The undisputed King Of Pop passed away four years ago, but we still celebrate his indelible mark on world. Michael Jackson changed how we talked, walked, danced, sang, dressed, and viewed human life. Still to this day no other entertainer has impacted us the way MJ has. Today would have marked his 55th birthday but his legacy is forever celebrated through his music.
It is abundantly clear Jackon’s special brand of magic also touched much of Hip-Hop culture as well – name one rapper he didn’t influence? While he wasn’t battling alongside KRS-ONE at Union Square or rocking an LA Raiders cap in Compton in the 80’s, Michael Jackson definitely knew how to keep it G.
Here are Michael Jackson’s top 10 Hip-Hop moments for you haters and naysayers.
Photo: YouTube, Vibe Magazine, HOT97
In 1995 Michael Jackson donned the cover of Vibe magazine for the first time. For a man who was so private, this issue came to hit everyone as a surprise as he was rocking a Kangol hat and even a baggy Tommy Hilfiger sweater for the shoot!
The 2001 HOT97 Summer Jam will go down as historical moment in Hip-Hop history. Not only does Jay-Z put Prodigy on the Summer Jam screen and start a war against Nas, he brings out none other than the King Of Pop Michael Jackson. His words to the crowd “I love you all”.
In a bizarre but hilarious account of how Michael Jackson kept it Hip-Hop, G-Unit’s own DJ Whoo Kid speaks on meeting him in Bahrain. Apparently supermodel Tyson Beckford challenged MJ to a breakdance battle and the king obliged.
What’s more Hip-Hop than attending Sean “Diddy” Combs party? Going to said party and asking Sean “Diddy” Combs “where is Beyonce?”
On his comeback album Invincible, MJ reached out to Eve to remix “Butterflies”. The result is a classic track that still bangs in the clubs.
In 1992 hit us withe classic “Jam” featuring Heavy D. Also in the video were cameos from Michael Jordan and Kris Kross.
Michael Jackson had not one but two collaborations with the late great Notorious B.I.G.
Michael got to work with Jay-Z officially on the remix to “You Rock My World”. Of course Jay-Z did his thing and delivered a playful but memorable verse for MJ.
LL Cool J is clearly a bad man. It takes an even badder individual to poke fun at the man with a history of serving fades.
Michael Jackson’s influence in Hip-Hop is undeniable as his records have been sampled by your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Check the credits b – the throne will not be shared!
