Chris Brown V. Usher: Who is the Next Michael Jackson?

Some time ago I read an article where Jay-Z stated that Usher can basically fill the void that Michael Jackson left behind. I have one question for the hip hop superstar - are you for real? Usher is the next Michael Jackson...really? I would've expected more from someone of his caliber. Usher is not fit to fill the shoes of the King of Pop - he doesn't even come close. Granted, Michael has opened a lot of doors and paved the way for artists that are here today. If there is someone who could possibly take the place of the legendary entertainer it would be Chris Brown. The difference between the two is that Usher really thinks he could be Michael Jackson (this year's Grammy performance proved that); whereas Chris takes what Michael has done and adds his own thing to it and still manages to be himself.

The Grammys this year paid tribute to the pop star (BET Awards take note) where Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Usher and Smokey Robinson sang Earth Song along with Michael; just like his performance at Michael's funeral, Usher took it too far. Keep in mind that this performance was for Michael, not for Usher to display his lack of subtlety. They actually would have been better off without him. Ne-Yo would have done a much better job; added to the class that was already on stage. Usher was a true spectacle and needs to sit down somewhere; take care of his kids.

What's unfortunate is that Chris Brown has this blemish on his record. The situation with him and Rihanna went into overdrive on the news, internet and word of mouth. What people don't want to acknowledge is that two people were involved in this physical altercation. Despite the jokes, Mike Epps does have a point; we don't know what that girl did to make him snap. It is also a strong possibility that he is not the only celebrity today to get into a situation like this. He's just someone who got caught and due to the picture of the Rude Boy singer's battered face for all to see he's been bashed harder than her. If Rihanna's managed to move on so should everybody else. This is not to say that his actions should be excused but people should just let it go; it would be eye opening to see who else has done what Chris did to her.

In my opinion, to take on the task of being the next legendary male pop star he has to be one who can or has begun to achieve what Michael has. He's able to put in the extra work to stay on top; Usher's ego is the obstacle in that plan. Now is the time for Chris to continue the process of putting this matter behind him and get things in order so he can blow Usher out of the water - again.

Chris was on his way of becoming what some would consider the new Michael Jackson; people took notice of his dancing skills - especially at the 2008 VMAs. There was no denying him such a position. True enough Usher can dance but he can't hold a candle to Chris; not to mention he can't seem to hold a step straight these days.

Michael was an entertainer personified; he knew he wanted to become a music artist and that if you want perfection it takes work. It's because of this man that music videos can tell a broader story. He caused people to stop in their tracks and pay attention; a Michael Jackson video was an event.

As time went by, after his death many have asked who could take the place of Michael Jackson; to put it plainly - no one. Many can try but they have to know that it takes a lot of work and talent and a few dance steps here and a hit song there is not going to cut it. To be at the pinnacle that Michael Jackson reached is a rare phenomenon that is not likely to be repeated or surpassed anytime soon, if ever. Artists today can only wish and dream of breaking and setting records, producing multi-platinum albums, having their names recognized in Bucharest and being emulated by millions. Jay-Z says he has 99 problems; well he has one more if he thinks Usher is the next Michael Jackson. There will never be another Michael Jackson.