The news hit me like a slap in the face with a wet sponge laced with charred glass! I have to say I wasn’t’ expecting that one. Michael Jackson dead at 50...wow. This is truly the death of an icon. A trendsetter. A pioneer. A multi-generational musical genius. A cultural giant. I’m still in shock.

What Jackson brought to the American pop culture scene was complex. On one hand, you have the impact of his music on mainstream America. I mean, what person over the age of 25 doesn’t know at least one of Jackson’s songs? His style was unique and imitated in so many ways it is almost silly. Jackson was able to transcend genre-stylized music and really put his thumbprint on his music. Hence, you have a very original beat, tone, and melody that lasted—and will last—for ages.

On yet another level, you have an African American who was able to enter into White America almost unabated and win the hearts and love of many who would otherwise see African Americans as “lower than.” I am not suggesting he was a race relations expert, but because of Mike, I’ve been able to have some easier conversations with Whites when we can agree on Thriller. Seriously. In the 80’s Jackson even had a first class pass into the White House to see Reagan and his family—those were tough times for African Americans and Jackson was there with his music.

On an even different level, Jackson’s music has produced countless memories and a legacy of cultural pride. What I mean here is, if you’re in your 30’s and of color, you probably have danced to the Thriller soundtrack at least once! If you’re Black, I know you’ve at least sung and danced to Billie Jean. Even if you can’t dance! And if you’re White and in your 30’s, you know you’ve at least put on a white hand glove, grabbed your crotch, and done a 360 degree turn on the kitchen floor! Yes, Jackson established a cultural phenomenon. In addition, it crossed racial and ethnic borders. People all over the world knew who Michael Jackson was. Moreover, people all over the world could embrace who he was.

Now, if you were around during Jackson’ peak, you know that it was hit after hit. It was as if he could do no wrong. Every album had hits on it. And the videos that ensued were just amazing. In fact, Jackson was the first artist to do full on feature videos with a script, cast, and extras. That was his Thriller video. I remember sitting on my couch as a kid waiting for it to come on MTV, it was a “World Premier,” and we were all tuned in to see what Jackson had come up with. I can honestly say I still love that entire album and I still have the record to this day.

Jackson was one of a kind—just take a look at how many people showed up to his home and the hospital when he passed. Not only that, people half way around the world mourned his death. Jackson’s concerts were always a sell out during the 80’s and early 90’s. Those were the days, yes, they were.

As I sit here and watch The Whiz, I am reminded just how talented Jackson really was. So many in Hip Hop culture owe much to him. His songs, beats, rhythm, and lyrics are timeless and Hip Hop culture has lost an iconic figure who helped lay down much of the sound that we hear now. Hip Hop borrowed and sampled from Jackson from mock album covers to thriller like videos. Hip Hop owes a huge debt to the pioneering genius of Jackson.

We may never see the likes of a Michael Jackson. His talent was a gift and timeless. I will truly miss Mike. I’ve listened to his music over the last 25 years. And yes, I know the debate on “was he really Black.” And “did he really touch those kids?” Aside from those issues, we have to agree that Mike was an extremely talented soul; a musical genius in his own right; his life and music will be remembered as legendary and as someone who made a difference using one of the most powerful mediums: music.

Here’s to ya, Mike…ease on down that road my brotha!