A Look at the Jam Master Jay Doc, “2 Turntables And A Microphone”

In this documentary, hip-hop icons 50 Cent, Common, Kid Rock, David Banner and others weigh in on their favorite DJ. “2 Turntables And A Microphone – The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay” is in stores now.

MJ's "This Is It" Grosses $200 Million +

"This Is It," Michael Jackson's concert film, has brought in more than $200 million worldwide. And it's only been out for two weeks. The movie is now the 22nd biggest grossing movie worldwide of 2009.

Spotted at Billboard.com

Throwback Thursday: Ol' Dirty Bastard feat. Kelis "Got Your Money"

ODB ft Kelis - Got your Money
Uploaded by elmokozo. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

"You can call me dirty, and then lift up your skirt [clap, clap]/ And you want some of this dirty, god made dirt and dirt bust yo ass [clap, clap]."

ODB/Big Baby Jesus/Dirt Dog/Osirus was something else. Another one who was gone too soon.

Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" Clip

"This Is It," MJ's documentary about his would-be concert series, is in theaters now. Here is a look at the legend doing what he was born to do.

"The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" Promo on A&E

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

I wonder if this show was in the works before MJ passed. Not sure how this is gonna work without him.

T3 of Slum Village is Hip Hop Official's Artist of the Week

"Me and Dilla talked about doing a reunion album with me, him, Baatin and Elzhi, but we didn't get a chance to do that. Dilla passed away. Once that happened, I said, if Slum Village go back in the studio I'm not gonna do another album without Baatin."

Luckily, Baatin got a chance to work on the group's upcoming "Villa Manifesto" album before he passed away on Aug. 1.

Update: More MJ Concert Footage Surfaces

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

In this clip, courtesy of MTV.com, Michael Jackson blocks out his performance of "Human Nature" for his "This Is It" concert series. Although, MJ doesn't go full out, we get an idea of just how phenomenal a musician he was and how much we're missing out now that he's gone -- gone too soon.

Remembering Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – Sept. 13, 1996)

Tupac, the epitome of a West Coast rapper, died 13 years ago today, and like Biggie, Pac's death still remains a mystery. I was all of 12 years old when I heard the news and those memories replay in my mind as if they happened yesterday. He was only 25 when his life ended, and we can only imagine what greatness he could have accomplished in the following years. Here are a few of my favorite Tupac songs.

"Dear Mama"


"I Get Around"


"California Love"


"I Wrote This Song A Long Time Ago"


But in all seriousness, R.I.P. Tupac!

Janet Jackson Will Open Up the VMAs with a Tribute to Michael

Janet Jackson, the kid sister of pop icon Michael Jackson, is slated to open this year's MTV Video Music Awards with a tribute to her legendary brother, who passed away in late June.

Given her understandable privacy after MJ's passing, her performance, which will open the awards ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 13, will be one to watch. Let's hope she throws this one in the mix. She has to!



Spotted at Buzzworthy.MTV.com

Update: MJ Finally Laid to Rest

Family members and close friends of Michael Jackson gathered tonight at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, Calif., to lay the pop icon to rest as an investigation into what claimed his life continues.

In attendance at this private ceremony were Macaulay Culkin, Mila Kunis, Stevie Wonder, Elizabeth Taylor, Lisa Marie Presley, Al Sharpton and many more.

MJ will be interred in the Great Mausoleum.

For once and for all, rest in peace, Michael!

For more details, go to MTV.com.

Happy Birthday, Michael! (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

On this day, Michael Jackson would have celebrated his 51st birthday. It's very unfortunate that he left this Earth way too soon. But instead of being sad, we here at Swagger Ready are celebrating the King of Pop's legacy.

In this performance for the Motown 25th Anniversary, MJ mesmerized the world with the moonwalk during a performance of "Billie Jean."

MICHAEL JACKSON - BILLIE JEAN 25TH
Uploaded by OfficialMichaelJackson. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

I like to call these the glory days for MJ, as seen in "Rock With You."

Michael Jackson - Rock With You
Uploaded by klmbaby. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Here's a look at MJ giggin' like no other alongside his brothers in "Dancing Machine."

Jackson 5 - Dancing machine
Uploaded by mister_funkyman. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Celebrating the Life of Aaliyah: Jan. 16, 1979 - Aug. 25, 2001

On this fateful day in 2001, Aaliyah Dana Haughton and eight others were killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas, after filming the music video for "Rock the Boat." She was 22 at the time. Aaliyah would have celebrated her 30th birthday this year on Jan. 16.

The saying "the good die young" rings true, especially in the case of Aaliyah. It's a blessing that we have Baby Girl's music and videos to reflect on a young lady who has been called "an angel living on Earth." Rest in peace, Aaliyah!



This is one of my favorite Aaliyah joints! Let's remember Aaliyah for the "one in a million" type of person she was.



Another classic ... She was the one who made baggy jeans on girls stylish.



The last music video that Baby Girl shot ... You are missed, Aaliyah!

Update: MJ's Death Ruled a Homicide

The L.A. Times reports that there were "lethal levels" of a powerful anesthetic, propofol, found in Michael Jackson's body.

Now, all eyes are on Conrad Murray, MJ's personal doctor who prescribed the King of Pop that and a host of other medications that ultimately led to his death by cardiac arrest on June 25. Apparently, MJ had suffered from insomnia for quite some time and the anesthetic was used to help the pop icon sleep.

It really is tragic that a living legend had to die this way.

MJ's Burial Changed to a Later Date

The L.A. Times reports that Michael Jackson's family has moved the date of his burial at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Glendale to Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. Originally, the event was to take place Aug. 29 at what would have been his 51th birthday.

No reason has given for the change.

Can we let the man rest in peace, finally? C'mon!

Fans Invited to MJ's Birthday Celebration

Michael Jackson would have turned 51 years old on Aug. 29. It's still sad knowing that the icon is gone, but the birthday blowout is meant as a celebration of MJ, the King of Pop. the event is co-hosted by director Spike Lee and The Source magazine

Spotted at The Source

Official Video for J Dilla's "24k Rap" feat. Havoc and Raekwon

"I'm about my business. Don't worry about me, homie mind ya business. Cuz this is grown folks' business."

This video, directed by Derek Pike, features "24k Rap," off Dilla's latest release "Jay Stay Paid."

West Coast Wednesday: Tupac (Makaveli) "To Live and Die in L.A."

I was driving around the LBC today and heard this joint come on the radio and got to reminiscing. This song came out in 1996 when I was all of 12 years old and Tupac went by Makaveli, but now it makes we want to throw up Westside and sip a 40. Love that summertime feel. Westside!

Some food for thought from the late and great 'Pac: "It wouldn't be L.A. without Mexicans/Black love, brown pride and the sets again."

Update: Michael Jackson to be Buried on His Birthday

The New York Times reports that the King of Pop will be laid to rest on Saturday, Aug. 29, the date that would have been his 51st birthday.

His burial will take place at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, at Holly Terrace in the Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif. The ceremony will be private and limited to the Jackson family and close friends, but that media will be accommodated nearby.

It seems like it was only yesterday that the news of MJ's passing broke on June 25.

I hope that the fans truly to respect the Jackson family's privacy. I mean after all they've been through. That public memorial last month wasn't as much of a catastrophe as was predicted, so maybe this won't be. Glad MJ will finally be resting in peace.

Video of the Day: Slum Village "Actin' Normal"

Directed by Dwele, this joint comes from the soon-to-be-released "Villa Manifesto." This video also features the late Baatin, doing his thing. Good to see them boys back at it.



This tee by Motivation pays tribute to two of the three founding members of Slum Village. Rest in peace, J. Dilla and Baatin! (The good die young. For reals.) The proceeds from the shirt will go towards the families of both Baatin and Dilla. To order yours, go to Motivation's site.

Spotted at NahRight.com

It's Bay Day on MTV Jams!

When I think Bay Area, I think Mac Dre. A man of many hits, this is the one that comes to mind. Rest in peace, big homie!



And this Yay Area anthem is No. 1 in my book. The Luniz "I Got 5 on It." And the remix featuring the Bay Area All Stars is equally dope. "Where you from? Oakland. Smokin'."



Even though acts like E 40, Mistah FAB, Too Short, Tupac, and of course, MC Hammer, have gained mainstream success, Bay Area rappers don't get the shine they deserve. Props to MTV Jams for honoring the Bay. As many people have tweeted on Twitter, "It's Bay Day erry day!"

P.S. I'm so sad that my DirecTv doesn't get this channel, so if you do, watch for me.