R.I.P. MICHEAL JACKSON

Singer, songwriter. Jackson was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to an African-American working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but had put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Michael joined his siblings when he was five, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5.

Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy" with the b-side "You've Changed," but it failed to generate much interest.

The Jackson 5 moved on to working an opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and it has been reported that Gladys Knight may have been the one to tell Motown founder Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in 1968.

Relocating to Los Angeles, Michael and his brothers started work on their music and dancing with their father as their manager. They lived with Gordy and also with Supremes singer Diana Ross when they first arrived there. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December of that year. It's first single, "I Want You Back," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There" from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single.

For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff. Gordy wrote many of the songs recorded by the group and by Michael Jackson as a solo artist. The group became so popular that they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1973.

Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. The Jacksons wanted more control over their recordings, which led to most of the Jacksons breaking ties with Motown in 1975. Jermaine Jackson remained with the label and continued to pursue a solo career, having previously released several albums none of which had matched the success of his younger brother Michael.

SOME TIME WITH: ROCK THE BELLS 2009 ARTISTS
Salutations everybody this is Quentin M. Milroe, here to inform you, the reader, about the great time I had at Rock the Bells. In the midst of all the artists there (there were two stages) I got a chance to talk to a few folks. Some are up and comers, others are legends. So here is the rundown of individuals I spoke with along with their credentials.



NECRO: An individual whose one of the mainstays of the underground hip hop scene, it was an honor to talk to someone who clearly is one of the hardest working dudes in Hip Hop. His latest album entitled Death Rap is in stores now.

Quentin M. Milroe: What's good man. First of all how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Necro: Mad love mad love.

Quentin M. Milroe: That's good man, real good. For years you've been on it with the rhymes and the boards too. You nasty on the boards! Just wanted to know do you have musical inspirations or favorite producers?

Necro: DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, you know.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yes sir, you named the kingpins right there. Yeah man so what you got going on right now?

Necro: Well I can't announce that yet.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay that's cool. One last question. Who are some of your favorite live artists? Of all the live shows you ever been too, who are three of your favorites?

Necro: Live artists? Um, Slayer and Metallica.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay yeah they go hard. Thank you for your time.





MICKEY FACTZ: A newcomer to the world of Hip Hop, Bronx native Mickey Factz has made quite an impact in a short amount of time. Gaining buzz with his series free mixtapes entitled The Leak, aswell his amazing freestyles all over the internet and an appearance on Rap City, Mickey Factz is making quite a name for himself.


Quentin M. Milroe: First of all how you doin' right now?

Mickey Factz: Good man, enjoying life, last year I was broke, this year I'm at Rock the Bells.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah man. I saw you on Rap City how was that?

Mickey Factz: Yeah that was with KRS. Yeah that was something I dreamed off for a very long time. Somebody I looked up too, withholding a legacy that's been started, is something I'm proud of.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool. Is this your first time in Chicago?

Mickey Factz: Naw it's like my third or fourth time out here.

Quentin M. Milroe: How you like it?

Mickey Factz: Well, for the first time in a long time, I came out here and it's straight hot.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah, it's straight up sun today. Straight downsouth heat.

Mickey Factz: Yeah it's all good though it's all good.

Quentin M. Milroe: You got anything coming out, like any albums or anything like that?

Mickey Factz: Album's supposed to be droppin' later on this year, plus I got something going on with EA sports, I can't really speak too much about it...

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right.

Mickey Factz: It's gonna be crazy, comin' out probably October or November.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool. Who are your three favorite live artists.

Mickey Factz: Chanel Monet, BOB...

Quentin M. Milroe: Aw yeah I saw BOB last year at Rock the Bells.

Mickey Factz: And I gotta say myself. If I had a band it would even be crazier, but I put on a pretty good live show.





KRS-ONE: What can I say about this man. He really does not need an introduction. MC, producer, author, over 20 years in the game, credentials for weeks, this is my interview with the icon, the legend, KRS-ONE.

KRS-ONE: Alright so what you sayin'?

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all man, it's an honor for me to do this interview.

KRS-ONE: No doubt.

Quentin M. Milroe: I've been liking you since I started listening to rap. Just two quick questions. First of all, where were you when you heard about Michael Jackson passing?

KRS-ONE: I was here, I was here in Chicago, I was on my way up to Chicago, on I-80West and the news came in. You know and anytime someone of popular stature, respect, and love even, passses, it's that hit, boom! Oh shit. What was that? You know you never thought Michael, death you know has no respect of people, kind of puts things into perspective.

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed. You been in Chicago for a lot, and your live show is the best. What kind of preparation do you use?

KRS-ONE: Well you gotta use the right words, with your energy and stuff. I don't really ever go out there, I'm there now.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay.

KRS-ONE: You know what it's like to give you a prime example, look at you hand, okay. Look at your palm, when you make a fist where does the palm go? Palm is still here but, it's gone, it's a fist. When you open your hand, where does the fist go? It's still here, but now you're with the palm, extended open hand, you're pointing, etc. But the fist is still here, you just chosen to manifest a certain thing. When I go on stage, right now, I'm on stage right now. I purposely stood there so the front row could see the side of my face. They're already getting prepped now, KRS is in their DNA, in the memory. So I just stand there first and communicate from the side of my head first. I'm rockin' the party right now, from the time the flyer comes, with my name on the flyer, you get hit in your head, 'oh shit', now when I come out there I use that energy to get the crowd stupid!

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay last question. The book, Temple of Hip Hop...

KRS: Gospel of Hip Hop is the book, available in September it's an 800 page book on the spiritual living of Hip Hop, uh it's too many people in urban areas that love God, that love spirituality. But are not apart of any specific church, temple, mosque, syangouge or any denomination, but they love God they love philosophical thought, and they want to be around people who are not afraid or ashamed to discuss...oh gotta go Buckshot's getting ready to go on, Temple of Hip Hop is like a think tank who could think beyond music, Hip Hop spiritual based. We're here today, you can go to...(KRS gets called to the stage) okay I gotta go.

Quentin M. Milroe: Thanks!






BILLY DANZE OF MOP

One half of the legendary rap duo MOP (along with Li'l Fame), Billy Danze has been in the game a little over 15 years. Known for their hardcore deliveries and energetic live shows, MOP are definitely Hip Hop mainstays. I had the privilege to have a few words with Billy Danze.

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all, how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Billy Danze: Aw great, I mean this is first time we actually been on the bill, one of the guys that put us on is a good friend of ours. Main thing right now is that we're in Chi-town and Chi-town shows us tremendous love. And I am happy as fuck. And if I get another cold beer, I'll probably be lookin' for an apartment.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right. Yeah man, that's good. You and Fame got anything new coming out?

Billy Danze: Well another MOP album coming out, after that my solo, Fame solo; first drop of the MOP album will be out soon.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool cool. Oh one last question. Who are your favorite live performers?

Billy Danze: Bustah Rhymes, KRS-One, and I would have to say Cypress Hill.

Quentin M. Milroe: 'Ppreciate it man. Best luck on all your endeavors, peace.



GZA:
As part of the legendary and iconic Wu-Tang Clan, the GZA has truly made his presence felt on both solo and group outings. He's been doing his thing for quite a while now, and it was a great honor to talk to this legendary lyricist.

Quentin M. Milroe: First question I wanna ask you, how has Rock the Bells been treating you so far?

GZA: It's only been about two hours since I been here...

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed.

GZA: It's only been about two hours but it's aiight, they gave me a few drinks, couple bottles of water, a beer or two, backstage passes.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool. In terms of live shows/performances, you put on one of the best. I just need your opinion on something, who you think are three artists or groups that put on a great live show besides Wu-Tang.

GZA: As far as Hip Hop?

Quentin M. Milroe: Hip hop, or any other type of music.

GZA: You know I listen to more music than attend shows I actually haven't had a chance to see a lot of shows. We usually get there late or get there when it's time to perform.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right.

GZA: So I really can't say since we tend to miss a lot of performances, but I will say that KRS-One gives a good performance since I seen him over the years. I mean it's plenty artists out there that put a lot into their show, some that probably don't put that much time; enough to even practice or write down the songs they're gonna do. I can't really say.

Quentin M. Milroe: Like I say, that's great. One last question though. You're one of the best lyricists ever to hold the mic, but, besides yourself, who are your favorite lyricists?

GZA: GZA, Genius and Allah Justice. Naw, but I have some many I can't really start naming.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool I understand. Really appreciate this.