**My Tribute**

After watching the BET awards having mix emotions about the great icon Michael Jackson tribute I have alot on my mind.

First let me stating of how incredible Michael Jackson was as a performer, musician, and especially humanitarian. This man broke down barriers left and right. When people say his music was magical, it is an understatement.

I remember being a little girl in my grandma's flower shop dozing off to MJ classics on the radio. I kid you not, everytime I heard or saw one of his video it took me away to a whole new place. There were so many different elements to both his songs and his music video/short films. His music not only cross hearts but also crossed seas. My father is from Nigeria and one of the only American records he had was Michael Jackson. There is no artist today who is even close to receiving that cross over power. From my grandmother to mother to my older sister to me, his music hit every generation in his own way.

Creative. One word that was embedded in Michael Jackson. All of his music videos were visual proof that this man's imagination was out of this world. Even his song topics broke the typical patterns of sex and love. Yes he had dynamic love ballads but he also allowed his voice to hit heavy topics such as, "They don't care about us" and "Earth Song". His music told a story and was an open diary of his great imagination. Since forever people have been trying to understand the thoughts of this icon. They've asked questions trying to pick his brain apart but always failed of unlocking his thoughts. People must realize it's not for them to understand. When you are a musical genius and allow your creativity to power your life others aren't going to understand. If everyone was able to understand Michael Jackson he wouldn't have been the icon he is now.

Humble. The word to describe how he presented himself. It's sad to say that artist today have the biggest egos and attitudes and don't even have 1/8 of the talent that Michael Jackson had. He was known as the King Of Pop before he passed and was so humble about the title. He never used word to prove anything but always his talent. Soft spoken, the Icon never looked down own others but helped them. As a humanitarian Jackson knew that his purpose on earth was to give his gift of music to the world and also a helping hand. You rarely find anyone in the entertainment business these days that use their influence for something positive and there money for more than diamonds and tackily decorated vehicles.

Perfection. The word that described his craft and talent. Michael Jackson not only used the gift that God gave him but perfected his craft. You could tell this man did not stop until he felt that his performance or song was perfect. Again today artist tend to jump in the music industry and disrespect it completely. Not studying the people who came before them, not taking there craft seriously or just not having any talent at all. Michael Jackson not only set a standard in the music industry but in every field. It doesn't matter what color, sex, or any handicap a person might have that if you work on the talent that God placed in you, you will rise above any roadblocks that society tries to place in front of you.

Thank You. The two words that everyone has to say to this man for giving us real music. It hurts my heart to see anchors and reporters still trying to tear his man down after he literally gave his life to entertain us. He blessed us with more and more music even when the public continue to break his spirit. This should motivate everyone to step up their game especially in the music industry. Watching the BET awards I wondered how all the people called themselves "artists" knowing that such a Legend passed. Performances had me shaking my head thinking that there is no one close to the "King of Pop." I do have to say Ne-Yo did a very good job in singing my favorite classic "lady in My Life"

To Michael Jackson, just want to say Thank You for both your incredible Spirit and music. It will always live on.

Miracles And Blessings

God Bless