You can say Michael was like my first teacher… only, we never spoke.. I never met him… From the first moment I heard his voice and saw him perform, it was in that instant I knew that music would be my route–whether singing, dancing, performing, Michael started it all for me.  Throughout my life, his music career drastically inspired me to follow my dreams. 

Undoubtedly, I would not be the performer I am today without Michael Jackson’s influence.  No doubt, I would not love music as much as I do if I didn’t grow up being moved by him and wishing to have an ounce of the same talent that Michael had as a musician.  I remember when I could barely speak English, I would stand in front of the TV and imitate his music videos.  Loving Michael was one of the first things I learned to do.  Thank you Mom and Dad for bringing him into my life.

This man crowded football stadiums with oceans of people… fainting, screaming… Who can do that nowadays?  People cried desperately at his concerts.  Why?  Cuz his music was so beautiful?  Cuz he knew how to entertain a crowd?  Cuz his lyrics spoke to people?  Cuz he was HOT?!  Performers want to be able to do these types of things to people.  To establish some kind of connection that lures audiences and evokes passionate emotions.  Isn’t that what love is?  Michael Jackson knew how to spark something in his audiences…. and he made people fall in love with him for decades.

I feel blessed that I was able to live in this world with Michael Jackson.  It’s sad to know that he’ll only be a memory to the coming generations of performers.  The world will change.  The world of music, performing, and dance will change… I will do my part to keep Michael’s legacy alive, because I won’t settle for less.  Teachers’ lessons must be passed down right?

My prayers go out to the Jackson family.  Rest in peace, King of Pop.  We love you and I thank you for being the biggest inspiration to me.  

Favorite song:  
not one of the MAJOR hits, but very deep and moving lyrics on victimization in the current world
They Don’t Care About Us

As a hero passes on, God spoke to me and touched me.. told me to reflect on my own life and reevaluate certain things.  Choices.  Directions.  Actions.   Priorities.  Change happens now.  Praying.  Learning to trust again.  Your will be done.

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence