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compiled by Max Sebela
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compiled by Erin Sheehy
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compiled by Max Sebela
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compiled by Max Sebela
August 16, 2009
Rolling In The Grave: “Billie Jean Dream”
NOT ROCK
Upon learning of Michael Jackson’s death, unfortunate as it may be, many vendors quickly went into the production of printing MJ t-shirts and framed photographs, attempting to cash-in on the tragedy. But who would’ve thought the has-been hip-hop artist LL Cool J would take part in these shenanigans, albeit in the most ridiculous of ways?
On August, 10, LL (not so?) Cool J dubbed over “Billie Jean” with a bunch of recycled lyrics, referencing the unflattering legacies of Jackson’s life. It’s not uncommon for musicians to pay homage to the deceased, and that has been happening for Jacko, but Cool J’s off-the-mark song is horrible.
The first of many issues with “Billie Jean Dream” is the motive. Cool J says that Jackson visited him in a dream, and delivered these lyrics; they are Jackson’s own words. He woke up and scribbled them down. I call bullshit. He woke up with dollar signs in his pupils. If Cool was trying to properly honor the King of Pop, he should’ve taken the extra time – compose some fresh beats, pinpoint his glory days, or even write an original chorus.
“Billie Jean Dream” opens with lyrics referencing Jackson’s iced-out Bentley and his purchase of the Beatles’ music catalogue, “Tell Paul to chill.” Really?! Doesn’t Cool J realize this was not a glory moment for Jackson? He goes onto to rap about all the millions “he’s” made, drinking merlot, and “There’s no sons on my lap/ the king wears a crown not a Santa Claus hat.” What does that even mean? The chorus is a regurgitated line from LL, “Something like a phenomenon,” repeated way too many times, then something about “Boom dizzle,” followed by, “Take a look at my sounds and fix your face/ I’ll do what I want, I’m the king/ I’ll put my nose on my chest if I want to.”
“Michael Jackson wrote that for me in a dream,” he claims. Yup, that really sounds like something the ever-passive Jackson would’ve said.
I think LL is either on too many drugs, completely delusional, and/or most definitely full of it. Not once does the song adhere to Jackson’s legacy outside of his copious amounts of money. Wow, LL, I guess the only thing you got going for you are your looks.
Song after the jump.
by Genette Nowak
More on Rolling In The Grave: “Billie Jean Dream”
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