Did Your 3-D Glasses Work?

Ok, so I don't know about you, but I made it a point to roll to Target and pick up my 3-D glasses for the Michael Jackson tribute before last night's Grammy show.  They had them in sheets of 4, so I had more than I really needed for the show... just to be prepared.  Ok, so jump to the Grammys and here comes Lionel Richie to intro the tribute.  So, I grab my glasses.  Now, mind you, these are free, cheap Tarjay glasses.  I didn't see Avatar (not really sure I'm gonna), so I didn't have any fancy James Cameron richest movie ever glasses.  I just had the plain ole Tarjay ones.

So, the Earth Song movie starts and I've got the glasses on and I'm thinking, something don't look right.  I mean, the Free Willy whale jumped out and I saw a butterfly but that was about it.  I just assumed I was on the cheap TV with the stolen hot-wired cable.  By the time the tribute was over, my eyes could only see red and blue for 5 minutes.  I was jacked up.  But, clearly it wasn't just me with a wonky pair of frames.  Enter: Miss Jia... she had crappy glasses too!  But she opted to call Tarjay.

Here's the audio of her call.  It's long... but so worth it.

And here's the tribute... don't even bother with the glasses.

Source

Photo courtesy: Robyn Beck/Agence France-Presse - Getty Images

Omarion's Skinny Jeans Are In A Bunch

Omarion is pouting because he wasn't invited to take part in the Michael Jackson tribute at tonight's Grammy awards.  Uh, who is this kid again?

"If I'm not a part of that, then that's not... I'm not gonna say it's wack... But I'm just saying, everyone knows what I do, so if you gon' have an MJ tribute...I take that back because Stevie [Wonder] did an MJ tribute. Everyone loved Michael. I'm not gon' say that. I'm just meaning the performance [aspect]. How you gon' have a Michael tribute without the playboy? [Laughs]. That's my only thing, and I mean this in the humblest and the most competitive way. I'm competitive -- that's what the game is about. Especially after Mike passed away, I feel like the stage, it's more important now. It's a responsibility to me when I hit the stage to not play with it. If you walk back and forth that's cool, too. If that's how you entertain, that's cool, but for the performances and for the dances and for the people that look up to Michael in the fashion I look up to Michael? I hope they bring it. Because if they don't, then I will."

Crickets have quit chirping and left the fockin' building.

Source

What's Brewing?: Pre-Grammy Roundup

What's the point in posting everyone else's pics and pics we've got no plans to pay for? So here's a little pre-Grammy roundup fo' ya.

And by the way, catch our live-blog of the Grammy's tonight. We'll set it off at 8 pm (ET).  Come here to the Brew and check it out.

Here's What's Brewing...

Only Rihanna could pull off this Viktor & Rolf look - That Grape Juice

Thankfully, no one caught a beatdown this year after Clive Davis' Grammy party (well, for Kendu's sake, we hope that's the case) - Concrete Loop 

2010 Grammy predictions - Rap-up

Mah boo & Roberta Flack to duet @ the Grammys - 411mania

MJ's kids will honor the King of Pop @ the Grammys - CNN

Grammy fashion fails - PopEater

Michael Jackson Tribute In 3-D

…Speaking of the Grammys…

Show producers are planning a top-notch tribute to the King of Pop…in 3-D. Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood and Usher will perform the tribute which will include a 3-D mini-movie for "Earth Song." That movie was to be included in Jackson's "This Is It" tour.

This will be the first time a major awards show will be done in 3-D. For those of us not attending the show, you can watch along by picking up free 3-D Grammy glasses at Target. Stores will carry the glasses from this Sunday, January 24 through Sunday, Jan. 31 (the day of the show).

Source

Chris Brown Gets His MJ On

Well looky looky...Chris Brown did a little Michael Jackson tribute, dance and lip-sync for the 27 fans at his "Fan Appreciation" show in Los Angeles last night. It kinda looks like the same old song and a dance he's done for MJ before, but I reckon it has more relevance now that MJ's dead and he's trying to kill the Ike Turner inside him rebuild his career.

Well, take dat BET Awards!

Brewchies At The Movies: "This Is It"

Thirty minutes ago I had one of the best cinematic experiences of my life.  I saw "This is It" for the first of what I'm certain will be many times to come.  I bought my tickets online weeks before the film even opened, mainly because I'm lazy and don't like to wait, but I was also scared that they'd sell out and I'd miss my chance to see the film on the big screen.  I'm also one of those go big or don't go at all types, so if the tickets go on sale early, I stalk the website and am first in line to buy mine.  I know.  It's a problem and I'm fully aware I have it.

When I arrived at the theatre, I was giddy yet cautious not to let my tissues get too far away from me.  All week long I'd thought this would be a great piece of cinema but one that would leave me in tears, thinking about how sad Michael Jackson's demise was.  Or, how pitiful his final days were.  Boy, was I wrong.  Each moment of this film took me back to 1985, or 1990, or a school dance, or an awards show.  I thought about where I was when I saw him perform Billie Jean for the first time on TV, or how the Motown 25 VHS tape still lives in my grandparents' house even though both of them are long gone.

Each song took me to exactly where I was when I first heard it.  I was captivated and awed by the sheer genius of Michael and the people with which he surrounded himself.  The ideas they crafted.  The way they recreated the major videos in Jackson's catalog, giving them a modern feel but staying true to the classics we all love.  Can you imagine what a 3D Thriller would have looked like?  Well, I can now.

I didn't cry (although things got a little shaky during Earth Song and Man In The Mirror), nor did I wallow too long in pity or sadness.  I left the theatre -not saddened- but reminded how brilliant this man was.  I left the theatre wanting more but yet satisfied that I'd had him in my life for 30+ years.  I even left the theatre wanting to recycle more!  (You'll get it once you see it)

So, don't be sad for MJ.  Don't mourn for MJ.  Mourn for us if we don't heed his warnings about healing the world.  Mourn for us if we don't stop to appreciate the love we all have in our lives... the love he tried to share with the world.  Mourn for us if we don't walk out those theatre doors with a bop in our heads, a song in our hearts and a glide in our steps.

That was it for him.  But, this film reminds us, it doesn't have to be for the rest of us.

Thanks MJ!

P.S. STAY THROUGH THE CREDITS!

Brew Music: DJ Jazzy Jeff's MJ Tribute

DJ Jazzy Jeff hs a new mixtape in honor of the King of Pop. It's called "He’s the King, I’m the DJ" (cute, right?)

The mixtape features classics and new remixes. You can download it for free by clicking here.

Mya On The Comeback + DWTS Michael Jackson Tribute

I've always thought Mya is a great talent. I mean, she doesn't blow like Aretha, but who does? She's a full package though: she sings, acts and dances (emphasis on the dance). Mya and her "Dancing With The Stars" partner Dmitry hit up the Ellen DeGeneres show this week to perform this hot little number.

Meantime, on DWTS, the dancers paid a fitting tribute to Michael Jackson. Taste The Brew to see the tribute with a little cameo from Katherine and LaToya Jackson.

Read more »

Marlon Jackson Speaks About "Jackson Jive"

Marlon Jackson is speaking out about the so-called "Jackson Jive" blackface performance that aired on Australia's "Hey Hey It's Saturday" show.

Access Hollywood asked Jackson for a comment, he said:

"Wow, and you want a comment from us about that?  Man, if they turned up looking like that in the United States." 

Jackson went on to say while it wasn't the most politically correct performance, he didn't think that the group behind it was out to hurt anyone's feelings. Jackson said "they probably weren't trying to be offensive about it or anything of that nature with the family."  But he did go on to thank Harry Connick, Jr. for speaking out against the performance.

The station that runs the "Hey Hey It's Saturday" program issued this statement:

"It was never intended to offend and we regret any offense [the act] caused."

A member of the "Jackson Jive" says they all want to apologize but they did not mean for the act to offend anyone.

Amazing how in 2009 people still don't get it.

Brew News: Janet set to Tribute her Brother At The VMA's

Miss Janet will perform her own musical tribute to Michael to open The VMA's this Sunday, Sept. 13.

"While MTV did not provide details on what the King of Pop's sister has in store for audiences, the appearance is intended to honor his storied career.

TMZ reports that 20 backup dancers are rehearsing nearly 15 hours a day to prepare for the tribute. Performer Kryiss Grant, who was also an usher at Jackson's funeral last week, told the Web site "There won't be a dry eye in the house" when the number is through."

Source

Meanwhile in other Jackson news: Jermaine Jackson is hosting his own tribute to his brother in Vienna, where he and Jermajesty will be headlining.

Happy Birthday King of Pop (Gone Too Soon)

Happy Birthday to the King of Pop!

Today would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday. In some circles, folks speculate he's somewhere celebrating on an island with Tupac and Elvis. But, by all accounts, it seems the legend has left the building. But, fret not, you can rock with the King all day today, thanks to a slew of specials* in his honor.

"The Michael Jackson Story" (1 pm, 7 pm, 10 pm) on TV One

"Michael Jackson: Remember His Time" (5-11 pm) on Fuse

"Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration -- The Solo Years" (8 pm, 11 pm) on TV One

Remembering Michael all day on E!

• "Michael Jackson: The E! True Hollywood Story" (4 pm, 8 pm)
• "Forbes Presents Michael Jackson" (3 pm, 10 pm)
• "E! News Special: The Death of Michael Jackson" (3:30 pm)
• "Michael Jackson: An E! Entertainment Special" (2 pm, 6 pm)

Remembering Michael on BET

• "Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn't Know" (10:30 pm)
• "Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar" (1 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm)
• "Michael Jackson: The King of Pop" (7 pm)
• "Michael: Our Icon" (10 pm)

*All times Eastern

Shaquille O' Jackson: Shaq Does "Beat It" Knife Scene

Shaq is one big, overgrown silly man. As a tribute to MJ he does the infamous dance off scene from "Beat It"........ what a Foolio Iglesias!

Michael Jackson's Farewell Tribute: Play By Play

I simply cannot believe that Michael Jackson is gone. It’s just unreal. Even this morning, I woke up thinking this must be a dream. But, sadly, the legendary entertainer is gone. And we here at the Brew know you have to hold down that 9-5 and everyone doesn’t have fancy TiVo, so we took it upon ourselves to live-blog the Michael Jackson memorial tribute service.

Don’t thank us, please. It’s our duty.

So, let’s go inside the Staples Center.

1:13 pm (ET) Smokey Robinson reads comments from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela fondly remembering MJ's life, career and legacy [after Smokey speaks, program takes an extended break]

1:34 pm Choir takes stage, sings "Soon And Very Soon"

1:35 pm MJ's solid bronze casket is brought in, covered in red roses (tearing up now)

1:38 pm Pastor Lucious Smith takes podium, reminds audience that MJ was more than an icon, he was a father, a brother, a friend, etc... Tells audience that even though he's gone too soon, as long as we remember him, he'll be there forever. Smith says MJ did so much to try and heal our world. Asks may this moment of remembrance and healing bring comfort to those who loved MJ.

1:41 pm Mariah Carey takes stage in flowing black dress with a little sequins, sings "I'll Be There" (Mimi looks good!)... Trey Lorenz joins her for a lil duet, ole school style. Trey smacks that high note! They do a lil a capella breakdown and the end. (Can I cry now?)

1:46 pm Queen Latifah takes the podium and remembers how she and her brother used to groove to MJ back in the day. Queen reads a touching poem written by Maya Angelou for MJ. (After seeing the Queen in person in New Orleans last weekend, I must admit I've got a lil girl crush on her but not in a lesbionic way...she's got great skin! Okay, I'm oversharing.)

1:51 pm Lionel Richie sings "Jesus Is Love," and he's doing the choir leader bounce... (I feel a churchy moment coming on!)

1:55 pm Berry Gordy takes the podium and reads statement on behalf of the Motown family, expresses his grief and love for MJ (camera shows all of MJ's brothers sitting in the audience in shades, black suits with yellow ties and all are wearing a single gloves... a fitting tribute)

1:58 pm Gordy says MJ's version of "Who's Loving You" was better than Smokey's (audience laughs...including Smokey); Gordy continues with other fond memories of the Jacksons and MJ's career

2:01 pm Gordy admits MJ made some questionable decisions but says there were so many other high points to MJ's life and career; calls MJ "the undisputed King of Pop the world over"

2:03 pm Gordy calls MJ "the greatest entertainer," audience erupts in applause

2:05 pm Video montage of MJ's classic hits, magazine covers, interview clips, etc...

2:08 pm Stevie Wonder takes stage at his piano, says "this is a moment that I wish I didn't live to see come but as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and as much as we may feel -and we do- that we need MJ here with us, God must have needed him far more."

2:10 pm Stevie sings "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" (I am really going to cry now)

2:13 pm (I can hear the lady in the cube behind me sniffling. Dang Stevie...)

2:16 pm Standing ovation for Steveland Morris

2:16 pm Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson take stage to talk about MJ's humanitarian works (I'm not even going to say nothin' 'bout Kobe...); Magic talks about meeting Jackie Jackson some 30 years ago and getting to know the Jackson family

2:19 pm Magic talks about his experience during the "Remember The Time" video, shares a funny story about he and MJ eating a bucket of KFC; Magic says this is a celebration of MJ's life and legacy, thanks MJ for opening up doors for African Americans

2:22 pm A fabulous-looking in all white and pregnant Jennifer Hudson sings "Will You Be There" (better known as the Free Willy song)

2:26 pm Rev. Al Sharpton shares his memories of MJ (oh, take 'em to church Al); draws a clear line from global acceptance of MJ to Tiger Woods and Barack Obama

2:30 pm Sharpton says "every time MJ got knocked down, he got back up. MJ never stopped!" Sharpton says to MJ's children "nothing was strange about your daddy, it was strange how they dealt with it" then goes on to thank MJ for his work (Jackson family embraces Sharpton at the end of his remarks)

2:34 pm There's a break in the program, crowd begins to briefly chant "Michael, Michael"

2:35 pm John Mayer takes stage (still not so sure why he's there, but I like dude) and starts the first few lines of a semi-instrumental version of "Human Nature" on his guitar (crowd goes nutty... I'm jammin' at my desk)

2:39 pm A teary Brooke Shields takes the stage (don't make me start, girl), says MJ was one of a kind and shares her various memories of the time she spent with MJ

2:48 pm Jermaine Jackson sings "Smile" from Charlie Chaplin's movie "Modern Times" (hang in there JJ)

2:53 pm Martin Luther King III and Bernice King take stage, MLKIII says no matter what your job, you must do it to the best of your ability even if you're sweeping streets (I'm impressed with his being able to say "street sweeper" repeatedly without tongue-twisting)

3 pm Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee gives remarks, mentions that people are innocent until proven guilty (crowd erupts in applause), talks of MJ's good heart and that many people didn't know MJ's whole story, especially regarding his humanitarian work

3:07 pm Jackson Lee introduces Resolution 600 that notes MJ as a world humanitarian (standing ovation)

3:08 pm Usher performs "Gone Too Soon," he lets out an emotional sigh at the end (it looked a little dramatic to me, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt Ursha!)

3:13 pm Usher embraces Katherine Jackson (now, I really wanna cry)

3:13 pm Video of young MJ singing "Who's Loving You"

3:14 pm Smokey's back... talks about writing "Who's Loving You" and young MJ showing all the emotion of a grown man when he sang that song

3:18 pm Smokey says MJ is in a place now where he will live forever

3:20 pm "Britain's Got Talent" kid Shaheen Jafargholi sings "Who's Loving You" (where do their accents go when they sing? Great mystery of life...)

3:23 pm Kenny Ortega (Michael's tour director) introduces Shaheen and comments that MJ invited him to sing during the "This Is It" tour in London; Ortega talks about MJ's last rehearsal inside the Staples Center

3:26 pm Ortega introduces "We Are The World" performance, followed by a "Heal The World" performance (both are equally touching...and who is this Asian woman with the gritty voice? Love huh!)

3:35 pm Jackson family takes stage; Jermaine thanks everyone for attending the tribute; a teary Marlon says he's trying to understand why the Lord has taken their brother home, says a part of him went with MJ when he died

3:39 pm Marlon asks "how much pain can one take" after a lifetime of MJ being judged and ridiculed, says "maybe now they will leave you alone"

3:40 pm Marlon asks MJ to give a hug to his identical twin brother, Brandon, in heaven (family hug)

3:42 pm (Oh Lord help me...) Paris Jackson takes the stage, says she loves her father, fighting back tears

3:43 pm MJ's casket is wheeled out of the Staples Center

3:45 pm Pastor Smith returns, says there will never be another MJ; encourages everyone to take a look in the mirror; asks that this be more than a memorial for MJ, but a reminder of what he means to us

3:47 pm Pastor Smith closes with a prayer, thanking God for the memory of MJ, the gift of music, the man he was and what he sought to do with his life, remind us that we can make a difference if we make up our minds, asks that we demonstrate love in our neighborhoods, stop judging people based on color

3:49 pm Tribute ends.

Wow, what a beautiful way to remember MJ. I'll admit, I thought this would turn into a spectacle of certain celebrities trying to clamour for their moments in the spotlight, but this was a fitting tribute to a legendary man. It also served as a reminder of what we can all do to heal an change the world.

We'll miss you MJ!

Things Negroes Like: Hee hee hoo!

Today's TNL is about the story we've all been following since last Thursday: Michael Jackson's life and legacy. I first learned of his death as I emerged from the subway and overheard a rather loud man ask his friend "did you hear Michael Jackson died?" After I picked up my mouth, I snatched my trusty cell phone outta my purse and quickly went to TMZ (cuz they tend to be up on these things). Lo and behold the friggin' TMZ site wouldn't even load. By the time I made it to the car, I realized the news was true, so I was compelled to stop for ice cream (hey, life is short, might as well get your flowers now...and technically, it was frozen yogurt). I rode all the way home with my windows down and MJ's music blasting on the radio. Well, blasting about as loud as my standard, dealer-issued speakers can handle. But you get where I'm going with this.

So that got me to thinking about what we Negroes love about the Jacksons.

Run it:

Michael

We loved his music and his moves. We even loved his fashion choices back in the day. Who else could pull off glittery socks? And how many of us had that glove or ran out and got Jheri curls? Of course looking back, we wouldn’t be caught dead in that stuff today. We love that he never let his curl get dry nor did he flood with Leisure Curl products. It was jussst right. We loved that he took one for the team and still did the Pepsi commercial even with his curl on fire. Now THAT's dedication. We gave him a pass in the 80s when he started hacking away his nose and changing his Negroid features. But, many of us finally turned our backs on him after he morphed into a white woman and expressed his affinity for slumber parties. But, we're all back on the Michael bandwagon now. Actually, I think we're selectively remembering Negro Michael and even Mulatto Michael (from his Bad days). Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Hee hee, owww!

Janet

Sure, she's sexy, she looks good in a dominatrix outfit, she gave Paula Abdul steady work in the 80s, she managed to secretly marry the finest of the DeBarges and she played the heck out of an abused child on TV (*looking at you Joe Jackson*)... but what is it that most of the Negroes love about Miss Jackson If You're Nasty? That donk! Let's keep it real, if you're of the male persuasion (and some of you 'shims' too) you've been drooling over Janet since she was Penny on Good Times and you probably followed her to Diff'rent Strokes and even watched her on Fame. You love her chubby and you love her thin. These days, you still love her but every time you see her, you think "dayum, if Jermaine Dupri can get that, why can't I?" Hey, maybe there's still hope!

LaToya

She's such a mess that you can't help but love the girl. She was cute back in the day. Okay, that nose was taking up 2/3rds of her face but still, she was cute. Now, she's posing with snakes in Playboy and is kinda scary-lookin', all skinny and hiding under 20 lbs of yaki premium. Come back to us LaToya!

Rebbie

I'm still trying to find out if Rebbie is raising Janet's secret child. I mean, can we get a resolution on that? Anyway, I don't know about you, but whenever Centipede comes on, I must hit the floor and pretend I'm a worm. One-hit-wonder she may be, but everybody knows that song and remembers the video.

Tito

The most normal of the bunch. He looks like your uncle: got a little beer gut, a not-quite-right 'fro and looks like he kept his nose! Yeah Tito!

Jermaine

Well, I'm not sure if there's anything really spectacular about him to be honest (although Let's Get Serious was the jam). I think the Negroes just love to look at him. Doesn't he remind you of fried chicken with all that oil sheen on his edges?

Rockwell

Okay, so he's not a Jackson but dammit he’s Berry Gordy’s son and that’s close enough. Give him an honorary pass for Somebody's Watching Me. That song never gets old. Just ask Geico.

Family Ties

No matter how much they talk about their difficult upbringing, 'dem Jacksons go hard for their family. We all know devil poppa Joe Jackson used to get in dat azz on the regular with switches, his bare hands, extension cords, his shoe, guitars, couches and microphone stands. But, somehow, they always stick together. Like Cephus & Reesie, they tight!

Until next week, pour some out for Jacko! (I'm not even gonna make a Jesus Juice joke...dangit, I just did).

Father of the Year Speaks

Joseph Jackson spoke to CNN's Don Lemon on the red carpet of the BET Awards.

Talk about a class act... "We just lost the biggest star in the world" instead of "I just lost my son."



Something tells me this guy is just waiting for the checks to clear. Did he really just plug his record company?

I guess, everybody handles death differently. (I'm trying to be nice)

BET Awards: Michael Jackson Tribute

New Edition (all 6), Jamie leaning with a first edition MJ jacket....what more do you want!!!! They didn't sound their best, but Ricky's mic was out and Johnny looked crazy trying to be Tito with that damn Guitar!

Jamie's Monologue will go down in HISTORY as the most crass, brew-tastic brewshit in history!!! Wanker yanking aside....the moonwalk across the stage bought a tear to my eye.

Ne-yo just RIPPED it singing "The Lady in My Life". The tributes continue...and I will keep you posted.

And why is Joe Jackson in the audience??? Shouldn't he be with the rest of his kids in the house?

Next tribute comes from Ciara...who needs to SHUT THE HELL UP...Boo they pay you to dance, that's it.


WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL TRIBUTE!!! DO WE HAVE TO SETTLE FOR CIARA AND NE-YO???


Still waiting on the tribute. These half assed Micheal Jackson memory moments could have been done a little better.

So I hope that Drake and his limping self and Wayne and the Pedophila was NOT the tribute to MJ...Joe Jackson's ass should have the flipped the switch and turned off the mics!

This mixing of the show that was already planned and the injection of the MJ is really not working. They should have JUST planned a complete tribute show to be aired a later date.

So I'm sure the Grammy's will do a MUCH better job at an official tribute. This brewshit is for the birds......

Janet Damita Jo Jackson was extremely poignant. Thanks for reminding us that Micheal is more than a performer. He is a member of her family. She is hurting. They need to grieve and we need to respect them for that....

The Coonery of the night was in no way a tribute to MJ....the white folks at the grammy's, oscars and AMA's will do a much better job!

SMDH!