Pinnacle Music

My man Jewel gave me a heads up about The Michael Jackson Tapes, which were written by a former spiritual advisor to the late great Mr. Jackson. The book allegedly reveals Mike's deepest feelings about loneliness, being exploited (by papa Joe for one), about the public's lack of real love for him; except for when he was performing.

At first thought, I wondered if this book was being released too soon. I was also concerned about the book being exploitative. That is until I learned that the spiritual advisor for Mike in this time was Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

I'm familiar with the rabbi through his appearances on TV and radio and have come to respect his positions on family, love, children and managing your relationships. (Do YOU have a TV in your bedroom?). In short, Rabbi Shmuley in my estimation is not a guy who seeks to exploit folks for salacious reasons or financial gain.

My stance was validated this morning when listening to local am radio guy, the rabbi spoke about how Mike's case was an example of how fame and fortune can rip apart the fabric of a soul. Shmuley had hoped to help Mike find the proper context in which he could begin to change his paradigm through ackowledgement and enlightenment. The rabbi then explained how the circumstances around Mike's death were all but predestined due to the bad relationships, the psychological damage and the substance abuse.

This is a story that most of have come to know as dying of consumption, and its one of the saddest, yet most compelling of all time. We need to listen to these tapes and learn from them.

Rabbi Shmuley played tapes of Mike; and it was profound to hear him in his words tell the stories of singing in strip clubs at 5 thanks to papa Joe. How his pop didn't show any love for him unless he was singing. How he saw his public in the same light; they only cared about him when he was performing.

Normally, I'm cynical about the motives of people who chime in after someone's death or downfall, but in this case; I'm giving Rabbi Shmuley a pass based on his previously earned merit. I think the rabbi is sharing the tapes so that we all can benefit from the socio-psychological jackings that took place and prevent/control them where they exist in and around our lives.

I'm copping the tapes and you should too so we can discuss.