A Social Addiction Tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel
Above, watch "The Way You Make Me Feel" video. Man Michael Jackson was so cool!

I was so nervous looking out at the crowd. So many people filled the auditorium. I saw my friends, my teacher, oh okay there were mom and dad looking hopeful, smiling at me. I was gonna be okay. I looked down at my knees one last time and over to the left at my friend with me on stage. The music began and we “tap danced” to The Jackson 5’s “Torture”. I don’t know why I loved that song so much, surely my 2nd grade mind couldn't grasp the lyrical depth but when I signed up for the annual talent show I just knew it had to be a Jackson song that I danced to…me and my patent leather shoes. I wanted to be just like the stars in the music video. And back then you couldn’t have told me that they weren’t real taps on the ends of my shoes.

Like many of you, I grew up with Michael Jackson. I had the glove, I knew all the songs, I tried to moonwalk, I used to stare in wonder when a new video premiere featuring the seemingly ageless King of Pop would come on television. Who can forget, “Remember the Time” with Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan & Iman co-starring with Jackson when it premiered? I sat in anticipation until its 9 p.m. debut! The thought provoking and humble, “Man in the Mirror”, the dance classic, “Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough”, who could EVER dare to redo the creative madness of the top selling "Thriller" and so MANY more.

I’m not here to talk about his money, his allegations, or his faults, something every human can identify with. I think Mike spent enough time on this earth being judged, vilified and dehumanized (remember the infamous linking of the elephant man to our pop super star?). I want to celebrate his life, his humility and his extreme philanthropy on this earth. No doubt God blessed this man with a great spirit, an incredible voice and amazing dance flexibility that many of today’s greats willingly admit used MJ as their inspiration. May all his deeds that may come under scrutiny good or bad be accounted for and to God’s supreme judgment, not mans’. For never had a super star in American history destroyed barriers as Jackson did. He crossed color lines until in fact he was colorless. Not many out gave him in creating music to bring a torn world together, bringing awareness to the hungry and challenging people to look within themselves to help a hurting species. Not many were as gentle in greeting fans or spreading financial help to children who hoped for a meal. Never can anyone tell a story of how Jackson said an Ill word to them, was unkind, or lacked his always present grace. And what a graceful being he was. In a world where we are constantly told to be gritty & look out for self first, where many pressured celebrities become easily annoyed with fans & ungrateful for those that ultimately put money into their bank accounts, this man always had his hand reaching toward others to see how he could meet the need possibly even neglecting his own emotional suffering.

Years of Jackson being the butt of many jokes, gossip and speculation never stopped him from attempting to give love. I don’t know how his heart could stand it anymore. And maybe it couldn’t at the age of 50 so he was allowed his final day of rest on June 25th 2009. There are no mistakes, he had accomplished enough. Possibly he was tired and his heart had broken too many times beyond repair. I’m not sure but I do know that with rest comes peace. Finally! So today I encourage a celebration of his life, his legacy and the supreme genius of Michael Jackson’s iconic talent! I doubt there will be another woven of such fine cloth that could hypnotize even the most hardened of women and bring grown men to tears at his presence. Think about that…Wow!

I joyfully say, rest in peace Michael Jackson. I mourn only for his surviving young children and family & true friends that knew him the dearest and shall miss him the greatest. Peace and comfort I wish for them.

Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal

Miesha
The Social Addict Homebody
http://www.socialaddiction.net/

Corinne Bailey Rae's husband found dead over the weekend

Corrine and her husband Jason at a gathering

Misfortune has happened upon the Grammy nominated sweetheart Corrine Bailey Rae. Her husband, 32 year old Jason Rae was found dead from an apparent drug overdose in a Leeds (200 miles from London) apartment on Saturday.

Jason Rae and Corrine, 29, have been married since 2001. He was a saxophonist with the Haggis Horns.

I didn't know that she had a husband much less that he was an artist himself. The sax is such a powerful instrument played with such passion and romance. Ahhh drugs...they take everything that is good and turn it into hell.

Our prayers go out to Corrine and the Rae family in this difficult time.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

Actor, Heath Ledger passes at age 28

Actor, father, Heath Ledger, was found dead in his Manhattan loft Tuesday afternoon. His masseuse and housekeeper went into his bedroom and found the 28 year nude, old lying face down, with sleeping pills. It is believed to be a possible "accidental" overdose at this time.

The Aussie actor dated actress Naomi Watts for years before they cut ties. But more recently Ledger split from his wife, Michelle Williams where life imitated art as she played his wife and then divorced on his academy award nominated role as Jack in the much talked about, "Brokeback Mountain". He survives parents, a sister Kate, and a 2 year old daughter with Williams, Matilda. Both mother and daughter were in Sweden shooting for a film that Williams is in during the time of Ledger's death.

Heath was known as a "dark" actor. He shined in his roles from movie like: "10 Things I Hate About You", "Monster's Ball", "The Patriot", "Brokeback Mountain", "Candy" (i think about that one often) and some other independent films. His most recent film credits include: "The Dark Knight" and "I'm Not There". But my personal favorite out of them all is "Candy", a dark, desperate, dourly romantic boy meets girl, boy gets girl hooked on drugs and prostituting, boy and girl loose baby, girl goes crazy, girl gets clean, boy and girl sadly part ways tale. It was very deep, dark, depressing, yet the bonding love blinded by the drug use made me want to take care of the film characters. It was both hopeless and strong. Yeah "Candy" wasn't so sweet. But too much sugar rots the teeth anyhow.

Our prayers go out to Health Ledger's surviving loved ones. This kind of passing is always so harsh and unexpected.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER (Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!!!)
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/
info@FindEntertainmentNow.com

Young actor, Brad Renfroe dies at 25.

They say he was "troubled" from a recent drug and alcohol addiction. They say he had a promising future to be a great actor, but the addictions got in the way. They also say he was on his way to recovery. I'm not sure what the entire story is with his addictions, or if they caused his death or not. He was found in his home Tuesday morning...gone. Reports are out that say he was out drinking with his friends the night before. Unless he had so much liquor that it caused alcohol poisoning, he passed another way. A bunch of young people go out drinking with their buddies. But anything is possible. The autopsy will be performed for clarity. Whatever ailed him however, is sad. He was young and trying to get clean.

Brad Renfro's film credits include: "The Client." His other credits included "Sleepers," "Deuces Wild," "Apt Pupil", "The Jacket" and "The Informers," a book made into a film, which he just completed opposite Winona Ryder.

Young Hollywood's obsession with drugs is scary. Yet it is not much unlike the rest of America's obsession with drugs. Expensive or cheap, they are being brought. Our prayers go out for the loved ones of Brad Renfro and for people that suffer in like ways as well. It's hard for those that get caught up.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com
info@FindEntertainmentNow.com

Dr. Donda West- The surgery complications didn't expire her life. So what about multiple surgeries?

Not too long ago Dr.Donda West (author, entrepreneur and beloved mother of rapper Kanye West) as all know passed away. She simply went in to take care of some things on her body to improve it. A breast lift or reduction for women many times is for health reasons because large breasts can be physically overbearing and cause back pain. Well after this and another operation many people were in an uproar not only due to Dr. West's unexpected early and sad demise but much controversy surrounded the doctor that performed several back to back cosmetic surgery procedures on her days before her departure. Reports claimed that it was suggested to Dr.West that she not undergo simultaneous operations due to her current health state, yet that was ignored and the surgeries were done. As a result, when she passed fingers were pointed in pain, wonder and confusion.

We just learned however from her autopsy report that there were no signs that the operations caused complications resulting in trauma on the body and then death. This is to say she died of "natural" causes. Therefor not ruling out the former possibility completely but giving it more strength in credibility than before the autopsy report was revealed. Now some are still left to wonder what killed Dr. Donda West? Was it just her time to go? I guess at the end of the day, that is always what it is no matter how or why a person may pass. It is not always "fair" we realize but being a liver of life for enough time I know that it is sometimes just that way. Even though Kanye seems to be trying to move forward in a healthy way...it mustn't be easy.

So if multiple surgeries didn't harm West physically in any way, are they okay? Can a man or woman safely go under the knife cosmetically in this case and expect to wake with a clean bill of health? I know with any surgery there are never guaranteed because there is always that inherent risk, however outside of that risk do multiple surgeries add further warning. Hmmmmm??

1. Did Dr. West's autopsy report convince you that the surgeries did not harm her?
2. Do you think cosmetic surgery is healthy? Vain? Necessary in some cases? Mental?

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/ (events calendar, news, celeb features, ticket purchase)
info@FindEntertainmentNow.com (what's going on in THE industry? Contact me!)

Old Blues and Rock and Roll's Ike Turner passes away

Ike at the 49th annual grammys with his award

The 1950's notorious black rocker, Ike Turner passed away in his home yesterday, December 12th (on my birthday!).

Turner received a trophy for best traditional blues album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this year on February 11th.

At this time the cause of death is unknown. He was 76 years old.

...Sending love out to his family and friend.

Miesha

An Underground King'Z last day

Saying goodnight to Pimp C of UGK

As the entertainment world and rap enthusiasts already know, southern rapper Pimp C of UGK was found dead yesterday in his LA hotel room on the Sunset Strip. I wrote about this yesterday but I wanted to share some more information about the infamous Underground King. Pimp C or Chad Butler was in LA for a concert that he'd done with rapper Too Short the Saturday before. The Houston rapper was supposed to check out of his hotel on Monday but when his family didn't hear from him they alerted the hotel. Chad must have been close to his family and talked to them on a regular basis for them to be immediately concerned. That's when a 911 call was made on Tuesday and Pimp C was found in his bed, fully clothed but not alive. At this time they are saying that he seems to have died of natural causes...no drugs or foul play seems to be involved but an autopsy will determine that for sure. I felt the need to share that there was no drugs or foul play SEEMINGLY (again more details will be revealed of cause of death later) involved in his death at this time because I know that people are aware of the wilder lifestyle that some celebrities and BIG money makers seem to live so can quickly assume an OD when a rapper or rock star is found suddenly dead. Also in a world where crime is partial to no one, especially with the recent death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, it's quick to jump to the conclusion that another one of us got snuffed by another one of us. All that being said it does not take away from the fact that Pimp C is not here to speak up for himself one last time, nor that his young son, Chad, Jr. won't get to hug his daddy. He is still gone and there is no comfort in that for his family, friends, and fans.

Pimp C had been locked up and back again a couple of times but was turning things around. Many of you may not know that Pimp C had big plans for 2008. He was starting a career as a solo artist with Jive Records. A distraught 8 Ball called into Atlanta radio's V103 last night to speak with Greg Street during the Pimp C/UGK (the other member of the group is Bun B) musicathon (it was awesome! musically these guys (UGK) really do meet their moniker and then some.) and shared with listeners that Pimp C had plans to start a non-profit and give back to the community as well. One of the first A&R reps for Cash Money Records, Pimp C performed with many artists like: OutKast, Too Short, E40, 8 Ball & MJG, T.I., etc. He also was a ghost writer, and you know that's where the money is REALLY at. Chad Butler was a legend without enough merit. I guess that's the effects of being underground.

This years. "International Players Anthem", which one a BET Hip Hop Award this year, was fairly one of the bigger more mainstream hits from UGK. If you've seen the video Chad is the one in the white fur coat, pimpin' it out! I love that song, it really is international. One of the other bigger songs was, "Big Pimpin'" with Jay-Z back in 2000. Or you may remember "Pocket Full of Stones" from their younger years. Pimp C was only 33 when he passed and I'm sure many left with unsaid goodbyes in their mouths.

Life is not promised day to day for each individual, but still it lives even after one goes. I pray that we as people can live our lives the time that we have here in love and peace. You know what that means for you. If there is drama you don't need to cause, don't start none won't be none. Most importantly treat those you say you love like you REALLY love them, so many need to remember this, myself included, I know I'm not preaching to the choir. Read, really read 1 Corinthians 13 for a true example of L O V E. Love is not only about emotion but action, sacrifice and forgiveness. Okay i'm not here to preach, just to share. I myself have so much to learn! So take what you can from it or other positive sources.

Once again I send out well wishes and prayers for Pimp C's family, friends and partners in the business.

The passing of an "International Player"

Pimp C (Chad Butler), one half of the part underground part mainstream rap duo, UGK was found dead today hotel room bed. A 911 call lead authorities to the 6th floor of the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, CA. At this time all the details have not been released as to how he died. He was only 33 years old.

Popular mainstream music by UGK, The Underground Kingz:
Big Pimpin' (2000, with Jay-Z)
International Player's Anthem (2007, with OutKast)

Our sympathies go out to Chad's family, Bun B (Bernard Freeman of UGK) and other friends. This is a hard hit for the industry...rarely expected.

Mourning the death of young football strength, Sean Taylor

He was strong, attractive, young, a new dad (to daughter 18 month old Jackie), changing his life and on top of his game. It seems like his life was left unfinished as it was selfishly taken away from him for reasons unknown. Until more sense can be made of this tragedy we wonder as we mourn the death of Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins. We bask in sad shades of darkness to the tune of "what else would he have accomplished??" if given more than the short 24 years he had to prove on this earth in the aftermath of this sudden tragedy.

The football safety passed in the hospital on Tuesday November 27th a day after he and his girlfriend Jackie Garcia's Miami Florida home was broken into. The couple heard loud noises, Taylor went for a Machete he keeps for protection, the bedroom door was broken down, and Sean (no one else) was shot at a couple of times. One of the shots proved to be fatal. The bullet damaged the femoral artery in Taylor's leg, causing significant blood loss. Despite Taylor squeezing the hand of a nurse on staff, making it seem like he was going to possibly be fine, he didn't make it through.

The shooter was bold and careless. This intruder and killer didn't take a thing. Strangely there was an earlier invasion of Sean's home 8 days prior. Draws were rummaged through but again nothing was taken. Yet there was a small token left on the bed; a kitchen knife. Maybe a premonition or a warning.

It seems that a football contract is hazardous to your health but not just while on the playing field. This year ESPN's Outside the Lines (I enjoy this show) hosted a show with a topic on eventual body damage done to football players due to years of physical blows to the body, particularly the brain area where loss of motor skills and depression are a sad outcome from the head trauma. But it seems in the past few years the NFL has been plagued with these sudden death, unexpected tragic killings of players who were good guys, not thugs, who were simply living their normal lives, trying to stop a fight or in the wrong place at the wrong time (Darrent Williams on New Years). It is very real and very rough. Our prayers go out to the Taylor family.

miesha

Losing your mother is losing a piece of yourself- Donda West & Kanye

Like Momma like Kanye...they even have the same mouth...and nose. :)

A man and his mother...it is a special relationship that may be foreign to women without children or boys of their own womb to understand. Fully grasped or not it is a bond and union that once created is not easily shattered in opposition unless that opposition be death. Well Kanye West faced the greatest opposition of his life this week when his Mother, Dr. Donda West, only 58 passed away after post surgery complications.

The word on the street is that it's always best to marry a man who loves his mother because if he shows her honor then he will surely honor you. Well Kanye West's fashion designer fiance, Alexis Phifer must be a lucky woman because Kanye was known as a man who took care of his mom. Donda West left her job as an English professor in Chicago to run Loop Dreams (teaching kids about the music and entertainment industry) and to aid her son in his career in L.A. The pair were close: they worked together, her as CEO of his entertainment company, Super Good, as a chair of his foundation for children and literacy, Kanye West Foundation, they played together, them attending awards shows together, he supporting her fully on her book about him, "Raising Kanye" this year. Kanye affectionately stated, "My mama's my best friend." and wrote, "Hey Mama" in her living tribute to a single mom who took him to cultural activities in the city when he was younger and always encouraged his artistic endeavours. He gave respect where respect was due to a woman who did her best to raise a man all by herself. Kanye's father left him when he was only 3 years old so it was only Donda and Kanye to fend for themselves in Blue Island and Tinley Park on the South Side of Chicago. Being from the Windy City myself and living on the South Side for a period I can tell you that it is rough. There are no "hoods" in Atlanta like to hoods in Chicago. It is where real gangstas lives and black men are killed for walking on the wrong side of the street or ganked for their new shoes. Yet the Wests still praise Chicago in all its roughness and remembered their roots. Chicago is, "My Kind of Town", Frank Sinatra sang of the Hollywood and more white side of that Midwest piece of America however he wasn't far off the mark. It is a town full of history, old culture and energy.

Despite rough beginnings Donda and Kanye had magical outcomes as she raised this boy to be a successful, albeit emotional man-star! And that star shined and reached back and never forget that mama that loved him in all his boyhood years and through his manhood. I feel saddened by her short life. I wish that she never got the surgery and Donda wasn't even my own mom. I don't even know Kanye intimately but because he wears his emotions on his sleeve I kinda feel a kinship to him and can understand his pain. Just because I have a mother of my own that I admire and appreciate (from childhood to this day my mommy reminds me warmth and all that is good in love and in the earth) I can relate to that kind of agony that can't be soothed in days or even years.

My prayers go out to Kanye, Alexis and the rest of the West family. I know that anyone can get through hard times with God. May HE be closer to Kanye after this hardship than before.

Robert Goulet exits the stage

Young America may not know or appreciate the baritone singing, award winning, musical stage and acting sensation that was Robert Goulet. However the older cats and those in tune to all ages of pop culture can.

Mr. Goulet passed away this past week while awaiting a lung transplant in a Los Angeles hospital. Last month the singer was found to have a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis and went into the hospital to receive treatment and operations. On this past Tuesday he met his final hours in the face. He was 73 years old. Not too young and certainly not too old but it was his time nonetheless.

Mr. Goulet leaves behind his wife, Vera of 25 years who says even during surgery he was in good spirits and quipped to doctors when about to insert a breathing tube, "Just watch my vocal cords."

RG tidbits:

1960's "Camelot" made RG a star

He received a Grammy in 1962 with "Best New Artist"

He recently could been seen sneaking around as a energy drainer in the FUNNY Emerald Nuts commercials.