Michael Jackson, dressed in black, stayed for about 10 minutes in total and could be seen touring a part of the Nasdaq headquarters, posing with staffers for photos, including a woman holding a baby, eating his birthday cake, talking to Nasdaq staffers, asking questions, and waving to fans. The entire event was projected on large screens outside the Nasdaq building to the enjoyment of fans, who craned their necks to get a glimpse of their idol. The media was also limited to the outside of the building. Cable television CNN broadcast the event live.

Vice Chairman of Nasdaq, Alfred R. Berkeley III, was present during today's event. He is also one of the chairmen of the "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" events that will take place in New York on September 7 and 10, 2001 at the Madison Square Garden. Berkeley will host a dinner in Michael Jackson's honor following the September 7th concert.

Source: MJIFC

Source: MJIFC

Source: MJIFC

At the September 10 show, singer/performer/actress Liza Minelli will join a 300-member gospel choir for a rendition of "You Are Not Alone." Latin superstar singer Ricky Martin will perform cover of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," Jackson's first solo single from "Off The Wall" to reach # 1 (1979). At one of the shows, Lil' Kim, Deborah Cox, Mya, and Tamia will team up in a performance of "Heal the World", a single track from the Dangerous album. It was also announced that Diana Ross will not be able to participate in the event. All the Jackson brothers, including Michael, started to rehearse for the shows later last week in Los Angeles.

Source: MJIFC

Danny O'Donnovan, The Jacksons' manager, stated that "[Jermaine] always wanted to do the show, and I don't think he ever said he was not doing the show. He was just voicing some of his concerns. The brothers are totally reunited and they will be doing the show together." And Jermaine insisted that "the Jackson family is united in their unfailing support of brother Michael and there is no rift between Michael and any of his family members." With Jermaine Jackson included in the line-up, the "30th Anniversary Celebration" concerts will mark the first time that all six Jackson brothers will have performed together since Victory Tour in 1984.

Source: MJIFC

Source: Planet Jackson

Speaking in an interview from Los Angeles, to promote a forthcoming trip to Australia, Spears revealed that she would sing on a reworking of the Jackson classic at the shows. It is unclear if Spears will perform the song, taken from 1987's 'Bad' album, on both nights at Madison Square Garden, on September 7 and 10.

The full interview - extracts have been posted on www.worldofbritney.com - also featured Britney talking of her reaction to the surprise call from the pop legend, which she described as "something I'll never forget". She also revealed that the new Britney Spears single is due on October 1, 2001.

Source: Dotmusic

Production delays in the shooting of two videos are to blame for the album postponement, according to Planetjackson.com. Invincible's first single, "You Rock My World," was already supposed to have been shipped to radio stations, and it now won't hit the streets until the beginning of October. Not only has the release date of Invincible been pushed back, but the planned releases of the remastered editions Dangerous, Bad, and Thriller have also been delayed. When asked to divulge the updated release dates for the remainder of the Jackson material, an unnamed Sony Music employee told LAUNCH, "We don't have any dates on that."

As the delays continue to mount it seems as though Sony Music is attempting to placate fans with other Jackson product. The label recently announced that it will release two DVD titles comprising Jackson's videos. The DVD Dangerous will contain short films and videos corresponding to the 1992 album of the same. A DVD titled HIStory will also be released and will contain a greatest-hits list of Jackson's videos, including the full-length version of "Bad" and "The Way You Make Me Feel." However, the DVD release dates have yet to be announced.

As for Jackson's September concerts at New York City's Madison Square Garden, a press-time search through Ticketmaster found seats are still available. The ticket prices, however, start at $800 each.

Source: Launch

Source: Planet Jackson

-October 8th: commercial international release date of the "You Rock My World" single.

-October 15th: international release date of the expanded versions of Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous. (American release date: October 16th)

-October 29th: international release date of INVINCIBLE. (American release date: October 30th)

-November 12th: international release date of HIStory - Greatest Hits Volume 1. (American release date: November 13th)

The radio premiere of the first single off of INVINCIBLE remains to be slated. So does the release of the accompanying video.

Source: Planet Jackson

"I don't know, we would love to go and play it," he said. "I know there's a lot of bands that are on it that aren't even playing Michael Jackson's songs. They're just going to go there and play their own song, which is cool. But if anyone deserves to be there, we do too. A lot of kids, modern kids, I think are resurfacing and finding out that they actually do like Michael Jackson. If we're a band that helps them appreciate good music like his then we're glad to do it, you know?"

Mitchell added that the if Alien Ant Farm's sales of Anthology is any indication, the Michael Jackson tribute can get a whole new audience through the band.

Alien Ant Farm is currently on the Warped tour through August 12 at Pontiac, Michigan's Phoenix Plaza Amphitheater.

Source: Launch

"I don't want to say we're the backbone of hip-hop, because that may sound arrogant, but it is what it is," Dash said before playing seven songs from the LP, which comes out September 18 and features the single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" (see "Jay-Z Gets Serious, 'Soulful,' On New Video And Album").

"Y'all can't f--- with Jay, what type of ex y'all on?" Jigga asks on the first track, an intense barrage of metaphors and punchlines called "The Ruler's Back." Staking claim to the title of "king of hip-hop" on the cut, Jay's letting everybody know that although he's reaped the benefits of reigning supreme in the rap world, he's still "representin' for the seat where Rosa Parks sat."

Speaking of the Ruler, Slick Rick, who earned that title in the '80s with his superb wordplay, helps Jay out on the hook on "Girls, Girls, Girls," as do Q-Tip and Biz Markie. The Diabolical B.I.Z. beatboxes, while Ricky Dee and Tip sing, "Girls, girls, girls, girls/ Girls I do adoorrrrre." Meanwhile, Jay humorously describes the women he has in his stable, including a "young chick" who complains about him not buying her Reeboks and a "project chick" who hides his guns for him.

Things turn more serious as Jay Hova teams up with none other than Eminem for "The Renegades." Eminem, who also produced the track, provides a dementedly savory piano-chord backdrop while he and Hov release some stress. "Do you listen to music or just skip through it?" Jay asks critics who call his tunes one-dimensional. He then blasts the government, saying that he was "influenced by the ghetto you ruined." Slim Shady, who likens himself to a "modern day Shakespeare," tells everyone (this is a shocker) that he's "never been afraid to say what's on his mind."

On the soulful "Song Cry," Jay says, "I can't see it coming down my eyes so I gotta make the song cry." Like "Soon You'll Understand" on his last LP, Jay raps about losing a true love because of his unwillingness to settle down. He tells the "good girl turned bad" it's a struggle to "live with the fact I did you wrong, forever."

Dash said that the Timbaland-produced "Hola O Vito" will be the third single — "Girls, Girls, Girls" will be the second. On the club knocker, Timbo uses a buzzer-sounding bassline and Jigga boldly proclaims to be "Michael, Magic and Bird rolled up in one." He goes on to say that "If I'm not better than Big, I'm the closest one."

One track that Dash didn't play is Jay's duet with Michael Jackson. He did, however, confirm that M.J. is supposed to be on The Blueprint and that Jay-Z will be on Michael Jackson's upcoming album. Dash also said that Jay has worked on a dis record to address all the MCs who have been coming at him, and that the song is so harsh that the careers of Jay's foes won't be able to be rehabilitated.

Jay probably won't be lashing out at DMX. Dash admitted that there was speculation as to whether X was aiming at Jay in a recent song, but he says the two are friends, they talked and that is not the case — it's all gravy.

"It was never going to be a beef," he said of the friction between his artist Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss, noting that Roc-A-Fella and the Ruff Ryders have had a good relationship over the past few years. He did say that Russell Simmons wanted to act as a mediator between the two MCs, but things were squashed before "the Godfather of rap" needed to get involved (see "Jay-Z, Jadakiss Say Beef Good, Violence Bad").

The Blueprint marks the end of Roc-A-Fella's contractual partnership with Def Jam. Dash said they are going through renegotiations but are contemplating selling off half of their company to other parties. The exec also said that he and Jay could start up a whole new enterprise elsewhere.

This uncertainty hasn't stopped Dash from trying to sign a few artists, both new and established. He wouldn't mention any names except Brownsville, Brooklyn, headbangers M.O.P.

Source: Launch

Source: MTV

Source: Worldpop

Weekly Show Premieres With Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Fashion Trends and a Provocative Discussion of Sex in Rap Videos

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Music media and lifestyle company GetMusic today premieres interactive hip-hop variety program ``The Fab 5 Freddy Show'' on its popular GetMusic.com destination (www.getmusic.com/shows/f5fs/index.html). Hosted by rap culture icon Fab 5 Freddy, the show features a lively mix of celebrity interviews, hip-hop news, politics, music, fashion, history and gossip.

The show blends broadcast-quality programming with interactive and community features, creating a completely unique, engrossing experience for music fans. Exclusive interviews, music video clips, live video chats, viewer feedback and even a computer-animated Fab are all utilized.

Broadcast Monday through Friday from Fab's living room-style studio, ``The Fab 5 Freddy Show'' is divided into distinct segments each day, with a common theme woven throughout the week:

* Mondays: in "Word on the Street," correspondents take to the streets to get real-life reactions to the week's hot topic. In "Snippets," Fab and his resident musicologist, DJ Hot Day, play and critique the hottest music and videos from today's hip-hop superstars. Viewers are able to give immediate feedback via message boards and polls.

* Tuesdays: in "All Ears," Fab expands upon the week's theme by conducting incisive interviews with well-known personalities and tastemakers. The innovative "That Year in Hip-Hop" has a digitized version of Fab walking viewers through a specific year's milestone events, which have helped shape hip-hop history.

* Wednesdays: "Clothes Minded," co-hosted by Fab's fashion correspondent and music industry stylist Mr. Wendell, spotlights the latest trends in clothing, accessories and gadgets. And in "International Flavas," viewers are introduced to artists and influences from across the globe.

* Thursdays: the one-hour, completely interactive "Chat Show" gives fans the opportunity to converse with the hip-hop host about the week's topic, as well as music, news, celebrity gossip and more. The live segment is scheduled for 8pm ET each Thursday.

* Fridays: "Fab 5 Fridays" embraces the unexpected. The open platform may feature on-location remotes one week, show outtakes another week, and entertainment reviews the next.

Weekly topics run the gamut from serious to humorous. In the first week's installment, Fab and his correspondents question if hip-hop videos have become too sexually explicit. Hot music video director Little X (Babyface, R. Kelly and Jay-Z) talks with Fab about the sex quotient in his and other popular music videos. Fans are also given the opportunity to voice their opinions through video interviews, message boards, live chats and polls.

The premiere week also features video clips of Jay-Z introducing Michael Jackson at Hot 97 radio's Summer Jam in New York; music videos from Beanie Sigel with Memphis Bleek and Kool G. Rap; and a profile on urban fashion label Akademiks and its mastermind, Emmett Hill. Past episodes will be archived on GetMusic for viewing on-demand.

``Hip-hop is an art-form that has permeated pop culture worldwide, and we want to present it in the fullest way possible,'' said Fab 5 Freddy. ``We go beyond the flash and delve into the heart of hip-hop. With the interactivity that GetMusic allows, we are able to really involve the fans and be so much more than just a video or interview program.''

``In addition to providing quality entertainment, this show fills a void in the marketplace for an all-encompassing program on hip-hop,'' said Aahmek Richards, executive producer for GetMusic's hip-hop/R&B channel. ``We are combining in-depth content, high production standards and the power of the Internet in ways that no other show has.''

Sandy Smallens, executive vice president of programming and content for GetMusic, stated, ``We feel very fortunate to be joining forces with Fab, a hip-hop pioneer and true icon, to bring forth this groundbreaking show.''

Credited with introducing hip-hop culture to a worldwide audience in the '80s, Fab 5 Freddy initially gained attention as an internationally acclaimed graffiti artist. He went on to co-create and star in the cult film classic ``Wild Style,'' direct numerous television commercials and music videos and serve as the original host of ``Yo! MTV Raps.''

``The Fab 5 Freddy Show'' joins a number of other original, music-driven programs produced by GetMusic. The A List with Anthony DeCurtis, hosted by the esteemed music journalist, features engaging discussions and one-off performances with the industry's top talent. The E-Coustic Sessions, hosted by GetMusic's own Nevin Martell, presents acoustic performances and intimate conversations with cutting-edge artists. Country Fix and Country Close-Up, both hosted by GetMusic's Kimmy Wix, showcases the latest news and developments in country music, from Nashville and beyond.

About GetMusic LLC

Headquartered in New York, music media company GetMusic LLC creates a wide spectrum of online and offline music and lifestyle programming. GetMusic.com (www.getmusic.com), one of the Internet's highest-trafficked music content destinations, intertwines unique artist programming with highly interactive features and community activities. The website features content from a broad range of music styles and its store sells more than 250,000 titles. GetMusic also maintains the Farmclub.com brand, promoting unsigned and developing artists. Its sister company, RollingStone.com, is the Internet's leading authority on music news and popular culture. Headed up by President and CEO Andrew Nibley, GetMusic LLC is a division of Vivendi's Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.

For More Information about GetMusic or for Photo Requests, Please Contact: Laurie Rubenstein, GetMusic, (917) 464-0637, laurie.rubenstein@getmusic.com or Daralyn Adams, DJA Media and Marketing, (917) 464-0639, dja100@yahoo.com.

Source: GetMusic LLC

The tickets for both dates went on sale today, July 31, 2001 at 10AM through Ticketmaster. By 3PM today, it was announced by event producer David Gest (pronounced guest) that the star-studded event was practically sold out in record-breaking time with ticket prices for the concerts ranging from $45.00 to $2,500.00 per seat.

According to David Gest, "Michael Jackson is looking forward to performing for the first time in eleven years in New York City and is thrilled that his fans have shown so much interest in his shows. He is very excited about debuting his first single from his upcoming Epic Records CD, "Invincible," at the shows. His reunion with the Jacksons (Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Randy) will certainly be one of the many highlights of the shows."

"As the premiere concert venue in the country, we are ecstatic with the first day of ticket sales," said Seth Abraham, President of Madison Square Garden\Radio City Entertainment. "Michael Jackson's return to live performance in these milestone concerts is on its way to being the largest grossing sellout in the history of Madison Square Garden."

The event will mark Jackson's first live performance on a mainland stage in eleven years and the first reunion with his brothers, the Jacksons (Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Randy), in twenty years. The two evenings will be filmed as a two-hour primetime special for the CBS Television Network to air during the 2001-2002 Season. In addition to Michael Jackson and the Jacksons the line-ups are as follows:

Friday, September 7, 2001 (alphabetically): Marc Anthony; Ray Charles; Deborah Cox; Destiny's Child; Gloria Estefan; Billy Gilman; Whitney Houston; James Ingram; Quincy Jones & The Legends Of Jazz including Al Jarreau, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, David "Fathead" Newman, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry & Cassandra Wilson; Liza Minnelli; Monica; Mya; `N Sync; Jill Scott; Shaggy featuring Ricardo "Rikrok" Ducent & Rayvon; Britney Spears; Tamia; 3T; Usher and many surprise guests.

Monday, September 10, 2001 (alphabetically): Marc Anthony; Mary J. Blige; Deborah Cox; Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott; Gloria Gaynor; Al Jarreau; Gladys Knight; Lil' Romeo; Ricky Martin; Liza Minnelli; Monica; Mya; 98(0); Jill Scott; Usher; Luther Vandross; Dionne Warwick and many surprise guests.

More than two hundred stars from the motion picture, television, recording and sports fields will join together for this special celebration in honor of Jackson. Among those already confirmed are: Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Samuel L. Jackson, Willem DaFoe, William Shatner, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Jane Russell, Chris Tucker, Liam Neeson, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, Liza Minnelli, Muhammad Ali, Yoko Ono Lennon, Sean Lennon, Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones, Angie Dickinson, Master P, Robert Wagner, Jill St. John, Sir John Mills, Hayley Mills, Janet Leigh, Reggie Miller, Ann Miller, Jane Powell, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Esther Williams, Macaulay Culkin, Patricia Neal, Quincy Jones and many, many more.

Source: KOP Discussion

Jackson's influence on *NSYNC's sound will be evident to fans when they hear all of the tracks on Celebrity, reports Bass, who has nothing but praise for the legendary pop singer. "I mean, he's a great guy, and he's one of our hugest influences, as you can tell totally on this album--the influence from him. I think he's great and I think this next album he's going to release is going to be probably the biggest album in the history of the world," he said.

*NSYNC will perform alongside Jackson in September at the New York City concert gala dubbed Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years. *NSYNC's upcoming television appearances include stops at ABC's Live! With Regis And Kelly today (July 13), ABC's The View (July 23), NBC's The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (July 23), and NBC's Today (August 20).

Source: Launch

Seats for ``Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years'' went on sale at 10 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Less than five hours later, they were gone, concert organizers said.

Prices for the shows, scheduled for Sept. 7 and 10 at Madison Square Garden, ranged from $45 to $2,500.

The concerts will be Jackson's first with his brothers - Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Randy - since the ``Victory'' tour in 1984. Jermaine Jackson said last month that he didn't plan to participate.

Among the artists scheduled to perform are Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin and `N Sync (news - web sites).

More than 200 stars from film, television, music and sports also will honor Jackson, including Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, William Shatner, Quincy Jones, Kobe Bryant, Willem Dafoe and Macaulay Culkin.

Source: AP