There is a Twitter storm over whether UK pop star Harry Styles qualifies to be acclaimed as the new King of Pop.
The decision by Rolling Stone UK to crown Harry Styles with a title that’s associated with legendary Michael Jackson has sparked a fierce debate among his fans and his family who have described the move of making light the moniker “King of Pop”.
Jacko till his passing away has been credited with the “King of Pop” title because his music transcends race and has broken barriers which existed globally. Michael’s nephew, Taj Jackson, descended heavily on Rolling Stone UK on Twitter reminding them of the feat set by Jacko.
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He indicated that there is no new King of Pop because Rolling Stone doesn’t own the title. He said the title was bestowed on his uncle after decades of dedication and sacrifice, adding that Rolling Stone can give a new title to Harry Styles.
“There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did,” Jackson said on Twitter. “Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title.”
The pop star Harry Styles has not tweeted on the issue yet, but, fans of Michael Jackson believe he is undeserving of the title he has been crowned with.
Michael Jackson through his music broke racial barriers, revolutionized and set standards for the industry through his groundbreaking creativity. Author Danielle Jasmina argued that Michael Jackson was the first Black musician on MTV.
She eulogized Michael Jackson as a legend who broke all barriers and boundaries referencing Jacko as the pop star in his time to have had 36 records in the Guinness Book of records.
She added that Michael Jackson won eight Grammy Awards for one album in one night. The pop star, prior to his demise, donated $500 million to charity. Michael Jackson’s album ‘Thriller’ is still the best-selling album in history 38 years after it was released, she added.
Music industry lovers and pundits argue that the King of Pop title even limits the influence and impact Michael Jackson has had on the music scene.
According to the Grammy Award website, Michael Jackson is the first celebrity to have two stars in the same category on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Michael Jackson is part of the 15 artistes who to date have been awarded the Grammy Legend award.
Harry Styles emerged on the music scene as one of the members of the boy band, the Direction, in 2010, according to Britannica. However, in 2016, he decided to go solo releasing his debut album “Sign of the Times” in 2017.
His music has been a combination of classical rock, pop and soft rock. The pop star has since then topped musical charts and billboards. He won the 2021 BRIT award for British Single of the Year and has received several nominations including the 2021 Grammy Award for the Best Pop Solo Performance.
He has also been involved in charity but a figure has not been put on how much he has donated so far. He is known for donating part of his proceeds from his concerts and tours.
Comparing the works, achievements and contributions to make the world better through charity, one can safely argue that Harry Styles is miles away from the King of Pop, Michael ‘Jacko’ Jackson.
