Long Overdue . . . Miss Ya MJ!!!!

Courtesy of laist.com

"Filmmaker Spike Lee has been working on a documentary of a rather notable and controversial subject -- the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson -- and is reportedly putting the finishing touches on the project."

"Featuring over 40 interviews with Jackson's confidants, choreographers, musicians, other collaborators as well as celebrities, including Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Cee Lo Green, Martin Scorsese and Sheryl Crow, the project focuses on Jackson's career around the time of 1987's BAD album and tour, which both rocked the globe. Described as a "coming-of-age" story about the rising superstar, the film's release will be timed with the 25th anniversary of the landmark album, which was released August 31, 1987. New special edition reissue  BAD 25 packages, including additional tracks, a DVD and other bonus material, will be unleashed September 18. The film does not yet have an official title."

"Lee and Jackson were buddies, and to honor his late pal, Lee threw a celebratory 51st birthday bash for Jackson in August 2009 in New York, just two months after his death. Lee touched upon his relationship with Jackson in today's release:"

"I’m more than just a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and having the chance to actually know him and work with him, I deeply care about his legacy. With this BAD project I was able to uncover just what made this such a huge, important coming of age in his career and unearth compelling stories surrounding the making of the album, the long awaited follow-up to Thriller — the best-selling album of all time — the short films and the tour that may have never seen the light of day."

"Lee has collaborated with the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music on the project, so unlike the upcoming Jimi Hendrix biopic, we should hear some real music in this film. John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson's estate, said of Lee: Spike Lee's genius as a storyteller combined with his passion and first-hand appreciation of Michael's artistry makes him the logical filmmaker to tell the story of BAD. We are thrilled to be working with him on this unique project.
The Do the Right Thing director also boasted in an interview Monday: We have footage in this documentary that no one's ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff, adding that the work is a treasure chest of findings."

Long Overdue . . . Miss Ya MJ!!!!