OK, I’m taking a deep breath, because any post relating to Michael Jackson tends to bring out the nutters, even when you bloody agree with them. But sod it, this is too good not to bring to your attention, and is almost certainly a lot less depressing than next month’s Thriller 25 is going to be.
Man In The Mirror is a “Michael Jackson dedication album” brought to you by Chicago rapper Rhymefest and the ever-elusive Mark Ronson. It basically sees Ronno chopping up classic, mainly lesser-known tracks from Jacko and the Jackson 5, with ‘Fest doing his thing over the top. If that sounds like the recipe for a disastrous studio piss-about, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised.

The set acts as a pretty effective primer for Rhymefest’s second album, El Che, due out in the spring; the good-time feeling of the mix celebrates the King Of Pop’s music as opposed to the “other stuff”, and allows Rhymefest to showcase his sense of humour as well as his more thoughtful side. Ruminations on the side-effects of success and fame, the temptations of groupies and trying to represent real hip-hop against the “ringtone shit” that dominates the airwaves all feature. Guest appearances from Daniel Merriweather, Wale and Talib Kweli complete the impressive line-up.
Unusually, even the skits - required by law on every collection of 5+ hip-hop tunes - are funny, splicing real Michaal Jackson interviews / studio conversations with Rhymefest’s questions to create amusing exchanges, including Jacko going off on tangents about giraffes and stuff, and Rhymefest accusing Michael of farting in the studio. The bit with MJ laughing at Mark Ronson’s accent is priceless, as is ‘Fest’s awkwardness at Mike’s declarations of love at the set’s close.
That a mix with talents like this on board is available for free download is reason enough to celebrate; that it’s worthy of repeated listening makes it a must-grab. Go here or a tracklist and to download Man In The Mirror.
[via my hip-hop anorak mate, Phil]f

Possibly related:

1. The Michael Jackson Comeback - a conspiracy or just plain legendary?

2. Mark Ronson on showing Michael Jackson porn: “He was not down with the program whatsoever”

3. Mark Ronson speaks about Amy Winehouse (no, he’s not slagging her off)

4. Free music from Foo Fighters, Mark Ronson and more? Really? Can I keep it?

5. The Greatest Song in the World This Week: Mark Ronson ft Alex Greenwald - “Just”

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Posted by mofgimmers on Friday January 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am