West Meets Jackson

With the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Thriller this year, I cannot help but attempt to define Jackson as a pop icon and the definition of icon. No one would argue that Jackson was at his highest point in popularity and creative output 25 years ago. He was the pop icon for the early eighties. He was arrogant and unique, while turning out high quality pop music. In addition, he had that diamond-studded glove. He flaunted that glove as an outward demonstration of his popularity. He can wear that ridiculously awesome glove, because he is Michael Jackson, and nobody is going to tell him to change.

While thinking about Michael and his pop dominance, I started to try to find a figure that has the same attributes as Thriller Jackson. Kanye West is an obvious choice. He is equally arrogant and his sort of Hip Hop (if you would call it that) is made for the masses. West’s performance at the Grammy’s with Daft Punk had the same mesmerizing energy as a Jackson performance (and was pretty frick'n cool). Now West has those White Glasses, (which apparently he had custom made for himself) that is becoming associated with him. Much like Jackson's Glove, which started its own fashion craze. He wore them at the Princess Diana Charity Concert and probably wore them for every single interview since. West is one album away from creating his own Thriller and has all the markings of becoming as popular as his ego.

West's new music video. Strange in a sorta Minimalist way.