• Biggest Contracts in Music History: Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson and More

    Stevie Wonder struck it rich 40 years ago on this day when he signed what was, at that point in history, the most lucrative music contract ever: $13 million for seven years and seven albums for Motown/Tamla Records. Granted, things have gotten bigger in the four decades since—both in terms of payouts and inflation rates. Here are the five biggest contracts signed in music history, not adjusted for inflation. Understand that many of these deals won't ever be surpassed due to the increasingly smaller likelihood that a performer or band will sign for such lengthy periods. Jay Z, Lil Wayne and more cash in.

  • Michael Jackson and Bad Movies: A Brief History of The King's Filmography

    It was revealed this week that Michael Jackson had once hoped to take on the role of Jar Jar Binks in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,' which would have put the greatest pop star of all time on the cast list as one of the most reviled film characters of all time. Fortunately, it didn't happen: Jackson wanted to do the part in prosthetics, similar to the "Thriller" video, while creator George Lucas wanted to go with CGI for the character. Jackson may not have been a total failure on-camera—the aforementioned music video is still among the most influential, and best, in history-but that doesn't save him from a largely disastrous career in film. Jackson rarely graced Hollywood productions...but when he did, they tended to be awful. Check out these four films that featured the King of Pop.

  • Michael Jackson Wanted to Play Jar Jar Binks in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'

    We found out this week that Michael Jackson did not in fact write the hit Simpsons song "Do The Bartman," but fans of the King of Pop will be glad he didn't originate another role either: Jar Jar Binks. It came out this week that Jacko was actually hoping to portray the loathed Star Wars: The Phantom Menace character.

  • Michael Jackson Did Not Write 'The Simpsons' "Do The Bartman"(?)

    A piece of pop culture kinda-history has died as authoritative proof has come out revealing that no, Michael Jackson really did not write The Simpsons' classic "Do The Bartman." Original songwriter Bryan Loren (whose name has been on the track the whole time) sold off his publishing rights to the song, as well as a number of his other compositions. Considering the lawsuits the Jackson family has been bringing against AEG, you can bet they'd stick their legs out if there was a chance Jacko's estate should be getting royalties for "Bartman."

  • Shaq Will Star on TomorrowWorld 2015 Lineup as DJ Diesel [Listen to Set]

    The TomorrowWorld 2015 lineup went live this week and those who didn't Facebook every act listed may have skipped over DJ Diesel, not realizing it's the EDM alias of NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal. Indeed, the former champion and future hall-of-famer will be playing the Atlanta EDM event, and offered a sneak preview of his set on Soundcloud this week (you can also listen below). The Big Aristotle classifies himself as a trap performer, and the set sounds heavy in accordance.

  • Kurt Cobain, The Beatles and Michael Jackson: Bad Musician Statues

    A humorous petition has suggested that Outkast's Andre 3000 and Big Boi be carved into Georgia's historic Stone Mountain, a monument near Atlanta that's drawn controversy for its homage to the Confederacy in the form of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in Mt. Rushmore-style. Our official stance at Music Times is that the ATLiens riding in a Cadillac on the side of the mountain wouldn't hurt. And, even if it does border on the absurd, it wouldn't be the worst statue of a musician to be erected. Alas, The Beatles, Kurt Cobain and Michael Jackson (especially Michael Jackson) have been subjected to attempted memorials that fall way short of tastefulness.

  • Billboard's 50 Acts for 50 States: Taylor Swift, Eminem, More Rep Hometowns

    Billboard came up with a fun project for the July 4th holiday, assigning a music performer that best represents each of the 50 states. According to the site, final decisions were largely based on sales results from its charts, but a performer's deception to their home state via its lyrics also made a difference. Check out what performer made it for your state and let us know if Billboard chose well.

  • Producer Destroyed Demos for Amy Winehouse 'Back To Black' Follow-Up

    The new documentary shining light on the life of Amy Winehouse has generated both raves and controversy, but there's at least one bit of news that nearly everyone can agree is good: The final demos that the vocalist created before her death have been destroyed, ensuring that Drake won't come along and try to release them.

  • Ranking Alanis Morissette's 'Jagged Little Pill' 20 Years Later

    Alanis Morissette didn't release her debut album in 1995 but she may as well have: 'Jagged Little Pill' took the teen pop star who had released two questionable previous records and tore them into jagged little pieces. When the vocalist reared up and roared into the first hook of first single "You Oughta Know," the world took heed. Hang with Music Times as we count down the tracks on 'Jagged Little Pill' from least favorite to vice versa.

  • 5 Triple Crown Horses and Music to Match: Michael Jackson, U2 and More

    Fans of horse racing finally got the Triple Crown they had been waiting 37 years for when American Pharoah won at Belmont this weekend, capping off a Spring that included wins at the Preakness Stakes and the Kentucky Derby. It was the first time a horse had won the "Big 3" since Affirmed during 1978, with the horse in question finally sealing the deal in the third race. We say "finally" because it's not as if attempts at the Triple Crown are rare—13 horses won the first two legs of the Crown in the years since 1978—however the lengthier Belmont course often wore down on the hopeful horses. Music Times doesn't know much about racing, but we wanted to pay tribute to the last five Triple Crown winners with a comparable musical act, including Michael Jackson, U2 and more.
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