club 30's with mjfangirl- a Michael Jackson Fan Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the illustrious career of Hakim Abdulsamad, also known as Hakeem from the legendary 90s Motown group, The Boys. I really loved diving into Hakim's unique perspective on being a child star as well as the moments he shared about being with MJJ. Hakim is a celebrated artist, songwriter, and music producer. As a part of The Boys, Hakim and his brothers shot to stardom and were known for hits like 'Dial My Heart' and 'Lucky Charm.' Hakeem shares his experiences as a child star, later producing music for legends such as Shanice, Tevin Campbell, Wizkid, and Akon, as well as playing a fun role in Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. Listen as Hakim reminisces about his early days, the journey of The Boys, their signing with Motown, and the highs and challenges of fame at a young age. He also offers insightful reflections on working with Michael Jackson and the lasting inspiration MJ provided. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode00:03 Hakeem Abdul Samad's Early Career02:05 The Boys' Rise to Fame05:18 Experiencing Stardom as a Child10:32 The Dynamics of Being in a Sibling Group14:58 Transitioning Away from the Music Industry18:58 Working with Michael Jackson on Moonwalker32:38 Memories from Gardner Elementary Auditorium dedication36:15 Michael's Inspirational Pep Talk39:10 Michael Jackson's Influence and Legacy01:03:05 Hakeem's Current Projects and Future Plans✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Listen to this episode on Club 30's with mjfangirl now (audio only) https://open.spotify.com/show/11ReZ91JXWg1OE7dcx6KIP JOIN MJFANGIRL & MJJANONYMOUS in chatting all March 2024 Michael Jackson biopic updates, including who is playing Michael Jackson in the new Michael Jackson movie? Jaafar Jackson vs Myles Frost who plays Michael Jackson in the Michael Jackson Musical on Broadway in NYC and now London. Also, the casting of Berry Gordy in the Michael Jackson movie as well as the nostalgic 1990's Toys R Us set. ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=shared ✩ Contact & Socials Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl Podcast on Spotify “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast” Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Michael Jackson's Invincible better than Thriller? Did Happy Birthday Lisa deserve a spot on an album? And why are Michael's early solo albums so under appreciated? Chatting about these topics and more on today's episode! Club 30's is a new podcast for the Michael Jackson fan community from the team who created mjfangirl. Club 30's brings up current news topics, music commentary, event reflections, and mjfangirl will share personal stories and anecdotes from her 30+ years in the King of Pop fan community. All of your favorite videos from the mjfangirl channel are now here in this podcast. ✩ Contact & Socials Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl Podcast on Spotify  “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast” Business Inquiries - ⁠hello@mjfangirl.com⁠

Today we are doing a Q&A session where I tell you guys more about myself and my history as a Michael Jackson fan. We discuss my favorite songs from each Michael Jackson solo album, my predictions for the biopic and the worldwide reception of it and more. ✩ Contact & Socials Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl Podcast on Spotify  “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast” Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Michael Jackson fans chat about the first photos of Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the new biopic that leaked in February 2024. Also discuss the Netflix Documentary "The Greatest Night In Pop" all about the making and recording of We Are The World.

Hey hey! Excited to be back for a brief moment in the middle of my maternity leave to do an in studio episode all about the Michael Jackson biopic with my dad. I am talking about what songs are on the Michael Jackson movie soundtrack, recent Jaafar Jackson interviews, red carpet and fan events PLUS more. We also get into the true stories behind Motown 25, Victory Tour, Bad Tour and more. Comment below if you enjoyed this episode and let me know what city you'll be watching the biopic from! Get Early Access Michael biopic tickets- https://michael.movie/Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Michael Jackson has one of the deepest catalogs in music history, which means some incredible songs inevitably get overlooked. So the question is simple… what is Michael Jackson’s most underrated song? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Lacy for an old-school debate. Neither of us revealed our picks ahead of time, so we’re hearing each other’s arguments for the first time as the conversation unfolds :)We talk about why some Michael Jackson songs fade from public conversation, how music videos and visuals shape the way songs are remembered, and why certain tracks that fans love still don’t get the same recognition as the big singles. We also get into the depth behind both of these songs and whether being on an album like Thriller can actually make a great track more underrated instead of more famous.Now it’s your turn to decide.Who made the stronger case? Or did we both miss the real answer? :)Let us know in the comments what you think is Michael Jackson’s most underrated song. Subscribe for more deep dives, debates, and conversations about Michael Jackson’s music, history, and legacy.0:00 The Debate Begins: Michael Jackson’s Most Underrated Song0:35 The Rules of the Debate1:40 My Pick: Why Its So Underrated3:10 The Music Video Problem11:35 Chris Reveals His Pick17:40 Is Thriller Actually Why It’s Underrated?21:15 The Counter Arguments23:40 You Decide: Which Song Wins?#MichaelJackson #DangerousAlbum #ThrillerAlbum #WhoIsIt #BabyBeMine #KingOfPopJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=sharedhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZqXOeylKYMgZ_-FwOcM3kP&feature=shared✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

In this episode, I am joined by Randall! We break down one of the most chaotic and controversial moments in Jacksons history: the Victory Tour ticket fiasco. Long before online ticketing, fans were required to send money orders by mail, only to be met with delays, confusion, missing tickets, and little to no communication. At the time, it sort of turned into a public relations nightmare, leaving thousands of fans frustrated, angry, and demanding answers. This video walks through exactly how the Victory Tour ticket system worked and we talk about current concert ticket sales and more!We also explore how the Jacksons and Michael Jackson approached resolving this issue. If you’ve ever heard whispers about the Victory Tour ticket drama but never understood the full story, this video connects the dots and explains what really happened behind the scenes during one of Michael Jackson’s most talked-about tours.Follow Randall @ therocfiles or for his Lego Work on  @rocsmocs  Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

What is the classic Michael Jackson sound? It’s a question fans have debated for decades. From “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” to “Remember the Time,” from “Stranger in Moscow” to “Black or White,” Michael evolved constantly. And yet… somehow, every era still sounds unmistakably like him. In this episode of Club 30s, we’re breaking down the five core elements that make up Michael Jackson’s signature sound, from limitless imagination and relentless refinement to global connection and blockbuster pop. Music writer Chris Lacy joins me as we explore the DNA behind MJ’s music, and we also feature listener voicemail submissions sharing the songs YOU think define his sound.Is it “Billie Jean”? “Earth Song”? “Bad”? Or something unexpected? Join the conversation in the comments: What song represents Michael Jackson’s signature sound to you?Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl 0:00 – What Is Michael Jackson’s Signature Sound?2:05 – The 5 Elements of Michael Jackson’s Music6:20 – “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” vs. “Billie Jean” (Fan Picks)11:10 – Why “Earth Song” Defines Michael Jackson14:10 – “Remember the Time” & Monument of Sound18:30 – “Why You Wanna Trip on Me” & MJ’s Darker Themes22:05 – “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” & Quincy Jones Refinement25:15 – “Stranger in Moscow” & Emotional Isolation29:10 – “Black or White,” “Is It Scary” & MJ’s Global Impact40:30 – Final Verdict: What Makes Michael Jackson Timeless?

Michael Jackson tour merch wasn’t just a souvenir, it was tour-era branding, fan identity, and collectible history. In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan, owner of MJ Market, a longtime MJ collector and one of the most trusted names in the space, to break down what makes Michael Jackson tour merch so valuable and fun to look at, decades later.We dig into the pieces collectors actually chase, from tour books/programs and rare city/crew shirts, to the unexpectedly iconic Bad Tour paper cups, and the holy grail category: tour jackets (including VIP/contest-level items). If you’ve ever wanted to start collecting or are just curious about the history of Michael Jackson tour merchandise, this is for you!What we cover:-Why Michael Jackson tour programs and merch quality stood out-Rare stories (including the Wembley “Royal Box” program)-Tour shirts, crew exclusives, and what collectors look for-Tour jackets + VIP-only pieces-How to avoid scams + safer ways to buy online👇 Follow Jonathan / MJ Market on all his platforms and tell him mjfangirl sent you! @michaeljacksonmarket@mjj_collectorsMichaelJacksonmarket.com | 10% OFF at MJ Market: Use code MJFANGIRL at checkout.00:00 – Michael Jackson Tour Merch: The Real History 02:55 – Why Tour Merch Still Feels Emotional Decades Later04:46 – Tour Programs: Jackson 5 → Jacksons → Solo Era 06:44 – Bad Tour Programs: Standard vs Special Editions 08:28 – Rarest Tour Program12:06 – Tour Shirts: City Exclusives + Crew/Staff Pieces16:18 – Bad Tour Paper Cups + Dangerous Plastic Cups19:23 – Tour Jackets: Contest Winners, VIP Dinner Jackets, Photographer Vest23:06 – “Golden Ticket” Merch: Brass Keychains + VIP-Only Items29:02 – Biopic Effect: Why More Rare MJ Merch May Surface33:06 – Biggest Collector Mistake36:42 – Authentic Tour Shirt Clues49:21 – The One Item He’ll Never Sell53:03 – Hardest Find + The One That Got Away58:46 – What’s Coming in 2026 (Trading Cards, Reissues, More)59:06 – Bonus: Bad Tour Japan Pepsi Bottle (Still Fizzy?!)01:00:02 – Follow Jonathan + Where to Shop MJ MarketJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

In Part 2 of my conversation with Big Al, we continue exploring life inside Neverland Valley Ranch, this time focusing on family events, holidays, touring, and the private moments fans rarely hear about. Big Al shares what Joe Jackson Day was really like behind the scenes, how large family gatherings were managed, and what Christmas at Neverland and charity events looked like when the cameras weren’t around. These stories add another layer to how Neverland functioned, not just as an amusement park, but as a home.Through his memories, we see a more personal side of Michael Jackson - be sure to share and like this video if you enjoyed it!✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Enjoy this storytime that I recorded a few years back! It's all about me seeing mj live. a lot of people ask, mjfangirl have you ever seen michael jackson live in concert? i did! :)Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=sharedhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZqXOeylKYMgZ_-FwOcM3kP&feature=shared✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

In this episode I am so excited to welcome back Big Al to the show! Big Al was Michael Jackson’s longtime amusement park manager, who worked with him for 15+ years. Today he takes us inside Neverland Valley Ranch and walks through what daily life was really like running Michael’s private amusement park. From opening the gates early in the morning to maintaining rides, trains, and safety systems. You guys also submitted lots of questions, some of which we discussed today (and more coming in part 2) He shares detailed stories about the layout of the ranch, the steam train, Michael’s favorite rides, and how events were carefully planned so everyone experienced every part of Neverland. The conversation also moves into personal moments that reveal Michael Jackson away from the stage. Big Al recounts being gifted one of Michael’s fedoras, driving him and his children to Thanksgiving dinner, being invited to share the holiday meal, and later receiving a custom Santa Claus suit made just for him. Stay tuned for PART 2, dropping next week!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Michael Jackson’s Neverland01:05 – Big Al- Manager of Michael Jackson’s Amusement Park01:30 – “Michael Jackson Gave Me His Hat”03:30 – Why Michael Jackson’s Neverland Was Different05:30 – A “Normal” Day at Michael Jackson’s Neverland07:10 – How Michael Jackson Planned Days for Sick Kids08:50 – Why Michael Jackson Didn’t Play His Own Music 09:30 – Big Al’s Thanksgiving Call From Michael Jackson16:10 – How Neverland Ran Without Michael Jackson20:00 – Michael Jackson’s Favorite Neverland Rides28:00 – “This Will Be Michael Jackson’s Biggest Christmas”36:45 – Michael Jackson Has a Santa Suit Made for Big Al45:30 – Big Al on the Michael Jackson Moments That LastedJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

The Michael Jackson movie trailer is finally here, and in this video, Randall and I are reacting to it live for the very first time! Rather than just an emotional watch-through, we slow it down and take a closer, more intentional look from our longtime fan perspective, breaking down scene choices, visual cues, tone, symbolism, and what the filmmakers seem to be signaling about Michael’s story. Watch along with us, and let’s break it down together!!!Check out Randalls video mix - Michael Jackson, Clipse, Tyler, the Creator - P.O.V. (Video Mix)youtube.com/watch?si=WGOkCuXTI7WRvtC2&v=CMP6yeW9wL0&feature=youtu.be Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

For nearly 20 years, choreographer and creative partner Travis Payne worked alongside Michael Jackson-- from the Dangerous era and HIStory Tour, to Ghosts, Scream, and This Is It.In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, I’m joined by Randall (therocfiles / rocsmocs.com ) for a deep-dive conversation with Travis about the creativity, collaboration, and precision behind some of Michael’s most ambitious work. Travis shares what it was really like collaborating with Michael on set and on tour, how Ghosts evolved through multiple versions, and what fans never saw behind the scenes while building massive productions around the world. We also discuss Michael’s rehearsals, global and street-dance influences (including the Bankhead Bounce), and the reality of bringing MJ’s vision to life.Follow Travis Payne:Website: travispayne.comInstagram: @travispayne1Listen to Club 30s with MJFANGIRL:Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon MusicJoin the community (Club 30’s / Patreon):patreon.com/mjfangirlConnect with mjfangirl:Business inquiries: hello@mjfangirl.comSocial: @mjfangirlblogCHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Intro: MJfangirl + Randall welcome Travis Payne (Michael Jackson creative partner)00:01:01 - Travis Payne credits: Michael Jackson (Dangerous, HIStory, Ghosts, Scream, This Is It)00:02:57 - Travis Payne origin story: Atlanta dance training00:04:03 - Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation Tour00:09:48 - Travis Payne on mentoring young dancers00:14:37 - Travis Payne’s inspirations (Bob Fosse, Alvin Ailey, Debbie Allen + more)00:15:34 - Michael Jackson influence on showmanship00:18:31 - First time working with Michael Jackson00:20:44 - Joining Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour00:26:50 - “Dangerous” performance: film references + building MJ’s live cinematic world00:28:37 - Michael Jackson “Dangerous” at Soul Train Awards: why it was full-circle00:32:33 - Michael Jackson rehearsal standard00:33:15 - Bankhead Bounce in “Dangerous”: hip-hop dance + Atlanta culture in MJ choreography00:38:01 - Divine Nine stepping + “Global Dance”00:40:26 - Michael Jackson “Ghosts” era: creative process + early concepts00:41:45 - “Ghosts” filmmaking detail: the “dust” took days to perfect00:44:01 - Why “Ghosts” was ahead of its time (Thriller legacy + Stan Winston + tech)00:54:43 - HIStory Tour logistics: Kingdom Air planes + more01:02:21 - Michael Jackson “Scream” behind the scenes: MJ + Janet collaboration01:13:00 - MJ Immortal / ONE / Michael Jackson: The Experience

In this episode of mjfangirl, we dive into a conversation I have been wanting to have for a long time about Michael Jackson and hip hop culture. As hip hop rose from the streets to become the dominant voice of Black youth culture, Michael Jackson had to navigate a world that suddenly valued authenticity, edge, and credibility in ways pop music never had before. This episode explores what happened when the King of Pop met a culture that did not automatically bow to pop royalty.Joined by voices from the Black Jackson Estate Podcast- Ashleigh, and Nikki, along with Randall, and Chris Lacy, we break down how that cultural shift reshaped Michael’s career. We talk through the transition from Thriller to Bad, the New Jack Swing era of Dangerous, and the more experimental and often misunderstood HIStory and Invincible years. The conversation asks whether Michael was embracing hip hop, adapting under pressure, or being actively tested by a culture that had changed the rules.We explore Michael’s real relationships with hip hop artists like Biggie Smalls, Heavy D, Wreckx-N-Effect, Eve, and others, as well as collaborations that almost happened, including Lil’ Kim and Pharrell. We unpack behind the scenes stories from Rodney Jerkins, Michael’s admiration for Biggie and 50 Cent, and why songs like Unbreakable and This Time Around still spark debate decades later. We also examine James Brown’s influence, beatboxing, dance, and the street culture that shaped Michael’s creative evolution. If you have ever wondered where Michael Jackson truly fits in hip hop history, this episode is for you.ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS: Black Jackson Estate  @theblackjacksonestatepodcast  https://www.patreon.com/c/theblackjacksonestate/Chris Lacy : https://chrislacy1990.medium.com @ chrislacy1990Randall - @ therocfiles /  @rocsmocs  #HipHop #NotoriousBIG #michaeljackson TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Michael Jackson & Hip Hop: Why This Conversation Matters02:26 – Personal Hip Hop Origins (NYC, Atlanta, The South)05:32 – From Thriller to Bad: Cultural Pressure on Michael Jackson06:59 – Quincy Jones, Rap Skepticism & the “Hip Hop Is a Fad” Debate09:23 – James Brown, Beatboxing & MJ’s Hip Hop DNA10:27 – New Jack Swing & Dangerous Falling Between Eras11:47 – Run-DMC, LL Cool J & Hip Hop Challenging MJ’s Image14:59 – Dangerous Era Collaborations (Heavy D, Wreckx-N-Effect)18:31 – HIStory Era: “We’re Still on the Same Track”22:22 – Michael, Janet & Biggie at the VMAs23:20 – Michael Jackson on Hip Hop (VIBE 2001 Interview)27:25 – Listener Voicemails: Favorite MJ Hip Hop Collaborations31:35 – Notorious BIG on Invincible & Unbreakable34:15 – Was Biggie’s Verse “Never Heard Before”?38:22 – Biggie’s Bars on MJ Songs (Lyric Breakdown)42:00 – The Lil’ Kim Collaboration That Never Happened46:10 – Pharrell, The Neptunes & “Super Thug”49:41 – Could Michael Have Pulled Off Neptunes Beats?54:55 – Michael & Hip Hop Dance56:20 – The Moonwalk Debate1:08:30 – Final TakeawaysJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

this is an older episode but worth listening to, as it was a previous Youtube only episode! Today we have an exclusive interview with one of the most trusted names in Michael Jackson collecting.In this video, I sit down with Jonathan, owner of MJ Market, to go inside the world of Michael Jackson memorabilia, from rare collectibles to the hard truth about autograph authenticity.We break down how serious collectors authenticate Michael Jackson autographs, what separates real memorabilia from fakes, and why certain items hold long-term value while others don’t. Jonathan shares real-world experience from the collector market, including common mistakes fans make and what to look for before spending serious money.Whether you’re just starting your collection or already deep in the hobby, this conversation will help you collect smarter, avoid costly errors, and understand what truly makes Michael Jackson memorabilia valuable.Visit michaeljacksonmarket.com and get money off your first order using code MJFANGIRL . Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify "Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast"Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

Michael Jackson is one of the most misunderstood artists in history. In this episode, MJ scholar Elizabeth Amisu joins mjfangirl to help separate fact from decades of myths about his songwriting, dancing, business decisions, and creative genius.Michael Jackson ACADEMIC STUDIES COURSES with Elizabeth Amisu: https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-online-course/https://elizabethamisu.com/From claims that Michael didn’t write his own music, to the idea that others created his sound, to persistent misunderstandings about the moonwalk, Thriller, and his role as a businessman, this conversation takes a closer look at what’s actually true (and why so many myths continue to circulate today)!Elizabeth Amisu, author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson, brings an academic lens to Michael’s creative process, musicianship, choreography, and legacy. Together, we examine how tabloid narratives, oversimplification, and cultural bias have shaped public perception, often overshadowing Michael’s innovation, discipline, and artistic intelligence.This episode also explores why Thriller was not an overnight success, how Michael approached songwriting and arrangement, the difference between inventing and popularizing dance moves, and why his business decisions including music publishing, changed the industry forever.With the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic bringing renewed attention to his life and work, this is the perfect moment to revisit the facts, challenge long-held assumptions, and understand Michael Jackson beyond the myths.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Michael Jackson is so misunderstood01:18 – Separating fact from decades of MJ myths04:32 – “Michael Jackson didn’t write his own songs” - DEBUNKED08:42 – Solomon’s firsthand story recording “Can You Feel It” with Michael11:15 – Did Quincy Jones create Michael Jackson's sound?22:15 – Musicianship without reading music26:40 – The moonwalk: invention vs. popularization28:55 – Why that Motown 25 moment changed everything30:00 – Michael Jackson Academic Courses35:05 – How Michael strategically built Thriller’s legacy45:00 – The Beatles catalog myth51:30 – The biopic and Michael’s lasting legacy✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, we’re going behind the scenes with Ricko Baird, one of the select dancers who worked closest with Michael Jackson — including serving as MJ’s body double in You Rock My World and performing with him in the Michael Jackson & Friends shows. Ricko opens up about the shocking truth behind moments fans have never heard about before: being chosen out of more than 3,000 dancers to perform with Michael, what really happened during the Earth Song bridge collapse, how the choreography for You Rock My World changed on set, and which moments weren’t actually Michael on camera. He also talks about the intensity Michael brought to rehearsals, the experience of becoming “Adult MJ” in Thriller Live, and how all of these experiences shaped his transition into creating his own music today. If you love Michael Jackson, behind-the-scenes stories, early-2000s short films, or rare insights from the dancers who helped bring MJ’s visions to life, this interview is packed with details you won’t want to miss.Make sure to check out Ricko’s music at rickobaird.com and support his independent artistry. Follow him on Facebook at Ricko Baird and Instagram @ricko_baird TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction: Who is Ricko Baird?02:24 — Early Life, Training & Becoming a Professional Dancer04:09 — Landing His First Big Jobs & Moving to L.A.05:00 — The Nerve-wracking Day Michael Jackson Walked Into Rehearsal07:14 — Dancing Right Beside Michael Jackson08:12 — Auditioning for Michael Jackson & Friends 09:58 — Traveling with MJ: Seoul, Munich & Experiencing MJ Mania11:26 — Dangerous Live Clip Reaction & The Iconic “Flip” Moment13:30 — What Michael Was Like in Rehearsal vs. Onstage15:00 — Backstage at MJ Shows: Focus, Intensity & Perfection17:20 — Earth Song, The Bridge Collapse & What Really Happened19:10 — The Aftermath: Was Michael Hurt? What Did the Crew Do?25:44 — You Rock My World: How Ricko Got the Call27:30 — On Set with MJ, Chris Tucker & Marlon Brando29:36 — The Dance Sequence: What Got Cut & What Fans Never Saw32:31 — Ricko Reveals When He Was MJ’s Body Double36:00 — The Movement Study: Matching Michael’s Style Perfectly39:02 — Becoming “Adult Michael” in Thriller Live41:50 — Touring the World as Michael in London & International Shows46:00 — Ricko’s Transition Into a Solo Recording Artist48:00 — Inside His Album Frequency & the Vision Behind the Music50:00 — Music Video “Believe” Clip + Creative Process54:00 — Ricko Baird's Music53:15 — One Michael Jackson Moment Fans Would Be Shocked to Know56:25 — Final Thoughts + Where to Follow Ricko Baird✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Mother Diva to explore the rarely told, deeply important history of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. From their early days in Gary, Indiana to the years of grinding through Chicago’s music scene before Motown ever opened its doors. Mother Diva shares exclusive stories about the Jackson family’s earliest performances, the real origins of the Jackson 5 name, their first recordings at Steeltown, the truth behind Motown rejecting them eight times, and the powerful role Chicago played in developing their sound.00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Mother Diva01:08 – Mother Diva’s background in Chicago & MJ community work02:09 – “Supporter vs Fan” and how advocacy shaped her MJ mission03:19 – The REAL early history of Michael Jackson & the Jackson family06:03 – How the Jackson Brothers formed in Gary, Indiana11:40 – How Tito’s guitar incident changed everything for the group14:55 – The TRUE origin of the name “Jackson 5”17:02 – Chicago’s Regal Theater era & early talent show domination21:05 – Big Boy, Steeltown Records & the first Jackson 5 record deal26:12 – Motown rejects the Jackson 5 eight times?! What really happened34:30 – Quincy Jones, Chicago roots & guiding Michael’s early genius44:50 – Street dancers, the backslide & how the “moonwalk” got its name48:55 – Honoring the Jackson legacy: holidays, activism & community events55:25 – Where to follow and support Mother Diva + closing✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com