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Updated 7:26 p.m., June 25, 2009: CNN reports that the Los Angeles coroner has confirmed that Michael Jackson is dead.
Updated 7:01 p.m., June 25, 2009: According to the Associated Press, "Michael Jackson, the moonwalking former child star who became known the world over as the 'King of Pop' before his life and career deteriorated in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday."
Updated 6:37 p.m., June 25, 2009: There are conflicting reports about the status of Michael Jackson's health. TMZ and the Los Angeles Times reported that he died. CNN reports that he is in a coma. CBS News has not confirmed Jackson's death, but the Los Angeles Fire Department Thursday confirmed that he was rushed to UCLA Medical Center.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Jackson's father, Joe, told E! News that he's aware of the emergency but didn't have any details.
"I am in Las Vegas, but yes, people in Los Angeles called me and are with Michael and tell me he was taken to the hospital," Jackson said. "His mother is on her way to the hospital now to check in on him."
"I am not sure what's wrong. I am waiting to hear back from them," he added.
Continuously updating at top of page...
Black Music Notes June 22
6/22/09: Teena Marie
Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, Teena Marie has landed herself back on the album charts with her latest release 'Congo Square.' With 18,000 copies sold during its first week, Lady T's Stax Records debut opus managed to land her at the number 20 spot on Billboard's Top 200 and number 4 on the U.S. R&B charts. The multi-talented instrumentalist also reached out to the likes of Faith Evans, Shirley Murdock, MC Lyte, George Duke and the ever so popular Howard Hewett, to help make 'Congo' a squared project. The 'Fire & Desire' singer is one of the headliners during the fifteenth anniversary of the Essence Music Festival, taking place next month in New Orleans.
Randee St. Nichols
6/22/09: Calvin Richardson
You can always depend on Calvin Richardson to dig deep into his vast musical roots to help inspire his style. Hence, the release of his forthcoming album 'Facts Of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack.' And judging by the title you can bet any amount of money that Richardson channeled the legendary great Bobby Womack for the opus. "Bobby Womack is a pioneer who is very important to the type of music that I do," Richardson professed. "He's a great artist who I have great respect for, who I built my sound around and as a result I feel I have a direct connection with him." 'Facts Of Life,' in stores and at digital retailers Aug. 25 via Shanachie Entertainment, features popular Womack hits such as 'A Woman's Gotta Have It,' 'Across 110th Street,' 'I Can Understand It,' and 'Harry Hippy.'
Getty Images
6/22/09: Death Row Records
It looks like Death Row Records is making a comeback (of sorts) in the music industry. According to Billboard, music publisher EverGreen has signed a deal with Canadian-based development company WIDEawake has acquired the assets of Death Row Records to be the international administration company of the now-defunct hip hop powerhouse record label. The deal entails EverGreen to handle licensing for all compositions and master recordings in Death Row's catalog, in addition to the processing of all mechanical and performance royalties in the catalog. Devoted 2pac fans can expect another album of unreleased material in 2010 to celebrate the late rappers birthday. The as-yet-untitled album will be distributed by E-1 stateside and EMI overseas.
Getty Images, Interscope Records
6/18/09: Fonzworth Bentley
Fonzworth Bentley fans may be in for a treat or two once his long-awaited debut album, 'CoolOutrageousLoversOfUniquelyRawStyle' comes out. Executive produced by Kanye West, the opus is expected to feature appearances by Andre 3000, West himself, and Anthony Hamilton – who is featured on the lead single 'Greener.' "The song 'Greener' is about leaving the past and looking to the future," Bentley states. "Whether it is a relationship, a career change or any type of upgrade in your life...It is my hope that after listening and seeing the visual for 'Greener,' people will be inspired to join the movement." 'CoolOutrageousLoversOfUniquelyRawStyle' is expected to hit stores later this year via E1 Music.
Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images
6/18/09: Kanye West/Beyonce/Maxwell
The annual 'BET Awards' have just got hotter! In addition to comedian-turned singer Jamie Foxx hosting this year's event, Beyonce, Kanye West, Maxwell, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Soulja Boy are scheduled to perform. In addition to gracing the stage, Beyonce ties T.I. with five nominations including favorite R&B Female and Video of the Year. 'The 2009 BET Awards' will air live from Los Angeles on June 28.
Self Magazine / Getty Images
6/18/09: Queen Ifrica
This week, reggae music powerhouse VP Records released 'Montego Bay,' the debut album from Queen Ifrica, who's described as an audacious singer/songwriter with a husky tone reminiscent of late, great song stylist Nina Simone. The 13-track collection features production by Kemar McGregor, Rickman Warren, Donovan Germaine and C. Hurst and offers a new, striking Rastafarian voice taking on empowering anthems, lovers' rock tunes and social commentary.
VP Records
6/18/09: The Roots
Although The Roots' schedule may be a bit hectic due to their new duties as Jimmy Fallon's house band, the legendary hip hop band are set to release their 11th album, entitled 'How I Got Over' via Def Jam. Questlove and company recently shot a video for the project's first single, 'I Walk Alone.' In addition to recording the Roots will appear alongside opera diva Jessye Norman, jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on August 30 for the premiere of Langston Hughes' 'Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz' in Los Angeles.
Johnny Nunez, WireImage
6/18/09: Brian McKnight/Jill Scott/Stevie Wonder
Despite not having a set album title nor release date, R&B crooner Brian McKnight is pretty confident on releasing his latest effort today (if the decision was up to him). "If the deadline was today, I'd be perfectly comfortable putting a record out," McKnight said in an interview. "But I didn't want to rush and push anything. I wanted to let the ideas grow and evolve, naturally. As the deadline approaches I'm getting more and more creative; I wrote two songs today before I even sat down at the piano." The crooner's latest opus, which will be his first project in three years, will reportedly feature duets with Stevie Wonder ('Without You') and Jill Scott ('More Than Just a Thing'). The album's first single, 'What I've Been Waiting For,' is expected to hit radio rotation in the coming weeks.
Getty Images / WireImage
6/15/09: Ledisi
Two-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter Ledisi is readying the release her new album, entitled 'Turn Me Loose,' which features production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Raphael Saadiq, and Chucky Thompson to name a few. The New Orleans-born vocal powerhouse credits the album's inspiration to Buddy Miles' classic soul/funk opus 'Them Changes.' "I cried when I first heard this album in 2008," she recalled. "I cried because I heard and felt the pain, the spirit in his voice it moved me. I wanted that freedom I heard in his voice. I wanted to scream and give my all without thinking. Ledisi's 'Turn Me Loose' hit stores and digital retailers August 18 via Verve Records.
Christian Coulson
6/11/09: Mary J. Blige/Clark Sisters
The Clark Sisters and Mary J. Blige are among the many people set to revive Maze and Frankie Beverly's anthology. As previously reported by Black Music Notes, the legendary band will release a tribute album entitled, 'Silk Soul Music....An All-Star Tribute to Maze f/Frankie Beverly' this August. It has now been reported in addition to the Clark Sisters and Blige, artist such as Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Raheem DeVaughn and Ledisi are among the many people contributing to the project.
Getty Images / EMI Gospel
Comments: (227)
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By: Arlene on 6/29/2009 9:38PM
Michael, I will always will love you and definately will miss you. I never thought you was ugly as a child, teenager, young adult and adult. You are beautiful insiide and definately out. I grew up listening to you and the Jackson's. I am 45 now and still listens to you and the family. I remember when you came to New York in Brooklyn with your family riding saying hi to everyone. I wasn't allowed to go b/c I was too young but my older sibilings went. I cried but that night I dreamt about you and you came to me. It felt so real that I still to this day remember it like it was yesterday. I thank you for being there for me. To the Jackson Family, May God bless you in this hard time of need. Katherine I know it's hard and you was there for him to me. You kept his head afloat when times was hard and only a mother love can do that. It's hard to bury a child even though he's an adult, he's always will be your baby. He left all of us with memories and to carry on to cherrish them. He is the ultimate enterainer of the World. The World loved you from different countries, cultures and races. You brought us together with your music. Your legacy will carry on and no one will be able to compare to you. I will always love you. R.I.P MJJ
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By: Randolley on 7/03/2009 4:01AM
Now I know why he never wore short sleeve shirts. In the majority of his photos(all), Michael always has his arms covered in layers. He could have been hiding needle tracks. Drug users always think they are smarter than others and that they can use others. Now stuff is coming out that point to Michael shooting up something. This is life and things happen. Now, the problem with the kids raises eyebrows. I want to see if the Home Alone kid changes his story also. It looks like Michael was preaching one thing and doing stuff on the side. The DEA is not going to falsify information. Having medication used in surgery to put people under is against the Law. Those gases and Meds are controled. I am from the Operating Room. To do some Nose cases requires liquid cocaine. It's a control substance and is monitored before, during and after surgery. Staff can't have it. Michael was out of control. I am sorry stuff is coming out. I always say, you can't fool a Human Being. Somebody always knows when you think nobody knows. This whole Jackson thing is sad.
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By: Phyllis on 7/06/2009 8:39PM
Micheal is in a better place there no more pain, nomore drama to deal with. He free now. His was a gift from above that was sent her to be with us just for 50 yr and it was time for him to leave us. All that he went though in life was meant to be. It made him a stronger person and every good time bad time he express himself in his music that we all love, and will all ways forever.
Micheal is at peace now
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By: pamela on 7/08/2009 12:24AM
when i found out michael was dead i was in tears like at first i couldn't believe it when i seen the memorial service on tv i wasnt so happy but michael joesph jackson I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART I WISH YOU TO REST IN PEACE!!!
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By: alice on 7/17/2009 3:12PM
Michael a star a friend,todat I will not say that this is the end, Instead a new begining for you. In this world Miichael has finished all that he came here to do,Looking back over time, He was one of a kind, He was rarer than silver rarer than gold. His life is a story continueously been told,He was a great man one of the best, He will always be blessed.Michael has been with us for only a short while, It was time for him to go his number had been dial, where Michael is going there is no more suffering or pain, It is time for him to board his heaven bound train,Michael will never be alone for he will dwell in the Lord's home.
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By: lorraine wise on 7/21/2009 9:44PM
i miss michael jackson so much
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By: Black Success! on 8/30/2009 3:51PM
Michael Jackson's doctor is the only person the police can come up with to arrest! Michael was dead long before this happened! It looks as if the doctor was only trying to comfort his needs and distress from our so called "entertainment world." It's not fair nor is it realistic to go after the doctor. Doctors are after the fact... After we are sick! No one wants the responsibility of admitting wrong doing to contributing to his death! From what I see the entertainment world does what it takes at any cost! Doesn't matter who they hurt, homes and relationships that they break up, nor does morals have any relevance. They have no consideration for anything and will do anything to get publicity themselves. Yet after all these years of chasing this man's life out of him, the only one they can blame is the doctor, who happens to be black! I don't know what morals anyone else have, but I do know usually if you are successful, black and making a living no one likes it, and they go through the extremes to ruin you! That's a fact!
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