Music News

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By Charles Nunmaker

Michael Jackson dies at age 50

A great shock rang throughout the music world last Thursday when news broke out that the '80s icon Michael Jackson had died. Jackson was taken to UCLA Medical Center last week after he had collapsed at his home. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him; however, he was unable to recover and died later in the day. His cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest.

Jackson was known throughout the world for his music and the ever so popular moonwalk dance move. His songs like "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" established his music style and raised the bar for musicians, and no one can ever forget the popularity of the song and the music video for "Thriller."

Unfortunately, Jackson was followed by scandal for the later part of his career. Prior to his death, Jackson was planning a comeback for his career by playing a scheduled 50 shows in London arena. Michael Jackson's death is a great loss to the music world, and he will be missed greatly.

Voodoo Experience announces initial lineup

Voodoo Fest has finally released an initial lineup. After weeks of Voodoo Fest toying with everyone's minds by making them visit their Twitter page and unscramble letters of included band names, the initial lineup was released last Thursday night.

The lineup, which will spread over three days including Halloween day, has huge headlining bands like KISS, Eminem, Jane's Addicition, The Flaming Lips, Gogol Bordello, Widespread Panic, Justice, the Black Keys, Wolfmother and Silversun Pickups. The lineup also has a great selection of Louisiana artists like Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Amanda Shaw, BeauSoleil and the New Orleans Bingo! Show.

The current three-day price is $146 and will be raised another $23 as the festival grows closer.

Who knew that astronauts could rap?

You think a person who is 79 years old would be taking it easy and relaxing day to day, but that is not the case for astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Aldrin who was the second man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, recently released a hip-hop song entitled "Rocket Experience." The lyrics of the song celebrate the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing, and as Aldrin intends it, will also motivate kids to become more interested in science and outer space.

What is stranger yet is that Aldrin invited rappers Soulja Boy, Snoop Dogg and Talib Kweli to come in and shoot a video for the single. The three rappers and other hip-hop moguls came into the studio as Aldrin was recording and brought out the best in Buzz.

The single is available on iTunes and all proceeds from the song go to three different charities. One of those charities is Buzz Aldrin's own ShareSpace Foundation.

Originally Published: Issue 806 - July 1, 2009

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