Michael - An Engineer of Eras

I’ve never known any part of my life without Michael Jackson. Michael didn’t just make music, he engineered eras. Each of his releases marked a shift, not just in sound, but in how music was experienced. His albums weren’t just bodies of work, but full cultural resets; each had their own distinct sonic palettes, visual identities, and performance languages. Michael Jackson was both an engineer and an inventor. 

On April 24th, the Michael Jackson biopic was released in theaters. While I’ve always been familiar with his story, I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would affect me. This film reminded us that he wasn’t just one of the most talented artists we’ve witnessed, but also someone who carried immense emotional weight. Despite the abuse he experienced from his father, he still led with care and compassion for everyone. The film highlighted something often overlooked: he never truly had a childhood. He was forced into performance perfection from a child and wasn’t given the chance to explore himself outside of music. But he became the blueprint for modern fame. 

Before social media or virality, Michael was operating at a level of visibility the world didn’t fully understand. His fame was overwhelming. Crowds collapsed, cried, and lost control over his mere presence. The relationship between artist and audience became emotional, almost spiritual. Many of the terms we hear now, “stan culture” or “parasocial relationships” mirror the fame scale that he introduced. 

Michael also quite literally shaped performance culture. The first time he performed the Moonwalk, it almost didn’t feel real, as if he stepped outside the limits of his own body. Michael took his craft seriously and approached the stage with full intention and meaning. His concerts weren’t just live shows, they were cinematic experiences unfolding in real time. In many ways, he didn’t just perform his music but he embodied it, and that is why his influence still echoes today. I myself have been watching his live performances since I can remember having consciousness. He speaks a language through his performance and has inspired many. 

Before Michael, global pop didn’t center Black identity in a way that we recognize today. Black artists were influential but often considered confined. Michael was an amazing disruption. He forced a redefinition of what Black artistry could look like on a global stage and his image moved beyond the archetypes placed on Black artists. He made it possible for Black artistry to represent a standard rather than a category. 

Now while I can go on and on about Michael, his love, and his legacy, I want to keep this readable. Michael was deeply human, which is something I believe isn’t admired as a trait anymore. He carried a childlike spirit that reflected his softness, but he also showed his intentionality. He was intentional about his art and his role in the world. His many humanitarian efforts weren’t detached statements, they were personal. His legacy is shown through how he has shaped artistic expectations to this day. Artists don’t just release music, they build eras, visuals, and narratives. His legacy is also emotional, as his music continues to connect generations and nations. He was truly an icon and an engineer dear to my heart (and many others)!