Longing for the Moonwalker

By Kia O. Moore      (kia@mingleberry.com)

It has been three days since the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. I have been googling my brain for three days trying to figure out a way to pay tribute to the man that introduced me to my soul mate: music.

The year was 1988. The song had a pronounced bass guitar melody that pervaded my ear canal, thumping my eardrums as I moved in time to the beat. I mimicked every move he made on my TV screen. At the age of 3 the “smooth criminal” had me in his grasp. Band-Aids on my fingertips, a fedora atop my head, and the rhythm in my feet. Michael Jackson and me only needed the music.

When I was a toddler my grandma bought me the VHS of Michael Jackson Moonwalker. From the opening sequence to the closing credits, I was mystified by the power of music and the rhythmic movement it evoked. Thinking back on those days, I didn’t realize that music would be my best friend for the rest of my life. I didn’t have a choice, really. Living in my house was like living in a record store. The wall of my mother’s and godmother’s room was lined with vinyl records, which were mostly composed of the R&B, Soul and Funk genres with a few classic Old School Hip-hop records sprinkled in.

But at the age of 3, all I needed was my Michael. Every single day I watched the nonsensical movie that was Michael Jackson Moonwalker. I knew the lyrics to every song that played. I recited the words to every line said. I learned every dance move I saw on the screen. Michael Jackson was my musical idol and my alter was the TV screen every time I watched that movie.

Only a child’s mind can truly grasp the wonderment and joy that this hodgepodge film brought. A string of claymation segments, dance sequences, and mini-movies put together to make a VHS. This patchwork of entertainment molded my musical mind.

As I got older, I had the desire to share the magic that was Michael Jackson.

Several months prior to Michael’s death, I sat and watch Moonwalker with my then 6-year-old nephew. I felt it was my duty to teach him about Michael Jackson. As he watched the film, he had the same look of wonderment and joy in his eye that I had when I was a little tike absorbing the greatness of Michael Jackson.

Then June 25, 2009 came. My nephew and I watched the headlines announcing Michael Jackson had died. His little heart was broken just like mine. My heart was broken because I knew we would not get the chance to see MJ in the flesh. My heart was broken because I knew we would not get the chance to hear new music from MJ. My heart was broken because I knew that Michael Jackson the man, never got to be a little boy.

But my little boy, my nephew, gets the chance to carry on the spirit of MJ throughout his childhood and into his adulthood. My nephew will pass on the legacy of Michael Jackson to his children.

Do You Have “Good Hair”?

The documentary GOOD HAIR (directed by Chris Rock) is beginning to create such a buzz within the African-American community. Whether you prefer using “creamy crack”, adding a few blonde weave pieces, or a simple doobie (like myself) – then you definitely don’t want to miss out on this movie!

Take a look at the trailer and read more about GOOD HAIR!

GOOD HAIR - Trailer

About the Documentary

An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community.

Director Jeff Stilson follows Chris Rock on this raucous adventure prompted by Rock’s daughter approaching him and asking, “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?” Haircare professionals, beautyshop and barbershop patrons, as well as celebrities including Ice-T, Nia Long, Paul Mooney, Raven Symoné, Dr. Maya Angelou, Salt n Pepa, Eve and Reverend Al Sharpton all candidly offer their stories and observations to Rock while he struggles with the task of figuring out how to respond to his daughter’s question.

GOOD HAIR marks a reunion of the team behind Rock’s acclaimed and Emmy® Award-winning HBO series The Chris Rock Show, including producer Nelson George, writer-director Jeff Stilson, writers Lance Crouther and Chuck Sklar. The film is produced by Chris Rock and Kevin O’Donnell.

In select cities on October 9^th and nationwide on October 23^rd

Yes, I am a victim of my own hair. It gets done no matter what twice (sometimes even three) times a month. But hey, at the end of the day it makes me feel good and I’m gonna keep on getting it done until I’m dead & gone!

Straight, curly, purple, green, relaxed or not…do what makes you feel good. As long as it stays healthy, who cares what other people think!

Remember ladies…“Good hair is healthy hair!” – Solange Knowles

The Cosby Show 25 Anniversary: What’s your favorite episode?

By Kia O. Moore

On September 20, 1984 the first episode of the color-barrier shattering sitcom The Cosby Show aired. This Sunday was the 25th anniversary of that beloved brownstone dwelling family, the Huxtables. The impact this sitcom had on the nation’s view of the African-American nuclear family cannot be ignored. Take time to reflect on your favorite Huxtable moment, and pick up your clicker and tune to one of the many syndicated episodes on the airwaves today.

This is my favorite episode and very fitting for the occasion. Happy 25th Anniversary Huxtables!

For more info about The Cosby Show visit: The Root

Heavy Rotation Part II: Top 5 of August

Leave a comment and tell us what you think of the Top 5 songs of August.

So Fine- Sean Paul

Kill Dem- Busta Rhymes ft. Pharrell & Tosh

Whatever you want- Consequence ft. Kayne West & John Legend

Million Bucks- Manio ft. Swizz Beats

Look out for DJ Flemingo’s Mixtape with these exclusive tracks and more. Mingleberry will keep you updated on the mixtape release date.

Tell us what you think. Leave a comment.