The Video Vault: Tribute

Michael Jackson has been on countless magazine covers, news stories, and television specials since his untimely death, but funny thing is, I'm not complaining. The weekend after he died, I was out and about with friends, and every restaurant, bar, and boutique was blasting his music. I became possessed by his famous bass lines and beats, and all I could think about was dancing. That's one of the many reasons why Jackson's presence is everlasting, and his influence unwavering - the man could dance like nobody else. His most memorable performance was so early on in his solo career, that many members of my generation often overlook it, but his appearance on the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever introduced the world to 'the gloved one' and his moonwalk. Unlike earlier work like 1979's uplifting 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough,' this performance was dark, edgy and undeniably sexy. He was channeling early Elvis with his pelvis thrusts and tap footwork, but it was his moonwalk (at around the four minute mark) that really revved up the crowd. So crank it up and let Michael start your weekend right!

Lights, Camera, WORK!

Triple threat artists are hard to find. Not only can they sing and dance, but they also have personal style that screams ICON. A handful of these types of artists exist (think old school Prince, the great Grace Jones, and material girl Madonna,) but in this post-modern age triple threat artists are usually created by labels and managers, rather than found fully intact. Music moguls scour the earth searching for these rare creatures, like Charlie searching for the Golden Ticket. Look no further - our 21st Century poster boy Jonte' has emerged! Playing with different sounds, moves, looks, and flipping gender roles on their head, Jonte' is working it like no other. This Portland, Oregon native has been dancing since he was 13, working with famed choreographer Kim Borgaro (Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie). His background in ballet, flamenco, African and modern dance lead him to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in NYC, and he began performing with artists like Mya, Ciara and the Pussycat Dolls. His work did not go unnoticed. He then appeared in Madonna's Confessions on the Dancefloor documentary, and the infamous 2004 Janet Jackson Super Bowl performance. With Janet and Madonna under his belt you'd think he was satisfied, but Jonte' was just getting started. He's now taking Japan by storm, performing on popular television programs, and making crowds scream with delight. You better brace yourself, because Jonte' is the Next Big Thing. Better believe it:

The Video Vault

I really appreciate it when musicians have the balls to take their creative vision to the next level. And we all know that music videos were once the best way to do that (MTV what have you become?!?) Thank goodness we still have the cinematic magic of Thriller forever in our hearts. But you know who else has put out some great videos? Bjork! That crazy Icelandic princess. One of her greatest collaborations was with John K, the creator of Ren and Stimpy, for her infectious pop gem 'I Miss You'.

Bjork - I Miss You