MJ

From ABc123 to his sensual The Way You Make Me Feel to his infamous Thriller, Michael Jackson won a spot in everyone's hearts as the KING OF POP.

His death on June 25, 2009, at age 50, was a shocking one at the very least.  NOt only did MJ suffer from Cardiac Arrest, but the hearts of the nation stopped as well.

Jokes about MJ's "Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White" just don't seem Kosher anymore - in comparison to the tens of hits he produced and the global recognition he received during his lifetime.  Yes, he did change quite a bit but he will never be doubted for having an immense amount of talent.        

His videos have received millions of hits on YouTube, especially since his death and there are tribute songs and concerts galore.  He is definitely a sensation to be remembered.  He created today's POP for stars like Brittney (see her performance with MJ here), Justin Timberlake and more to branch from.  

Now, advertisers and artists are looking to 'pay tribute to an icon' or 'mooch off his global image' by creating campaigns and artifacts that refer to the King of Pop.  PEPSI, for example, incorporated MJ into their JoyitForward campaign with banners referring to the King of POP (get it?  soda pop, MJ pop). 

I personally HATE this campaign by BBDO/Proximity Canada because it reminds me of the America Runs on Dunkin' campaign - in your face, insultingly simple and way too loud.  But, I do like it a little more with the clever play on 'pop.' 

An LA artist created a tribute can of soda he hopes the company will pick up that follows the same thought process:

So far, my favorite Tribute can be found on DirectTV's ONDEMAND channel.  They have ABDC's Tribute Episode (pre-death), All of his full-length music videos (short films if you ask me), Karaoke for many hits and even dance classes to learn the infamous MJ moves.  It is so much fun that you'll want to swing your hips and grab your crotch in public just to feel the intense dance energy of MJ.

Yes, he's a little strange if you think too much about it.  But, pay attention to the dance difference he made, the tunes he sang that have played a part in every stage of your life and his love for the stage and you'll find yourself saying "OW!" and wearing one glove rather than wondering how to change from black to white.

R.I.P MJ.