and wakes up in a bathtub, with his “piece” missing, left in a blooded plastic bag.

When hip-hop legends Run-D.M.C. covered Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” on their 1986 landmark Raising Hell, guitarist Joe Perry noted, “It was the first time that if somebody mixed peanut butter and chocolate, it was fun to be a part of it.” Critics said the hit was the premier hybrid that blended the rock and rap genres, but they were sadly misinformed. For starters, every hip-hop head knows that proto-rap emcees would sample funk and rock n’ roll records and add them into their repertoire. Secondly, Run-D.M.C. had used several rock tunes before their signature song was released. Their standout “Rock Box” is a great example.

Oddly enough, while rock has been adapted into rap and hip-hop respectively, why has rock’s little sister been applied so little? Punk, a genre that operates on a DIY ethic is closely related to hip-hop in content, with messages about politics, struggle, prejudice, sex, debauchery and all that in between.  So, here’s a list of some of the most influential punk masterpieces of all-time.

1.

Blitzkrieg Bop by Ramones

The inaugural “Hey! Ho! Let’s go!” has not become an rallying outcry for all types of debauchery and good time fun. The head shaking bonanza with the epic three chord riff is still the face of catchy top 40 rock music.

2.

Search and Destroy by The Stooges

Desolation-laden icy lyrics behind an intensified synchrony of staccato guitar chords as the sunshine rasp of a feisty 26-year-old Iggy Pop wails for someone to save his soul rings out over a collision of drums. Mixed by David Bowie, the pesky punk out did Lou Reed and the androgynous Ziggy with this sexy, thrash garage classic.

3.

Psychokiller by Talking Heads

Qu’est-ce que c’est? When the little band from the New York City underground punk scene released their debut album they were competing against The Ramones, Blondie, The New York Dolls and Television as the poster children of punk rock. Memorable for its driving bass line, representing the inner dialogue of a serial killer is one of the most covered songs of all-time, influencing Ice-T’s “Cop Killer.”

4.

Anarchy in the UK by Sex Pistols

Some four years after Alice Cooper’s angst-ridden “I’m Eighteen,” a trash-talking  brush-fire tangerine ginger nicknamed Johnny Rotten auditioned for Malcolm McLaren who was traveling with the New York Dolls. Overwhelmed by Rotten’s ragamuffin flair, which included a tailored Pink Floyd T-shirt with the words “I Hate” stenciled in a felt-tip pen over the band’s insignia with their eyes blotted out—Rotten became the leading man of Sex Pistols. They were not above controversy and their first single, which assaulted traditional Britons’ communal conventionality and obsequiousness to the royal crown caused massive moral pandemonium for the ages and they became punk icons.

5.

Hanging on the Telephone by Blondie

The unforgettable flamboyant art pop rave-up classic with the surf rock snare and Debbie Harry’s signature histrionic sex minx growl was the big bang of magnum opus Parallel Lines. Behind the tough girl glamour and herky-jerky fuzz rock sound, the band of boys and their fiery flaxen coughed up this legendary romp when they covered The Nerves.

6.

Eighteen by Alice Cooper

Its soapbox confessional lyrics are about being that in-between age where as Cooper put it, “you’re ‘old enough to be drafted but not old enough to vote.” Funny thing is the heavy metal glam god was 23 when their heavy metal landmark Love It to Death was released. Noted as a proto-punk tour de force by both The New York Times and Rolling Stone magazine, its Alice Cooper’s snarl, and the clash and clang of roaring guitars that melted people’s faces off in 1971. In fact, he inspired an infamous orange haired brat to audition a cappella with the tune for a little group called the Sex Pistols.

7.

Rebel Rebel by David Bowie

The last song stylized in sheer glam rock fashion, this was Bowie’s farewell to the genre that made him a superstar. Originally written for Ziggy Stardust musical, the gender-bender prose, and the superb-fabulous idiosyncratic riff that oddly recalls the Rolling Stone’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” was a lasting influence on various genres in music. He gives a big hug to the wierdos and what-nots here and changed the face of punk as we know it, going above and beyond his “Moonage Daydream” days.

8.

London Calling by The Clash

A match point politically charged rant built behind post-apocalyptic madhouse of sound constructed of electro guitars, reggae basslines and Joe Strummer’s wildcard lupine howls made this the ultimate art punk classic. Written as if a dirge for the misinformed with military drums with no backbeat that ends in an S-O-S Morse code only add to the eerie paranoia-coated skid row that Strummer sings about.

9.

Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t've) by Buzzcocks

Inspiration comes from the more uncanny resources and after viewing the musical Guys & Dolls in a TV lounge of Scottish guesthouse, the lyrics came out of the dialogue from the Broadway classic and composed the following day in a van outside of a post office. Reflecting on how heartbreak is a bloody mess, the intro begins with a sentimental Pete Shelley noting that his muse “spurn[ed] [his] natural emotions,” at a time when she pissed on them (too bad censorship).

10.

My Sharona by The Knack

In love with a then 17-year-old muse Sharona Alperin, 25-year-old Doug Fieger was inspired for a two-month-long stint of songwriting, and out came the legendary lyrics and guitarist Berton Averre’s gruff power chord swing. No doubt one of the most important songs of the last 30 years, it inspired Michael Jackson’s rock ‘n roll classic “Beat It” and was sampled on Run-D.M.C.’s “It’s Tricky.”

11.

God Save the Queen by The Sex Pistols

In 1975, Johnny Rotten was just another window-shopping mall rat outside of Vivienne Westwood’s fetish clothing shop SEX, before going on to become one of the most adored front men in rock ‘n roll history. Like “Anarchy in the UK,” their second single as perceived as bashing the monarchy, corporate control, hierarchy, duplicity, cerebral vacuity, principles and politesse, as well as placing a bull’s-eye on the noggin of Queen Elizabeth II. Seen as shock rockers because of the Rotten’s profanity and the guttural wall of noise behind him, the single turned heads and twisted light bulbs.

12.

Holiday by Green Day

A verbal letter bomb to the American political conformity in the age of George W. Bush, the song references the France’s refusal to support the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust and the 43^rd U.S. president. The song’s instantly recognizable chord progression and anti-war sentiments shifted Green Day’s pot smoking hapless douchebag appeal of the 90s into a self-made grown-and-sexy literati.

13.

Blank Generation by Richard Hell and the Voidoids

Richard Hell, one of the originator’s of the porcupine-spiked hair and shredded and sharpie’d shirts held by safety pins punk look, knew a thing about teenage angst when he wrote the punk staple that set the standard for teenage wasteland disease. In fact, punk impresario Malcolm McLaren admitted that “Richard Hell was a definite, 100 percent inspiration, and, in fact, I remember telling the Sex Pistols, ‘Write a song like Blank Generation, but write your own bloody version,’ and their own version was ‘Pretty Vacant’.”

14.

Pay To Cum by Bad Brains

The hardcore punk and reggae pioneers from Washington D.C. threw a funky white-hot atomic bomb into a land mime of pulsating ska oomph and this was their pay-off: an ultra-fast, kinetic ka-boom pow of guitar and machine gun drums about the limits of our human rights!

15.

Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes

With a rollercoaster tumble and roll guitar lyrics and disaffected, melancholy lyrics referencing sex, drug and alcohol and being “high as a kite,” is a punk favorite.

16.

Gloria by Patti Smith

Playing at the CBGB alongside other punk legends Blondie and The Ramones, Smith and her band were working on developing an academic, womanly take on the world of rock ‘n roll when they did this drastic reimagining of the Van Morrison penned “Gloria.” First performed by his band Them in ’64, the popular three-chord proto-punk staple with garage rock roots blew up in infamy for his epic opener: Jesus died for somebody’s sins / But not mine. You’ve got to admit, that’s pretty intense. Only keeping the chorus, Smith and company wrote a composition built around teenage lust, lesbianism and dogma without batting an eye. Her own scrappy sex appeal would go on to be channeled by several other pop artists.

17.

Personality Crisis by New York Dolls

No punk rock list should be with out the open of the New York Doll’s debut album, “Personality Crisis.” A gaudy, slippery-when-wet mental mind melt, the track is chopped and screwed and sloppy and noisy with a violent problem child delight. What else do you expect from punk?

18.

Cherry Bomb by The Runaways

It’s hard to think of punk music without this signature cut, which oddly enough, was not released as a single. Sixteen year-old wild child jailbait Cherie Currie rocked out like her description by several critics, “the lost daughter of Iggy Pop and Brigitte Bardot.” Beautiful, scantily-clad in only a brasserie and undies, she gave future hell kitten Queen of Shock Rock Wendy O. Williams of The Plasmatics a run for her money.  And Currie’s bratty sex pot guitarist Joan Jett was waiting in the wings to take her crown.

19.

Bad Reputation by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

One of the most important songs in punk rock, Joan Jett came out with this gem at a time where women in rock were still being tossed aside as powder puff princesses. Who would have guessed that one of the full-fledged rage filled guitars-blasting epics would come from the rhythm guitarist of the most influential punk rock girl group? Paving the way for future hits like “Crimson and Clover,” and the jukebox battle royale “I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” Jett is in rare form on this valiant effort.

20.

Just a girl by No Doubt

No way! This is a punk song? The kids from Orange County, California had a very small legion of fans in comparison to their now-massive legion of cardboard-waving paparazzi in 1995. A post-feminist record released at a time where Lilith Fair became rival to Woodstock, the track talks about the gender paradox, women’s struggle to find inner strength and independence in a machismo-juiced society and Gwen Stefani’s frustration with it all. The wah-wah new wave ska-punk guitars and the baby xylophone taps show a band that once clutched to male hindsight, now following in the footsteps of a woman and because of that, becoming pop icons.

Get Your Pause Tapes Ready: Cassette Tapes Making Comeback

New Michael Jackson Album Coming In November

American Idol Alum Fantasia Barrino was crowned the champ of the show’s third season that saw an amateur Jennifer Hudson dismissed before she went on take home the Oscar. Barrino, a single mother went on to become the first artist in history to see their premier single debut at No. 1. Everything was coming up roses as her second album went gold and she moved on Broadway to star in the seminal The Color Purple. Then, she went through a rough patch.

Being dropped from her 19 Entertainment management company and saw her $1.1 million home tagged for auction for failing to repay loans that secured her 2006 taxes. Added to the rumor mill is an affair with a married man. The result? Barrino was rushed to a Charlotte, North Carolina hospital after ingesting a bottle of aspirin and sleeping pills.

Drugs run rampant in the worlds of art, jazz, rock ‘n roll, soul. You know they say, if you can’t go hard, pack up and go home. The overdose should be taken seriously, but after all, its aspirin. While it could be fatal, here is a list of artists and their bevy of drugs that were guaranteed to promise sudden demise.

1.

David Ruffin of The Temptations

The soul belting front man with the raspy, pain-filled, agonized tenor that even had Marvin Gaye green with envy. Leaving The Temptations—the most famous group in doo wop and R&B—after a successful month-long English tour, Ruffin went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later collapsed to his death in a crack house after allocating 10 vials between him and an acquaintance in less than 30 minutes on June 1, 1991. Ruled accidental, his family and friends however, proposed foul play due to the loss of a money belt containing over $40,000 in proceeds from the tour.

2.

Dorothy Dandridge

Eminent alone for being the first African-American actress ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, Dandrige was the in-demand thespian at the time. On September 8, 1965, numerous hours after ending a conversation with friend Gerry Branton, Dandridgewas found deceased in her West Hollywood flat at 42 years old. Dandridge, who was to travel by airplane to New York in the morning in preparation for a Basin Street East rendezvous, overdosed on tricyclic antidepressant, melipramine. Her body was discovered by manager, Earl Mills.

3.

Gerald Levert

Known for his gospel belting technique and bevy of R&B tunes, Gerald Levert’s death shocked the black community. On November 10, 2006, Levert was found dead in the bed of his Newbury, Ohio home. The autopsy report noted that the star overdosed on a fatal cocktail of drugs—narcotic painkillers Darvocet, Percocet and Vicodin mixed with anxiety reliever Xanax and two over-the-counter antihistamines—according to the Washington Post. His death was ruled accidental, due to an acute intoxication. It was later revealed that Levert suffered pneumonia and pain from a previously torn Achilles tendon.

4.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

International Street art literati Jean-Michel Basquait was cited as one of the most influential artists to walk the earth by his peers for his graffiti-riddled neo-expressionist body of work. The Haitian / Puerto Rican artiste joined the 27 club shortly after the death of close friend Andy Warhol in 1987. Saturated with depression, Basquiat grew progressively more isolated and his drug use was now more frequent. Attempting go cold turkey on a trip to Hawaii, but failed do so and died of a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988, in his New York City studio.

5.

Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall Hendrix redefined rock ‘n roll and the rock ‘n roll experience, changing the suggestion-laden jukebox-kicking crank of Chuck Berry and Little Richard in favor of legato-happy wah-wah pedals and distorted stereophonic overdriven amplifier feedback. Influenced by blues, funk and soul guitarists, he went on to heighten his persona with epic performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock Festival, and Isle of Wight Festival, taking the crown as king of electric guitar. At 27, he died in the wee hours of the morning on September 18, 1970 at the Samarkand Hotel at 22 Lansdowne Crescent in Notting Hill, London. The Autopsy reports that Hendrix had taken nine prescribed Vesperax sleeping pill barbiturates and asphyxiated in his own vomit and red wine. Originally, it was thought to be a suicide.

6.

Frankie Lymon of The Teenagers

“Why do fools fall in love?” We don’t have the answers, but somehow a wisecracking, sagacious 13-year-old from Harlem got the skinny. R&B boy soprano and all-around devil-may-care Lothario Franklin Joseph Lymon’s rock ‘n roll styling brought the integrated five-piece black and Puerto Rican New York City-based boy band The Teenagers to the third eye of pop culture. They had a lot of fans, mainly Berry Gordy, who fashioned future pop icons The Jackson 5 after the band. Essential he paved the way for whiz kids Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder whose careers were on the rise at the age of 13. The boy who declared he wasn’t a juvenile delinquent passed away at 25, his dead body strewn on the floor of his grandmother’s bathroom from an heroin overdose.

7.

Michael Jackson

King of Pop and the most famous man in the world Michael Joseph Jackson shocked the world when the global figure passed on June 25, 2009. When his death was ruled a homicide by the The Los Angeles County Coroner, soon after his personal physician Conrad Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Murray administered a fatal combination of lorazepam, midazolam, propofol and sertraline. He had a connection to other drugs alphrazolam, carisoprodol, omeprazole, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and paroxetine with zero naloxone to counteract an opioid overdose. The most praised, most awarded and most eclectic pop artist of the century died at the age of 50.

8.

Rick James

R&B Singer-songwriter and funk maestro Rick James, known for hits “Super Freak,” “Mary Jane,” “Give It To Me Baby,” and “You and I” faded into forgotten pop genius limbo until funnyman Dave Chappelle utter the now famous “I’m Rick James, bitch.” Then, we tragedy struck. At the crack of dawn on August 6, 2004, James was found in the home of his Oakwood, Califonia apartment complex by his caretaker. The coroner noted that none of the drugs found in his system were life threatening and that his death as the result of acute cardiac dysfunction owed to idiopathic cardiomyopathy, an inflamed heart. The autopsy reports noted that James had been under the influence of alprazolam, bupropion, chlorpheniramine, citalopram, cocaine, diazepam, digoxin, hydrocodone and methamphetamine. He was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.

9.

Billie Holiday

This lady sure did sing the blues and she knew them well. With heart-curdling, pain-staking renditions of jazz standards like “Strange Fruit,” “Fine and Mellow” and “God Bless the Child,” singer Billie Holiday changed the art of singing as we know it. Lady Day, born Elenora Fagan, noted for her zealous one-of-a-kind irreplaceable and passionate vocals helped pioneer innovative methods to alter improvisation, phasing, melody and tempo. Sadly, she passed on July 17, 1959, in the Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, on the very deathbed in which she had been arrested for the possession of narcotics only a month or so before at 44-years-old. She died with $0.70 in the bank and a $750.00 from a tabloid.

The Watts Riots: The Fire Still Burns 45 Years Later

Sean Bell Killing And Harlem Shootout Share Tragic Links

While many can agree what songs are on the best of all-time punk classics, here are some songs that are rarely considered but should still carry a torch as creating punk and transcending it:

1.

Walking with a Ghost by Tegan and Sara

The ferocious slap of the guitar and the marching band guitars from the pixie chalky twins is a one of legend because its instantly infectious beat sounds like the summoning of the rock god from a 24 hour party séance.

2.

Be My Wife by David Bowie

The Jerry Lewis-esque ragtime piano rock-out intro kicks off a jambalaya effect of guitars and drums as The Thin White Duke makes an eleventh-hour request to his cover girl starter wife Angelina in attempt to save their marriage. The most conventional punk rock song on the surrealist classic Low, Bowie struts his rock star image and shows his bones at the same time.

3.

I Will Dare by The Replacements

A staple on college radio, this punk alternative rock inspired Green Day to terrorize the airwaves and took on a more simplistic songwriting that talked about growing up in a busy world.

4.

Rock the Casbah by The Clash

This dance punk classic about the fabulist account of totalitarian sharif’s ban on punk rock music and the people that defied him is a stereophonic sensations was actually inspired by their manager Bernie Rhodes heard an interminable track and the result: Joe Strummer penned the coup d’état club-thrasher with an epic line, The King told the boogie-men ‘you have to let that rāga drop,’ and more lyrics followed. A song that sounds like its being played through the Zeus’ ghettoblaster, is still as radiant as it was in 1982.

5.

Radio Radio by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Known as the “pop encyclopedia” because of his far reach into several diverse genres, Elvis Costello dropped this punk rock new wave classic with the signature 50s rock ‘n roll piano jingle in 1978 and was full of moxie. Protesting the widespread commercialization of radio broadcasts and the selective hearing of record companies and the airwaves—which decided what was considered “good” for audiences—Costello hit the motherlode of pop perfection with this classic. He even referenced “God Save The Queen” to drive the nail in faster.

6.

Chick Habit (Laisse tomber less filles) by April March

Film auteur Quentin Tarrantino had something right when he added this song to the sassy badass chick-with-ammo horror classic Death Proof. . song that was relatively forgotten came into pop conscious at the climax of the film when the girls start kicking the crud out of mass murdering speed demon Stuntman Mike. The result, the song with the 60s wild party razzle-dazzle jingle jam became an in-demand item on free-sharing sites everywhere.

7.

Venus by Television

Ephemeral, urgent and simply beautiful with its cascade of drums and garage guitar flourishes, the boys of TV land made a punk classic on their not-a-bad-song-in-the-bunch Marquee Moon.

8.

Walking in LA by Missing Persons

Karen O of the New York City underground bar crawl scene-stealers Yeah Yeah Yeahs took notes with a pen ready somewhere when this new wave punk staple crushed radio airwaves. Dale Bozzio’s killer tigress sex appeal and bloodcurdling a kewpie baby doll vocal amidst orange alert synths make the urgency even more pressing and we get to come along for the ride.

9.

Eat to the Beat by Blondie

The flashy, ferocious, furious and feisty punk staccato of Debbie Harry’s rip and roaring hebephrenic feline riot grrl yowl is enough to sell the song, but its Clem Burke carpal tunnel inducing drum smashing, Nigel Harrison steady bass line, and so great guitar licks from Chris Stein and Frank Infante! The boys finally give the bottle blonde focus a run for her money.

10.

Spiderwebs by No Doubt

After invading radio with their massive international debut, the candy-eyed third wave ska droogs divvy up a starling second single with hair metal guitars, reggae horns, post-grunge basslines and Stefani’s Ethel Merman wails defied convention and wrote them off as one-hit wonders at a time where critics checked them off as being too Blondie-esque. The urgent little girl gone astray coos about avoid the telephone calls of a psycho persistent man was (and is still) used on people’s answering machines.

11.

In The City by The Jam

Never quite staying inside the tiny conventions of what is considered punk rock music, this lovely band of bollocks cut a very sweet record and success was the ultimate pay-off.

12.

Basket Case by Green Day

Rounding off the list of legendary face melters in punk rock, is the ever juvenile “Basket Case” by Green Day. Okay, maybe “juvenile” is not the right term to describe a song about panic disorder and fearing you’re off the rocker. Maybe if you were referring to “Longview,” the other big standout from their magnum opus Dookie, but certainly not this song that starts of with a solemn Billie Joe Armstrong strumming before Mike Dirnt comes in with the power chords and Tré Cool starts slapping the hell out of the drums. Epic.

Fefe Dobson: Back To Reclaim Spot As Punk Pop Queen!

Anita Baker To Release First Album In 4 Years Nov. 9

OPINION: Nicki Minaj & Lady Gaga Are Intellectual Chicks

The world is changing. In this tech-savvy world of ours where sexting is cool and Craigslist killing is in vogue, where online dating is becoming more popular than face-to-face interaction and employers use Skype™ for interviews, you can say we’re lost together. Gone are the simply days where you could simply run to the library or a local bookstore to read celebrated novels and novellas. Now, we have the Kindle as designed by Apple™. And, our conversations are now lacking depth. Instead of simply writing this out, we have gotten accustomed to abbreviating everything. Here are 7 songs we love (and love to hate) that are probably to blame for the C.O.O..L.-ness of abbreviation.

1.

“OMG” by Usher

Seriously, Usher needed a comeback. His newly-found socially conscious grown-ass man swag was embodied in the 2008 lukewarm so-so effort Here I Stand, shifted from stoic father figure to lighthearted balladeer. Despite his latest album Raymond V. Raymond, as inspired by the divorce epic Kramer vs. Kramer, releasing to mixed reviews, it was indeed a step forward from the snapping of piano strings on his last album. “OMG,” an abbreviation for “Oh My God” or “Oh My Gosh,” moved us to the dance floor with its radio arena chants and electro quenched tenor delivery from the R&B prince we’ve grown to love.

2.

“LOL Smiley Face” by Trey Songz

Surprisingly inspiring an answer song from Usher, the tacky titled song with its gimmicky, staccato-repetitive, bouncy-bounce pop pyrotechnics is still making splashes on airwaves everywhere. Why? We don’t know, but there’s got be a reason why so many people are in love with it. We’re still waiting to understand why it became so popular, considering we’ve been laughing out loud by the addition of the smiley face.

3.

“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson

One of those rare B-sides that should have been a released single (as with all of the other unreleased songs from Thriller), The King Of Pop’s 1982 tour de force divvied up an amusing post-disco standard. Sampled on numerous occasions by Monica, Kanye West and Donnell Jones to name a few, the up-tempo R&B jam with the funky-synth featured two pretty young things, sisters Janet and Latoya as backup singers. Talking about giving one lucky lady some extra TLC who craves Mike’s tender love and care, we are still rocking out to a record that is nearly 30 years old. Long live the king.

4.

“U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah

Man, was Dana Owens feisty! Before she went on to become a banking black Hollywood powerhouse in films Set It Off, Life Support and Chicago, Queen Latifah was the reigning sovereign of hip-hop. Her landmark All Hail The Queen launched a post-feminist movement in hip-hop but it was her third album Black Reign, was her most dynamic record (and most successful). The hit U.N.I.T.Y. which sampled The Crusaders’ “Message from the Inner City,” totally changed the landscape of the male dominated hip-hop culture and won her the coveted Best Solo Rap Performance award at the 37^th Grammy’s (over Snoop Doggy Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” no less). We’ve been coming together every summer since at barbecues, blasting this hip-hop and rap classic.

5.

“O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature

Are you down? No, we’re not talking about the Ontario Provincial Police but other people’s… er, property. The demurely ambiguous second “P” is now iconic and has been parodied hundreds of times over, most famously “Down wit’ MTV” for hip-hop emblem Yo! MTV Raps. Why? Well, imagine if you will, one having the willingness to have sex with someone in a relationship with their significant other… No wonder why its notorious! The infectious single released in the fall of ’91 by Naughty By Nature, that sampled Melvin Bliss’ “Synthetic Substitution,” “Oh Honey” by Brit one-hit-wonders Delegation and the No. 1 Jackson 5 smash hit “ABC,” turned a bunch of baseball-bat-wielding droogs into accidental hip-hop legends.

6.

“YMCA” by The Village People

Disco fever was in full effect when this 1978 novelty hit sports arenas around the globe. Six men were to blame: a biker, a cop, a cowboy, a construction worker, a Native American, and a G.I. The result was one of the most ambiguous and catchy songs of all time. Heterosexual leader singer Victor Willis penned the song allegedly after reflecting on activities that cater to young inner city black youth like basketball and swimming at the Young Men’s Christian Association. But the band of boys, who sprang to fame from their lair in the underground gay circuit scene, sang the song with a reverie that made others pick up the implication that the tune was a celebration of the YMCA’s rep as a popular cruising and shack-up spot for young gay men. The double entendre is now iconic.

“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” by Jay-Z

The self proclaimed god of all hop-hop emcees finally cut his teeth. The –izzle lingo that surrounded one of Kanye West’s greatest cuts (sampling The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”) delivered one of best the rags to riches anthems since Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy,” proving The Blueprint was one for the records. Here, Jay-Z stepped out of the shadows of his regular street swag with a noughties anthem that sparkled like a Sierra Leone blood diamond. Its grit gave us chills and considering it surpassed his debut Reasonable Doubt with flying colors, had less of the Mafiaso shtick and had more of a carefree, naïve child sensibility than previous records.

Ice Cube Says “We Should Stop Being Ashamed Of Who We Are”

Sissy Bounce: Gender-Bending New Orleans Rap Catching On

As we mourn the one year anniversary of the King-of-pop’s death, we also celebrate his legacy which lives on even in his physical absence. Michael Jackson had a roller coaster of a life and career, marked by peaks and valleys, each of which he managed to conquer. Here is a visual reminder of what an amazing artist Jackson was.

Check out Michael in his natural habitat: the stage.

Take a look at some iconic photos from the inception of his solo career:

Take a look at this gallery celebrating his albums:

Also, check out:

Michael Jackson: Timeline Of Style

If you are looking for a way to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson without going over the white-gloved, sequined jacket edge, try channeling the King with a few simple accessories.

While respect Michale for his ability to rock his iconic look, not many of us can get away with the same opulence in regular life. For a fashionable nod to the best there ever was, try pulling a few of the quirky trends that Michael made classic to your wardrobe repertoire.

Our recommendation? Put on our dancing shoes and tip your hat in celebration of MJ.

Here are three ways to get the look of our late legend on any budget:

Small

Try this affordable, chic fedora from ASOS, paired with these jazzy flats by Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman “Kat” Sequined Oxfords $140.00

ASOS Straw Fedora Hat $25.36

Watch MJ rock the white fedora in “Smooth Criminal”

Medium

If you’re dealing with a mid-level budget, go for these options from Neiman Marcus and Marc Jacobs:

Lacquered Fedora 150

Marc by Marc Jacobs Two-tone patent-leather loafers 295

Watch Michael rock his loafers in “Billie Jean”

GIANT

For the MJ-lovin’ ballers out there, Miu Miu and La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau have the best options to help you bring out your inner Moonwalker.

La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau Trendy Summery straw Panama 230

Miu Miu Studded patent-leather loafers 750

Watch MJ Rock his fedora in “You Rock My World”

Michael Jackson was more than the greatest musical legend of any recent generation; he was a fashion icon. He became known by one single accessory: the glove. Back in the day, that infamous red jacket was worn by many an older brother during their break-dancing phases. Later,  the military jackets and face masks would become his staples. Recently, Jackson became noted by the fashionable powers that be for his love of Balmain; the embellished jackets and grand price tags were just up his alley. Let us take a look back at the original King of Style.

WORDS: KENYATTA SMITH

The Top 7 Death-Obsessed Artists

Too Old And Too Black For Punk?

Most celebrities won’t let you into their inner world. Not Janet. In the October/November issue of Giant, she opens up about her brother Michael, her weight issues, the secret baby rumors…pretty much every topic that would provoke other celebrities to issue a terse “No comment.”

On being unhappy with her appearance:

“I don’t see myself as a sexy person…. For a long time, I had a hard time finding things I liked about myself physically. I’d never look in the mirror…’cause I didn’t really like what I saw. One day I looked in the mirror because I wanted to find something that I liked about myself—and I started crying. I didn’t see anything.”

On her butt:

“I would always wear clothes that made my butt look smaller because I was so self-conscious about it.”

On where her body issues came from:

“Childhood. My brother Michael used to tease me. We’re very close, but he was very adamant about the way I looked, the way I should look. He thought my butt was too big. Maybe he wasn’t completely happy with himself, so he put it on me? I’m just guessing here, but looking back now, I know that in adolescence your body changes, and he would always tease people left and right about something. When his own body started to change…he became a lot more introverted.”

On her weight fluctuations:

“I have a very slow metabolism to begin with, not like my sister who loses [weight] very quickly and doesn’t have to lift a thing to do it.”

On thinking of Michael while recording “Love 2 Love”:

“That song was written and recorded while my brother was going through it. The whole night trying to record, I could not stop crying. Michael was in my mind… Thank God the room I was singing in didn’t have any windows…”

On how her recording career almost ended with Control:

“It was tough. I was doing Fame, and my heart wasn’t in it. Things were going horribly in my marriage, and I actually wanted to get fired, and…I never realy wanted to sing. I wanted to go to college and study business law and just be an actress and support my way through school [by doing that]. But my father always said you can make more money as a singer than as an actress.”

On her former brother-in-law spreading rumors that she had a secret daughter with James DeBarge:

“I think he wanted to get attention, and it upsets me people seem to want me to have a baby I’ve never told anyone about. But I think James’ mother believes there’s a baby as well. He and I have actually talked about it. He said to me that his mother actually mentioned it to him so much, he had to ask me about it! Like, ‘You wouldn’t do that, would you?’ And I had to tell him, ‘If I’d had a baby, you would know.’ I would never keep a child from its father.”

On starting a family with Jermaine Dupri:

“Jermaine made me feel less self-conscious about my body, my butt. I’ve never had anyone who looks at me and just loves me. He’s the only one I’ve ever even thought about having kids with. People offered to ‘help me out’ after my divorce [laughs], but now I would really love to experience motherhood.”

On her rumored blacklisting by MTV and VH1:

“If they want to come along and join the party, they can. If not, so be it.”

For more of Janet, click here to see her sexy GIANT photo gallery!

After months of hype, Michael Jackson’s final concert arrives on the big screen.

Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Directed by Kenny Ortega
***1/2

Ever since the project was first announced in August, the new documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It has been shrouded in mystery.  According to initial reports, Sony Pictures paid $60 million to acquire hundreds of hours of behind-the-scenes footage showing Jackson–who had died a little over a month before–rehearsing for his big comeback concert series in London.  What exactly would that footage reveal?  Would Jackson be a slurry, stumbling mess?  Or would we see a flicker of the great entertainer– the King of Pop–who dazzled audiences for decades with thrilling dance moves and unstoppable tunes?  Sony stoked the mystery by putting the footage on instant lockdown; aside from a short trailer, no scenes from This Is It have found their way onto TV or the web, which, in theory, only heightens its must-see appeal.  To further fuel the hype, the studio decreed that the movie would only play in theaters for two weeks, borrowing a successful gimmick that Disney employed last year for its Hannah Montana concert flick.  Not even critics got the chance to check out This Is It ahead of time.  Instead, the press would see the movie on the same date and time as the rest of the world–specifically on Tuesday, October 27 at 6pm Los Angeles time when the movie premiered at the city’s Nokia Theater and then went live in theaters in 17 other cities around the globe.

So that’s why I, along with the rest of New York’s media gadflies, found myself at Regal Cinema’s Times Square theater last night.  Sony had taken over the entire multiplex for the evening, booking This is It in all 13 theaters, each of which was accessible by special invite only.  I made my way to my assigned theater past a literal army of security guards who stopped me every ten feet or so to run their hands over my special red ticket in what ‘m assuming was an authentication procedure of some kind.  When I finally got into the auditorium, live footage from the red carpet in L.A. was playing onscreen.  Celebrities started arriving at around 7:30pm (5:30 Pacific time) and made their way past paparazzi flashbulbs and screaming fans, occasionally stopping to answer inane questions from hapless red carpet interviewer Leanza Cornet, while we in New York waited patiently for the actual movie to start.  Finally, at 9:15, the lights went down, the screen went dark and…and…and…

And we saw a movie.  The world didn’t spontaneously heal itself, the future of the music industry didn’t automatically become brighter and Michael Jackson didn’t rise from the dead and start doing the moonwalk.  After all the pre-release and pre-show hype, This Is It is just a movie–a surprisingly well-made and compelling movie, but a movie nonetheless.  In a way, all the studio-manufactured brouhaha surrounding the film may be doing it a disservice, as it leads viewers to expect a cinematic spectacle to rival a summer blockbuster like Star Trek or Transformers 2.  But in reality This Is It is a more modest picture.  This isn’t a concert movie–it’s a movie about the making of a concert.

Director Kenny Ortega, a longtime Jackson friend and colleague, takes the audience through the show’s set list song by song–beginning with “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” (of course) and concluding with “Man in the Mirror”–revealing how each tune was going to be performed live onstage from the choreography, to the special effects to the King of Pop’s own vocals.  Much of the footage is taken from a series of almost complete rehearsals, where the dancing is in place, but not all of the effects are complete and Jackson often sings along to backing vocals in order to go easy on his voice.  There are also clips of additional material that would have been worked into the show; for “Smooth Criminal,” Jackson had himself digitally inserted into a series of film clips from old ’40s gangster pictures and Ortega shot new 3D footage of monsters tearing it up in a graveyard to accompany “Thriller.”  In some cases, CGI-animatronics stand in for effects that were never finalized; “Earth Song,” for example, would have climaxed with an actual bulldozer rolling onstage to confront Jackson.  If you’re at all interested in the art of stagecraft, This is It provides an invaluable look at what goes on behind-the-scenes of a mega-budgeted concert.  Indeed, in some ways, seeing the process by which the show was put together is almost more interesting than the finished product ever would have been.

But what about the man at the center of the spectacle?  Well Jackson–or as the entire crew calls him, MJ–is alternately engaged, enraged, enthusiastic, impatient and joyful.  In other words, he’s an artist in his element, doing what he loves to do.  His voice is strong and clear and he moves with the same grace he displayed throughout his life.  Clearly the film has been edited to show him at his best, but, to his credit, Ortega does occasionally allow us to see behind his beatific exterior.  In some scenes, Jackson is visibly frustrated when the band misses a note or a dancer doesn’t execute a move correctly.  And while we never see him offstage, a few moments do hint at his personal troubles.  After rehearsing “Beat It” Jackson is so winded, he can barely speak–his age finally catches up with his body.  Earlier, Jackson stops singing right in the middle of a medley of Jackson 5 tunes and launches into a rambling, nonsensical speech about his inner ear problems while Ortega humors him from offstage.  One wonders how many more moments like that one are on the cutting room floor.

Clocking in at almost two hours, This Is It does feel overlong.  Part of that can be chalked up to the normal ebb and flow of a concert–some songs are simply better than others and everyone will have their own opinions about which tunes they would rather have seen cut from the set list.  Personally, I could have watched Jackson rehearse “The Way Your Make Me Feel” and “Billie Jean” for a half-hour without growing tired of either song.  On the other hand, his renditions of the spectacularly cheesy “Earth Song” and “They Don’t Care About Us” almost put me to sleep.  Those dud songs aside, This Is It is far better than it had any right to be, largely because Ortega avoids turning the film into an overly sentimental obituary for Jackson.  There are no images of teary-eyed fans despondent over the sudden death of their idol or awkward testimonials from Jackson’s peers and colleagues.  In fact, the movie never addresses his death at all beyond a closing dedication.  The focus here is entirely on the work that Jackson did while he was still alive.  There is obviously much more to Michael Jackson’s legacy than this single concert, but that’s for future films to explore.  For now, This is It provides a valuable service–it allows a gifted musician to deliver the career-capping performance he wanted the world to see, but never got the chance.

Verdict: See It

——————————————————————————————————————-

Also In Theaters:

Gentleman Broncos
Directed by Jared Hess
Starring Michael Angarano, Jennifer Coolidge, Jemaine Celement
*1/2

I’ve always suspected that Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess may be a one-trick pony and those feelings are confirmed by his third feature, Gentleman Broncos, a virtually laugh-free comedy that has no clear idea who or what it’s attempting to satirize.  Michael Angarano, the go-to actor for neurotic teenagers when Jesse Eisenberg isn’t available, stars as a painfully awkward amateur sci-fi writer whose unpublished space opera Yeast Lords: The Bronco Years is stolen by his idol, bestselling author Ronald Chevalier (Jemaine Clement, one-half of the New Zealand folk-parody band Flight of the Conchords and the only redeeming thing about this movie).  Interspersed with the real-world narrative are clips from the book-within-the-film, starring a game Sam Rockwell as the hero of Angarano’s bizarre story.  Hess has always seemed to regard his characters with a noticeable distaste and that bubbles over into outright rage here; it’s not just that these characters are unlikeable–they’re downright freakish and lack any of the somewhat sweet naivete of a Napoleon or Kip.  Misanthropy can be funny, but not when its wielded with this heavy a hand.              
Verdict: Skip It

Skin
Directed by Anthony Fabian
Starring Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neill
***
Sophie Okonedo delivers a passionate star turn in this movie version of a fascinating, troubling piece of South African history.  The Oscar-nominated actress plays Sandra Laing, a dark-skinned woman born to white Afrikaner parents in the ’50s.  After being classified by the official state board as “colored,” Sandra’s family fought to have that ruling overturned and she was re-categorized as “white” but continued to face prejudice and discrimination.  Eventually, she petitioned to have her racial identity changed again after she fell in love with a black man.  Sandra’s choice forever severed her ties to her mother and father and when her relationship fell apart, she was forced to live through the country’s turbulent post-Apartheid years on her own.  While Skin does a fine job outlining Sandra’s life and Okonedo’s performance is undeniably powerful, the movie’s emotional heft is blunted somewhat by many of the predictable conventions that accompany biopics suggesting that maybe the documentary route would have been the way to go for this particular story. 
Verdict: See It

The House of the Devil
Directed by Ti West
Starring Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Gerta Gerwig
***1/2
More than a nifty homage to low-budget ’80s horror flicks, Ti West’s The House of the Devil is an inventive, enjoyable and, yes, genuinely scary movie in its own right.  Jocelin Donahue plays a money-starved college student who unwisely agrees to take a babysitting job for a family that lives in a big dark house on the outskirts of town.  A welcome relief from the glossy, over-edited studio-produced horror pictures clogging multiplexes these days, The House of the Devil is a movie that takes its time building up to the big scares, which gives you plenty of time to appreciate how closely West has replicated the mise-en-scene of the early ’80s.  Once the scary stuff arrives though, don’t be surprised if you finds yourself clutching your date–or, if you’re solo, your arm rest–a little more tightly.
Verdict: See It

Michael Jackson’s This Is It was released in theaters today for its limited two-week showing. [Click here to read GIANT's Ethan Alter's review on the movie.]

In the mean time, in honor of the movie’s release, we have compiled Michael Jackson’s music videos/short films for your viewing pleasure. Which music video’s dance moves do you have memorized?

Thriller (1982)

Bad (1987)

The Way You Make Me Feel (1987)

Smooth Criminal (1987) – The shorter longer version of the movie

Remember the Time (1991)

Black or White (1991)

Ghosts (1997)
1/4 -

2/4 -

3/4 -

4/4 -

You Rock My World (2001)
1/2 -

2/2 -

The King of Pop passed away more than three months ago, and he is still making waves in the music industry and in the media. The movie tribute to Michael Jackson’s life and music career, “THIS IS IT,” releases in theaters worldwide on October 28^th. It features rare behind-the-scenes footage of his last rehearsals for his comeback tour. And, already tickets are selling out fast for the limited two-week engagement.

Another bonus for Michael Jackson fans everywhere is Universal Motown’s Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite project. The album features 20 brand new remixes of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 classics. If officially drops on October 20^th, but DJ Cassidy’s remix of The Jackson 5′s “The Love You Save” released online today.

DJ Cassidy describes the song as “a true hand-ups, top-down, feel-good anthem, ‘The Love You Save’ embodies every part of Mike’s early spirit and energy that made magic for years to come.”

Listen to the track here.

Fashion  ”must nots” have become fashion “must haves” over the past few years. Clothing we thought we wouldn’t be caught dead in has made their way into our closets!  

Zania Black

Fans are hyped over the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys duet performance (sans Lil’ Mama) on the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Listening to these two heavy hitters on the “Empire State of Mind” track recalls to mind all the other collaborations in music. Songs with one superstar are good, but songs with two or more superstars are even better.

Watch the music videos for some of the hottest track collaborations over the years:

Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”

Jay-Z and Mary J Blige – “Can’t Knock the Hustle”

T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and M.I.A. – “Swagga Like Us”

T.I. and Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone”

Ciara and Justin Timberlake – “Love, Sex and Magic”

Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Murphy Lee and Snoop Dogg – “Welcome To Atlanta (remix)”

Diddy, Faith and 112 – “I’ll Be Missing You”

Busta Rhymes, DMX, Mary J Blige, Missy, Rah Digga, Papoose and Lloyd Banks – “Touch It (remix)”

Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson – “What’s It Gonna Be”

Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson – “Scream”

R. Kelly and “Mr. Biggs” (The Isley Brothers) saga -

• “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)”

• “Contagious”

• Kelly Price’s “Friend of Mine (remix)”

Drake and Trey Songz – “Successful”

Left Eye, Lil’ Kim, Missy, Angie Martinez and Da Brat – “Ladies Night”

Brandy and Monica – “The Boy is Mine”

Almost a week ago The Dream and Christina Milian secretly married in a small ceremony in Vegas, but he was too blinded by love to sign a prenup. Which is the ultimate mistake when you’re worth tens of millions and your wife is struggling with her career.

Let’s hope this marriage lasts or else he’ll be saying “it was cheaper to keep her” like the rest of these ex-husbands who had to cough up some big bucks.

1. Micheal and Juanita Jordan

Over the course of their marriage, Jordan earned over $350 million dollars and Juanita walked away with an estimated $168 million. Making it the the largest celebrity divorce settlement in entertainment history!

2. Nas and Kelis

Ordered to pay $55k a month in child support. If you think that’s ridiculous, get a load of Kelis wanting Nas to pay a forensic accountant who will look into his money to see how much he’s really holding so she can get more on top of lawyer fees. Plus, the mortgage on their home in L.A.!

3. Tyrese Gibson and Norma

This divorce wasn’t so ugly, but she is getting a pretty penny out of it. Tyrese paid a one time lump sum of $42, 500, $6,230 in child support, paid for all attorney fees including his own of course, Norma keeps all gifts and jewels received during their marriage and Tyrese will buy Norma her Range Rover when the lease is up!

4. Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee

When you’re a mogul like Russell, expect a heavy price tag on a divorce. Kimora will never see a broke day considering she walked away with $480,000 a year in child support, $18,000 a month for maintenance of their home in New Jersey (which was eventually put up for sale), and provide her with a new car every two years valued at no less than $60, 000. Kimora will make sure she’s in style no matter who she’s with even if it means Russell will pick up the tab.

5. Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe

The ex wife of the late “King of Pop”, Debbie Rowe managed to get $8.5 million, an SUV and a Beverly Hills home. + an additional $2 million for entering into a confidentiality agreement.

6. Babyface and Tracey Edmonds

Even though the couple has joint custody of their two children, Babyface parted ways with $70 million dollars in cash, property, stocks, alimony, child support, and a percentage of music publishing.

7. Lionel Richie and Diane

Although the marriage ended, Diane wanted to maintain the lifestyle she had as his wife. Lionel had to do a whole lot of singing to replace the $20 million dollars he had to hand over to Diane. The money is suppose to cover “expenses” she lists as clothes, shoes, accessories, dermatology, hair removal, massages, jewelry, and their son’s $125, 000 boarding school tuition (which seems like the only real expense here).

8. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills

Beatles star Paul McCartney had to pay out $48.7 million dollars to his estranged ex wife Heather Mills. Plus an additional $70,000 a year in alimony and child support. Maybe that $400 million deal with Apple and iTunes for the digital release of the Beatles catalog will help keep his lights on!

9. Robert Johnson and Sheila Crump

Better known as Bob Johnson, the co-founder of BET along with his ex wife Sheila. Bob also made history back in 200 after becoming the firs African American billionaire. Sheila was right behind him thanks to her settlement of $400 million ($5.5 million for each of the 25 years they were married) making her the first African American female billionaire (move over Oprah). The story gets even juicer, considering she turned around and married the judge that presided her divorce!

10. Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore

The outcome of this divorce could definitely knock out this whole list. Mel Gibson is reportedly worth almost $950 million and they never signed a prenup. Which means she could very well be entitled to half his fortune!

If only these folks took the time to sign the dotted line….

Reviews of Devotion, State of Play and Earth

Devotion: An Unauthorized Tribute to Michael Jackson
Infinity
$20

Plot: A look back at the King of Pop’s iconic career and unexpected death.

Opinion: Even the most devoted Michael Jackson fan would be wise to avoid purchasing this shoddy video tribute, which offers no new insights into Jackson’s life.  How cheap is this 50-minute biography?  So cheap, the filmmakers weren’t able to afford the rights to any of Jackson’s music, which means you’ll hear lots of folks talking about Thriller, but can’t actually hear any of Thriller.  Say what you will about VH1′s muckraking Behind the Music franchise-at least they were able to score on-camera interviews with musicians’ friends and colleagues (both past and present) as well as, in some cases, the actual musicians themselves.  Devotion consists entirely of repurposed news footage and interviews granted to other sources.  And since this is an “unauthorized tribute,” none of the Jackson family sits down for the film, not even LaToya, who will pretty much talk to anyone.  If you really want to honor MJ’s memory, spend your $20 on advanced tickets to the upcoming authorized tribute Michael Jackson: This Is It instead.

Bonus Features: 20 minutes worth of extended scenes dealing with such topics as Jackson’s charity work.

Verdict: Skip It

—————————————————————————————————

State of Play
Universal
$30
Blu-ray: $40

Plot: A veteran Washington D.C. journalist (Russell Crowe) investigates the sudden death of a Capitol Hill employee and discovers an elaborate plot involving corrupt senators and a multi-national corporation willing to do whatever it takes to protects its own interests.

Opinion: I have to admit that I was prepared to hate State of Play because it’s based on a British miniseries that ranks as some of the best television I’ve ever seen.  Condensing the original six-hour story into a more Hollywood-friendly two hours seemed like a bad idea from the get-go, even with such talented screenwriters as Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton), Matthew Michael Carnahan (The Kingdom) and Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) attached to the script.  Well, guess what?  The movie doesn’t suck.  In fact, State of Play is a lot of fun, the kind of well-made, well-acted, wholly entertaining big-budget thriller that major studios seem to have trouble producing these days.  Naturally, it’s not as good as the series, largely because it has a lot of material to get through in very little time and the plot mechanics do get gummed up on occasion, particularly in the final act when several major events occur in ways that don’t make a lot of sense when you stop to think about them.  Considering how badly the translation from TV-to-film could have turned out though, State of Play is a better adaptation than I could have expected.  I’d still encourage viewers to check out the series first, but the movie is an above-average Cliffs Notes version.

Bonus Features: Deleted scenes and a routine making-of featurette.

Verdict: Rent It

—————————————————————————————————

Earth
Disney
$30
Blu-ray: $40

Plot: A year in the life of three animal families: polar bears, elephants and humpback whales.

Opinion: A condensed version of the multi-part BBC series Planet Earth (which remains a best-seller on DVD), Earth offers up some extraordinary images of this big blue ball we call home.  No matter how jaded and cynical you might be, it’s hard not to feel a thrill at the sight of polar bear cups scrambling through the Arctic wilderness or a leopard stalking and then pouncing on its prey.  As stunning as Earth is to watch-particularly in its Blu-ray edition-James Earl Jones’ intrusive, overly cutesy narration threatens to detract from the experience.  It’s a shame that Disney didn’t include a “music only” track on the DVD so you can appreciate our planet’s natural beauty without someone talking your ear off.

Bonus Features: A behind-the-scenes look at how Earth was made.  The Blu-ray version also comes with an in-movie “pop-up facts” feature that lets you learn even more about the planet.

Verdict: Buy It

—————————————————————————————————

Also on DVD:

For anyone who still cares, Heroes: Season Three (Universal, $60) arrives this week looking to generate some excitement among the show’s dwindling fanbase for the impending debut of the fourth-and possibly final-season.  The set boasts over 20 hours of bonus features, which will probably be more entertaining than the actual episodes.  In other TV news, The Game: The First Season (Paramount, $37) collects the entire freshman year of the recently cancelled CW series, a casualty of the network’s increasing interest in churning out remakes of ’90s teen soaps.  Sugar (Sony Pictures Classics, $29) sheds light on a little-discussed aspect of our national pastime-the recruitment and training of players from the Dominican Republic to fill out major league baseball’s farm system.  One of the most beautifully photographed films so far this year, the Mexican drama Sin Nombre (Universal, $30) follows a soulful gang member who offs his outfit’s leader and rides the rails north to the U.S. border.  Finally, Christina Milian headlines the latest Bring It On sequel, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish (Universal, $30), directed by Bille Woodruff, the same person who taught Jessica Alba all her dance moves in Honey. 

A look back at Michael Jackson’s short-lived movie career

He may have been the King of Pop, but despite several valiant attempts Michael Jackson never became a King of Hollywood.  That said, the singer, who unexpectedly passed away yesterday afternoon, did revolutionize the music industry by bringing blockbuster production values to the fledgling music video scene.  Jackson’s best videos played like mini-movies and he hired A-list directors–including John Landis, Martin Scorsese and John Singleton–to give them that big-screen feel.  But he never stopped thinking of movie stardom and he might have achieved it had he picked his film projects with the same care he lavished on his pop hooks.  But from the beginning, Jackson seemed unable to find the right movie to showcase his considerable talents.  His first onscreen appearance came in Sidney Lumet’s ill-fated 1978 adaptation of The Wiz, which famously miscast the then 34-year-old Diana Ross in a leading role intended for a teenager.  Jackson was tapped to play the Scarecrow and while the performer sang and danced rings around the movie’s star, he wasn’t able to make up for Lumet’s tone-deaf directing choices.

After The Wiz flopped, Jackson focused his energies on his recording career, releasing his seminal albums Off the Wall and Thriller.  Looking to capitalize on the enormous success of the latter album–as well as the revolutionary Thriller music video–Jackson aligned himself with none other than George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola in 1986 to produce a special-effects heavy 3D extravaganza entitled Captain EO to play exclusively at Walt Disney’s two theme parks.  Jackson stars as an intergalactic explorer on a mission to deliver a special gift to the villainous Supreme Leader (played by Anjelica Huston of all people) of an alien world with the help of his trusty fuzzy pet Fuzzball and robotic bodyguards Major Domo and Minor Domo.  Undoubtedly Jackson was hoping that the 17-minute film would function as a set-up for a feature film, but apparently audiences weren’t “thrilled” with the finished product.  Still, Captain EO continued to be shown at both Disney parks until the mid-’90s.

Jackson’s next big-screen fumble came in 1988 with the concept movie, Moonwalker, a quasi-biopic covering the Gloved One’s career as well as a feature-length advertisement for his most recent album, Bad.  Made up primarily of music videos for songs like “Smooth Criminal” and a cover version of the Beatles classic “Come Together” (featuring a very young Sean Lennon), the film is best remembered for inspiring a bizarre video game where Jackson wanders around saving children from bad guys and occasionally turning into a robot.  Briefly released in theaters in late ’88, the movie debuted on VHS the following year but has yet to turn up on DVD (at least in this country–it is available in Europe for those with region-free DVD players), no doubt due to rights issues.  Don’t be surprised if any legal problems get cleared up in the next month or so to allow for a special edition disc.

The commercial and critical failure of Moonwalker (Variety summed up the majority opinion when they wrote “the whole affair does not make for a structured or professional movie”) deep-sixed Jackson’s movie career for good.  Still, as late as 1999, he was talking about returning to the big screen, playing the famously screwed-up 19th century author Edgar Allan Poe in an indie film tentatively titled The Nightmares of Edgar Allan Poe.  That project never got off the ground though and Jackson’s last two film appearances were small cameos in the blockbuster Men in Black II and the direct to DVD comedy Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls. In the end, it’s probably just as well that his movie star dreams were never realized.  Aside from potentially robbing us of some terrific music, it’s doubtful that he would ever have found a character to play who was as complex and contradictory as himself.

In a joint NewsOne/TVOne exclusive, Joe Jackson reveals more than ever before of himself and his relationship with his late son Michael. Joe Jackson talks candidly with GIANT’s Editor-In-Chief Smokey Fontaine about:

* … the young man, Omer Bhatti, who has been rumored to be Michael Jackson’s biological child.

* …Michael’s death, and how his son would be alive today if he had been there for him.

* …Michael’s grandfather, “Professor Jackson,” who was, in many ways, Michael’s inspiration.

View the clips here, and don’t forget to watch “Forever Michael” Week, only on TV One, July 27-31, 2009

The Black Eyed Peas long-haired band-mate, Taboo, dons the claw and mask of Street Fighter‘s Vega in the new movie Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li.

GIANT: How did you feel playing Vega in The Legend Of Chun-Li?                                                            Taboo: For me it was an honor coming from a martial arts background and being able to be a part of such a prestigious franchise, and just coming from a musical career with the Black Eye Peas and going into my first action film, it taught me a lot. I got to work with some of the best stunt coordinators, the cast was amazing and I’ve been a Street Fighter fan since I was a kid so to be part of the whole event humbled me.  Coming off the success of the Black Eyed Peas, I had to start all over with this movie career and it made me hungry and motivated to pursue an acting career.

GIANT: How in-depth do you want to go with your movie career? Do you want to stick with action or are there other genres that you want to explore?                                                                                    
Taboo: I had been taking acting classes for ten years when we first started Black Eye Peas in 1995 and then we got a record deal and my career took off in music first.  I always said to myself that I was going to go back to my first love, which is acting.  I want to be able to test my skills not just in the action world but with drama. Whatever I feel comfortable with and challenging I’m going to go after.

GIANT: Did your own martial arts background make it easier to train for the role?     
Taboo: I’ve been studying Jeet Kune Do and I would incorporate it into my dancing on stage with the Black Eyed Peas. I did this song called “Joints & Jam” in 1998 and we had a video that showcased my stances and my different techniques. I already had the fundamentals and the forms but for training I had to learn acrobatics and wire work. It was more of athleticism than anything and getting my form back. I actually trained with a K-1 fighter.

GIANT: How is the European tour going with the Black Eyed Peas?                                                             Taboo: It’s amazing. I’m so happy and so pleased to be back in full swing with my partners, will.i.am, Fergie and apl.de.ap. Our song Boom Boom Pow is a monster right now and its doing so well on the iTunes chart.

GIANT: How have you been impacted by the death of Michael Jackson and what are some of your most memorable MJ moments?                                                                                                                           Taboo: First and foremost, it was so special that will.i.am was able to work with Michael Jackson. To have my brother be here to tell me stories and to explain how special of a person Michael was and how kind-hearted he was.  That let me know a lot about Michael Jackson as a person, not to mention as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.  I grew up on Michael and his influences in my era and his memory will live long with me as an entertainer and in my group. Every time I hit the stage I always dedicate my performance to such a great inspiration.

Jeremy Clayton

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li is on DVD now.  Click here to read GIANT’s review.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is gorgeous and sexy. Check. Naomi Campbell works the runway like a nobody’s business. Check. Naomi Campbell graces the cover of GIANT magazine. Check. With a checklist this long, what else could the black British beauty conquer. Well, Naomi Campbell is also a music video muse. Check out our exclusive Naomi Campbell video playlist.

 
Change Clothes – Jay- Z Ft Pharrel

Joan Rivers on The Celebrity Apprentice, Lil’ Kim on Dancing With the Stars and Michael Jackson plotting his comeback. Looks like 2009 will be remembered as the year that ailing celebs who’ve been nipped and tucked a few too many times try to re-enter the spot light.

Sure you, could watch Joan and Lil’ Kim on TV for free, but would you pay to see a 50-year-old Michael Jackson moonwalk across the stage and perform his hits?

According to Reuters, Jackson will play a select number of concerts in London’s O2 Arena. The festivities kick of this July. About his comeback, Jackson said:

“These will be my final shows … performances in London. When I say this is it, I mean this is it. I’ll be performing the songs my fans want to hear. This is it, this is really it, this is the final curtain call.”

We’d like to believe that the former King of Pop is really calling it quits, but when he’s putting a 1000% on it by touting these London performances as  ”the final curtain call,” we’re more inclined to think he’s pulling a Cher.

Celebrities are making fashion (and political) statements with military inspired jackets and coats. Think of George Washington, the French or Russian Revolutions, Little Drummer Boy or Circus Boy styled jackets and you get the idea. From Beyonce to Cold Play, Michelle Obama to Kanye West, celebs are paying attention to military details. Check out some of style soldiers.

James L. Nederlander, producer of the pending musical and head of the eponymous organization that owns nine Broadway theaters, recently got confirmation that the rights for making Thriller were acquired. The production is set to feature songs from the album (which also featured fan favorites “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “P.Y.T.”), as well as Jackson’s 1979 Off the Wall. No director, casting or other details have been announced, but it’s been reported that Jackson will have a part in the remake of the typical “girl-meets-boy, they-fall-in-love, boy-turns-into-werewolf” stage story.

-Danielle Cheesman

In homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, check out our Special Edition: MLK Playlist. Let freedom ring.

1. “I Have A Dream” (House Remix)

2. “MLK Tribute With Michael Jackson Music” by Moises Vasquez

3. “Pride (In The Name Of Love) MLK Tribute” by U2

4. “One Mic featuring Martin Luther King Jr.” by Nas

5. “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder

According to the UK Mirror, Michael Jackson is planning on leaving his portion of The Beatles music catalogue in his will to Paul McCartney. According to the reports, Jackson is “ailing” and wants to mend any bad blood between himself and McCartney should he pass away.

McCartney and Jackson have been embattled in a 24-year-old feud which stems from the King of Pop outbidding The Beatles’ member to the tune of almost $700 million for the musical work of the seminal band.

Before their feud, the music superstars had collaborated on two songs, “The Girl Is Mine” from Jackson’s 1982 Thriller album and “Say, Say, Say” from McCartney’s 1983 release, Pipes of Peace.

Out with the old and in with the new. It’s time to celebrate, pop champagne and ring in the New Year. Here is to a great ’08 and a fine ’09. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Now let’s get it cracking…and rock it out.

1. “Auld Lang Syne” by Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston

2. “Pop Champagne” by Ron Browz featuring Jim Jones

3. “New Years Day” by U2

4. “Party Up” by DMX

5. “Jam On It” by Newcleus

6. “The Beat Goes On” by Madonna featuring Pharrell Williams

7. “Hypnotize” by Biggie Smalls

8. “Rock Wit You” by Michael Jackson

9. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder

The Renaissance woman is a marvel. But despite a life in the spotlight and the drives of obsessed fans, few people genuinely know Beyoncé Giselle Knowles. The words of those loved her best and longest, we present Sasha Fierce, Jay-Z’s bride, a dynamic musician, a skillful actress and an n adored daughter. The icon.

“You have to understand,” Jay-Z told me in 2003,before Beyoncé was his wife, when they were still getting to know each other, while they were negotiating their relationship with the public.” I don’t even like for people to know what my girl looks like…. and now I’m in a relationship with Michael Jackson!”

At the time, it wasn’t clear if Jay had a case of the love goggles. Sure, led by Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child hit the stratosphere in 2001, picking up Grammys, breaking Billboard records and churning out fun, girl-power R&B dance hits. (They wouldn’t be named bestselling girl group of all time until 2005, after they’d reunited in 2004 to record Destiny Fulfilled). But MJ? The greatest of all time? This was at a point when you couldn’t read an article on the group without Beyoncé being described as “bootylicious.” – DREAM HAMPTON

For more of Miss Sasha and Beyonce, click here to watch our EXCLUSIVE On The Set video here!

Click here to see more of Beyoncé’s “fierce” photos in GIANT’s exclusive photo gallery!

FOR THE FULL STORY, CHECK OUT THE NEW DECEMBER/JANUARY ISSUE OF GIANT ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!

I was in a mood today and then I re-watched Beyonce’s fierce American Music Awards performance of “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and it changed my mood turning my frown upside down. She works hard and performs like Michael Jackson. Beyonce makes me smile. Check it out…

Before all the Ne-Yo lovers catch feelings, those were his words — not ours.

In an exclusive interview with our sister site, Hellobeautiful, the R&B soulster talked all things NASCAR, Michael Jackson… and being a nerd! Don’t believe us? Click here.

And for more Ne-Yo, click here.

Singer. Songwriter. All-around good guy. Ne-Yo is no doubt a triple threat. And with the recent release of his sophomore album, Because of You, GIANT caught up with the Las Vegas native to talk all things Ne-Yo — including his new album, gossip and Jennifer Hudson.

On recording In My Own Words:
“The funny thing is when I started recording this record; I went into the studio with this big bag. It was a big bag of what looked like trash, but in actuality they were songs. With the first record, my comfort zone was the studio. I had to be in the studio, pad in front of me, pen in hand, sitting at the console, listening to the track to write the music. Whereas now, with the success of In My Own Words, it had me moving around so much I had to develop a portable comfort zone—meaning that if I was in a restaurant in London and inspiration struck, I had to get it right there on a napkin. So, some songs were written in London, some songs were written in Japan, Germany, Paris, different states within the United States—everywhere.”

On gossip:
“As far as rumors and accusations, my whole thing is you can be the nicest person on the face of the planet [but] it is these people’s jobs to come up with some kind of dirt on you. And if they can’t find something, they will make something up.”

On breaking genre barriers:
“I’m about to do some stuff with Celine Dion, that’s going to be a stretch from what I normally do, but it’s going to be good. I honestly feel like I am the type of writer, the type of singer that can do a song with Reba McEntire, and then turn around and do a song with Pretty Ricky. I have that in me to where I can do more than one thing, and that’s what I want people to know about me. Don’t come at me with just pop stuff, don’t come at me with just R&B stuff because I have more than that.”

On “Leaving Tonight,” his duet with Jennifer Hudson:
“When I wrote that song, I knew I wanted it to be a duet but I didn’t exactly know with who. I have a pretty good relationship with the people over at J, so somebody put the idea in my head to let Jennifer Hudson hear it. ‘Alright, cool.’ I let her hear it, she loved it, she came it and cut it. It took us about an hour to do. She’s still very real people. I pray that she keeps that because, you know, this business does have the tendency to change people. So, I pray that she stays who she is and how she is for as long as she can.”

Recreating hit records like “Irreplaceable” and “Let Me Love You” for other artists:
“Nobody realizes that ‘Let Me Love You’ was a moment. It was a moment that happened, it passed, it’s over with. You create new moments. You don’t go back to the old ones. Same thing with ‘Irreplaceable,’ so when people ask for another ‘Let Me Love You,’ it’s like, ‘Yo, I can do another ‘Let Me Love You.’ I can do a new song, you know, that may be as good as ‘Let Me Love You’ and go to where ‘Let Me Love You Went’ but as far as ‘Let Me Love You,’ I can’t do that over.’ And I let that be known to people when they ask me to write songs. Like, ‘Yo, I need that ‘Irreplaceable’… No, no, no. ‘Irreplaceable’ was a moment, it happened. I can give you something else that will do the same thing, but it’s not going to be that.”

For more Ne-Yo, click here to check out his exclusive GIANT photo gallery!