Clearly Inspired by The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson has inspired so many current artists. In remembrance and memorial to Michael Jackson, here is a look at a few (in no particular order)...

Britney Spears
Spears has become one of the biggest selling artists in the 2000s and partly because of her tours which feature what many think Spears does best, dance. A lot of her dancing has been influenced from Michael Jackson.

Chris Brown
Brown has been labeled in some cases a younger version of MJ. Once again his dance moves catapult him towards this comparison. At the 2007 MTV VMAs he performed to "Billie Jean," in tribute to MJ.

Justin Timberlake
Timberlake has become another entertainer who's gained many MJ comparisons from his particular dancing. Along with 'N Sync, he even performed with one of his idols, MJ.

Usher
Very similar to MJ, Usher grew up in the spotlight and became the star he is today right in front of the public. As he grew up, his dancing became more respected and appreciated; from his distinctive moves such as his handstand, he's obviously been influenced by MJ.

Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo alike MJ has became a prominent and popular songwriter. As he has been dancing for some time now, he really showed off his MJ moves and swag with the live performances and music video to 2008s "Closer."

Rihanna
While Rihanna isn't really the dancing music superstar, she sampled the MJ made famous "Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa" chant in her hit "Don't Stop The Music." Following, she also used the dark eerie vibe from "Thriller" in her music video to "Disturbia."

Ciara
Unlike many others Ciara has listed both MJ and his younger sister has big influenced to her style of dance. While some label her the new era Janet, in a recent interview with ThatGrapeJuice she actually picked MJ over Janet!

Ashanti
While Ashanti isn't really compared to MJ for her dancing, she was definitely lyrically inspired by The King Of Pop. Her 2003 hit single was titled "Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)" similar to MJs 1979 hit single "Rock With You." She also remixed the song to feature a beat more similar to MJs version and a bridge featuring his lyrics.

Beyonce
Beyonce is one of the biggest females when it comes to putting on a show filled with dance routines and memorable performances. Similar to MJ's moonwalk, Beyonce's dance routine for "Single Ladies" was inspired from a past similar number she saw. She has recently claimed him as one of her heroes.

Omarion
Even though Omarion isn't currently in the spotlight as he used to be, Omarion's dancing has been clearly inspired from MJ. If you watch his videos including "Touch" you can see resemblances to how MJ would effortless move in Omarion as well.

As you can see many artists have been and continue to be influenced and inspired by The King Of Pop. Michael Jackson will stand forever as the guideline of what an ultimate global star is and should be like. And if that statement seems to big for me to make, just look at some of the extremely popular stars who have emulated Jackson in some way, shape or form. [Do you know someone who deserves to be on this list? Drop a comment, and list your name and you will receive credit if added to the list]

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Barbadian Exploration: Livvi Franc "Now I'm That Bitch"

So ever since Rihanna came into super stardom, the U.S. has gotten other female variants from her native Barbados. First we had Shontelle, who had mediocre success with her song "T-Shirt" (which actually was a good catchy song to me). Sadly her follow singles "Battle Cry," and "Stuck With Each other" [featuring Akon] which actually sounded like a "Hate That I Love You" knock off (but still good), didn't receive much attention at all.

Next up from Barbados, is Livvi Franc. Who actually writes her own lyrics. Which is a plus to all of the people who always bring up the fact that Rihanna is a Def Jam puppet. Franc's debut single, "Now I'm That Bitch" features Latino Hip Hop star Pitbull, and brings a fierce attitude to men all around the world, as she claims to be 'that bitch;' but in a positive way of course.

I must admit the song is rather catchy, and already has became a U.S. dance hit. The line in the song that I must say makes the song, is not the title, "Now I'm That Bitch," it's when Livvi Franc says, "You were to fly then, so fly away now." Gotta love that line! We'll see what the future holds for this Barbadian artist. Will she become as successful as Rihanna, I doubt it, but who knows she may have a better first round than Shontelle...maybe!