club 30's with mjfangirl- a Michael Jackson Fan Podcast

Michael Jackson has one of the deepest catalogs in music history, which means some incredible songs inevitably get overlooked. So the question is simple… what is Michael Jackson’s most underrated song? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Lacy for an old-school debate. Neither of us revealed our picks ahead of time, so we’re hearing each other’s arguments for the first time as the conversation unfolds :)We talk about why some Michael Jackson songs fade from public conversation, how music videos and visuals shape the way songs are remembered, and why certain tracks that fans love still don’t get the same recognition as the big singles. We also get into the depth behind both of these songs and whether being on an album like Thriller can actually make a great track more underrated instead of more famous.Now it’s your turn to decide.Who made the stronger case? Or did we both miss the real answer? :)Let us know in the comments what you think is Michael Jackson’s most underrated song. Subscribe for more deep dives, debates, and conversations about Michael Jackson’s music, history, and legacy.0:00 The Debate Begins: Michael Jackson’s Most Underrated Song0:35 The Rules of the Debate1:40 My Pick: Why Its So Underrated3:10 The Music Video Problem11:35 Chris Reveals His Pick17:40 Is Thriller Actually Why It’s Underrated?21:15 The Counter Arguments23:40 You Decide: Which Song Wins?#MichaelJackson #DangerousAlbum #ThrillerAlbum #WhoIsIt #BabyBeMine #KingOfPopJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=sharedhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZqXOeylKYMgZ_-FwOcM3kP&feature=shared✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode, I am joined by Randall! We break down one of the most chaotic and controversial moments in Jacksons history: the Victory Tour ticket fiasco. Long before online ticketing, fans were required to send money orders by mail, only to be met with delays, confusion, missing tickets, and little to no communication. At the time, it sort of turned into a public relations nightmare, leaving thousands of fans frustrated, angry, and demanding answers. This video walks through exactly how the Victory Tour ticket system worked and we talk about current concert ticket sales and more!We also explore how the Jacksons and Michael Jackson approached resolving this issue. If you’ve ever heard whispers about the Victory Tour ticket drama but never understood the full story, this video connects the dots and explains what really happened behind the scenes during one of Michael Jackson’s most talked-about tours.Follow Randall @ therocfiles or for his Lego Work on  @rocsmocs  Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

What is the classic Michael Jackson sound? It’s a question fans have debated for decades. From “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” to “Remember the Time,” from “Stranger in Moscow” to “Black or White,” Michael evolved constantly.

And yet… somehow, every era still sounds unmistakably like him. In this episode of Club 30s, we’re breaking down the five core elements that make up Michael Jackson’s signature sound, from limitless imagination and relentless refinement to global connection and blockbuster pop.

Music writer Chris Lacy joins me as we explore the DNA behind MJ’s music, and we also feature listener voicemail submissions sharing the songs YOU think define his sound.Is it “Billie Jean”? “Earth Song”? “Bad”? Or something unexpected? Join the conversation in the comments: What song represents Michael Jackson’s signature sound to you?

Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

0:00 – What Is Michael Jackson’s Signature Sound?
2:05 – The 5 Elements of Michael Jackson’s Music
6:20 – “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” vs. “Billie Jean” (Fan Picks)
11:10 – Why “Earth Song” Defines Michael Jackson
14:10 – “Remember the Time” & Monument of Sound
18:30 – “Why You Wanna Trip on Me” & MJ’s Darker Themes
22:05 – “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” & Quincy Jones Refinement
25:15 – “Stranger in Moscow” & Emotional Isolation
29:10 – “Black or White,” “Is It Scary” & MJ’s Global Impact
40:30 – Final Verdict: What Makes Michael Jackson Timeless?

Michael Jackson tour merch wasn’t just a souvenir, it was tour-era branding, fan identity, and collectible history. In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan, owner of MJ Market, a longtime MJ collector and one of the most trusted names in the space, to break down what makes Michael Jackson tour merch so valuable and fun to look at, decades later.We dig into the pieces collectors actually chase, from tour books/programs and rare city/crew shirts, to the unexpectedly iconic Bad Tour paper cups, and the holy grail category: tour jackets (including VIP/contest-level items). If you’ve ever wanted to start collecting or are just curious about the history of Michael Jackson tour merchandise, this is for you!What we cover:-Why Michael Jackson tour programs and merch quality stood out-Rare stories (including the Wembley “Royal Box” program)-Tour shirts, crew exclusives, and what collectors look for-Tour jackets + VIP-only pieces-How to avoid scams + safer ways to buy online👇 Follow Jonathan / MJ Market on all his platforms and tell him mjfangirl sent you! @michaeljacksonmarket@mjj_collectorsMichaelJacksonmarket.com | 10% OFF at MJ Market: Use code MJFANGIRL at checkout.00:00 – Michael Jackson Tour Merch: The Real History 02:55 – Why Tour Merch Still Feels Emotional Decades Later04:46 – Tour Programs: Jackson 5 → Jacksons → Solo Era 06:44 – Bad Tour Programs: Standard vs Special Editions 08:28 – Rarest Tour Program12:06 – Tour Shirts: City Exclusives + Crew/Staff Pieces16:18 – Bad Tour Paper Cups + Dangerous Plastic Cups19:23 – Tour Jackets: Contest Winners, VIP Dinner Jackets, Photographer Vest23:06 – “Golden Ticket” Merch: Brass Keychains + VIP-Only Items29:02 – Biopic Effect: Why More Rare MJ Merch May Surface33:06 – Biggest Collector Mistake36:42 – Authentic Tour Shirt Clues49:21 – The One Item He’ll Never Sell53:03 – Hardest Find + The One That Got Away58:46 – What’s Coming in 2026 (Trading Cards, Reissues, More)59:06 – Bonus: Bad Tour Japan Pepsi Bottle (Still Fizzy?!)01:00:02 – Follow Jonathan + Where to Shop MJ MarketJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In Part 2 of my conversation with Big Al, we continue exploring life inside Neverland Valley Ranch, this time focusing on family events, holidays, touring, and the private moments fans rarely hear about. Big Al shares what Joe Jackson Day was really like behind the scenes, how large family gatherings were managed, and what Christmas at Neverland and charity events looked like when the cameras weren’t around. These stories add another layer to how Neverland functioned, not just as an amusement park, but as a home.Through his memories, we see a more personal side of Michael Jackson - be sure to share and like this video if you enjoyed it!
✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

Enjoy this storytime that I recorded a few years back! It's all about me seeing mj live. a lot of people ask, mjfangirl have you ever seen michael jackson live in concert? i did! :)Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=sharedhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZqXOeylKYMgZ_-FwOcM3kP&feature=shared✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode I am so excited to welcome back Big Al to the show! Big Al was Michael Jackson’s longtime amusement park manager, who worked with him for 15+ years. Today he takes us inside Neverland Valley Ranch and walks through what daily life was really like running Michael’s private amusement park. From opening the gates early in the morning to maintaining rides, trains, and safety systems. You guys also submitted lots of questions, some of which we discussed today (and more coming in part 2) He shares detailed stories about the layout of the ranch, the steam train, Michael’s favorite rides, and how events were carefully planned so everyone experienced every part of Neverland. The conversation also moves into personal moments that reveal Michael Jackson away from the stage. Big Al recounts being gifted one of Michael’s fedoras, driving him and his children to Thanksgiving dinner, being invited to share the holiday meal, and later receiving a custom Santa Claus suit made just for him. Stay tuned for PART 2, dropping next week!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Michael Jackson’s Neverland01:05 – Big Al- Manager of Michael Jackson’s Amusement Park01:30 – “Michael Jackson Gave Me His Hat”03:30 – Why Michael Jackson’s Neverland Was Different05:30 – A “Normal” Day at Michael Jackson’s Neverland07:10 – How Michael Jackson Planned Days for Sick Kids08:50 – Why Michael Jackson Didn’t Play His Own Music 09:30 – Big Al’s Thanksgiving Call From Michael Jackson16:10 – How Neverland Ran Without Michael Jackson20:00 – Michael Jackson’s Favorite Neverland Rides28:00 – “This Will Be Michael Jackson’s Biggest Christmas”36:45 – Michael Jackson Has a Santa Suit Made for Big Al45:30 – Big Al on the Michael Jackson Moments That LastedJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

The Michael Jackson movie trailer is finally here, and in this video, Randall and I are reacting to it live for the very first time! Rather than just an emotional watch-through, we slow it down and take a closer, more intentional look from our longtime fan perspective, breaking down scene choices, visual cues, tone, symbolism, and what the filmmakers seem to be signaling about Michael’s story. Watch along with us, and let’s break it down together!!!Check out Randalls video mix - Michael Jackson, Clipse, Tyler, the Creator - P.O.V. (Video Mix)youtube.com/watch?si=WGOkCuXTI7WRvtC2&v=CMP6yeW9wL0&feature=youtu.be Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

For nearly 20 years, choreographer and creative partner Travis Payne worked alongside Michael Jackson-- from the Dangerous era and HIStory Tour, to Ghosts, Scream, and This Is It.

In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, I’m joined by Randall (therocfiles / rocsmocs.com ) for a deep-dive conversation with Travis about the creativity, collaboration, and precision behind some of Michael’s most ambitious work. Travis shares what it was really like collaborating with Michael on set and on tour, how Ghosts evolved through multiple versions, and what fans never saw behind the scenes while building massive productions around the world. We also discuss Michael’s rehearsals, global and street-dance influences (including the Bankhead Bounce), and the reality of bringing MJ’s vision to life.

Follow Travis Payne:Website: travispayne.com

Instagram: @travispayne1

Listen to Club 30s with MJFANGIRL:Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon Music

Join the community (Club 30’s / Patreon):patreon.com/mjfangirl

Connect with mjfangirl:Business inquiries: [email protected]Social: @mjfangirlblog

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 - Intro: MJfangirl + Randall welcome Travis Payne (Michael Jackson creative partner)
00:01:01 - Travis Payne credits: Michael Jackson (Dangerous, HIStory, Ghosts, Scream, This Is It)
00:02:57 - Travis Payne origin story: Atlanta dance training
00:04:03 - Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation Tour
00:09:48 - Travis Payne on mentoring young dancers
00:14:37 - Travis Payne’s inspirations (Bob Fosse, Alvin Ailey, Debbie Allen + more)
00:15:34 - Michael Jackson influence on showmanship
00:18:31 - First time working with Michael Jackson
00:20:44 - Joining Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour
00:26:50 - “Dangerous” performance: film references + building MJ’s live cinematic world
00:28:37 - Michael Jackson “Dangerous” at Soul Train Awards: why it was full-circle
00:32:33 - Michael Jackson rehearsal standard
00:33:15 - Bankhead Bounce in “Dangerous”: hip-hop dance + Atlanta culture in MJ choreography
00:38:01 - Divine Nine stepping + “Global Dance”
00:40:26 - Michael Jackson “Ghosts” era: creative process + early concepts
00:41:45 - “Ghosts” filmmaking detail: the “dust” took days to perfect
00:44:01 - Why “Ghosts” was ahead of its time (Thriller legacy + Stan Winston + tech)
00:54:43 - HIStory Tour logistics: Kingdom Air planes + more
01:02:21 - Michael Jackson “Scream” behind the scenes: MJ + Janet collaboration
01:13:00 - MJ Immortal / ONE / Michael Jackson: The Experience

In this episode of MJFangirl, we’re diving into a conversation that’s been a long time coming: the real relationship between Michael Jackson and hip-hop.

As hip-hop rose into the dominant voice of Black culture, the rules of music changed—authenticity, edge, and credibility mattered in a whole new way. So where did that leave the King of Pop?

Joined by Ashleigh and Nikki from the Black Jackson Estate Podcast, along with Randall and Chris Lacy, we break down how that cultural shift impacted Michael Jackson’s career—from Thriller to Bad, through Dangerous, and into the HIStory and Invincible eras.

We talk about:
• Michael’s real connections to hip-hop artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D, and Lil' Kim
• The collaborations that happened—and the ones that almost did
• Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes, and the evolving sound of MJ
• Why songs like “Unbreakable” and “This Time Around” still hit today
• Whether Michael was influencing hip-hop… or being tested by it

We also explore the deeper roots—James Brown’s influence, beatboxing, dance, and how street culture shaped Michael’s artistic evolution.

If you’ve ever wondered where Michael Jackson truly fits in hip-hop history, this is the conversation.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters
02:26 – Hip Hop Origins & Cultural Context
05:32 – Thriller to Bad: The Shift
09:23 – MJ’s Hip Hop DNA
14:59 – Dangerous Era Collabs
22:22 – MJ, Janet & Biggie
31:35 – Biggie on Invincible
42:00 – The Lil’ Kim Collab That Never Happened
49:41 – The Neptunes & MJ
56:20 – The Moonwalk Debate
1:08:30 – Final Takeaways

Join the Club 30s community for more: https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl