J.PERIOD & SPIKE LEE PAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW MIXTAPE, "MAN OR THE MUSIC (40 ACRES EDITION)"

Brooklyn, NY (August 26, 2010) – The story of Michael Jackson made famous in tabloid headlines tells a tragic tale of stardom: adulation and perversity, reclusiveness and rumor, pain and pathos. Raised onstage from the age of 11, Michael spent his entire life under the scrutiny of the spotlight—and much of his adulthood in search of the childhood he never had. For the media, this was a story of sadness, as epic as it was bizarre.

But listen closer. His music tells a different tale.

This Sunday, August 29, 2010, the mixtape world’s master storyteller, J.Period, joins Spike Lee & 40Acres.com to pay tribute to the music of Michael Jackson with a Limited Edition mixtape, “Man or the Music (40 Acres Edition),” available exclusively at the 2nd Annual “Brooklyn Loves MJ” celebration in Prospect Park’s Nethermead Field! Attendees who sign up for 40Acres.com will receive a FREE copy of the mix (while supplies last).

Mixing Michael’s classic hits with rare demo versions, remixes, and behind-the-scenes interview clips, J.Period weaves together an 80-minute musical documentary that pays tribute to The King of Pop’s staggering catalog of songs, and reminds us why Michael’s true legacy will always be his music. Conceived on the eve of Michael’s untimely passing, “Man or The Music (40 Acres Edition)” revises, remixes and re-masters J.Period’s original MJ tribute, released on June 26, 2009 to rave reviews—and over 30K downloads in 24 hours. “Man or the Music (40 Acres Edition)” reminds us why—regardless of what you may think of the man—the power and appeal of his music are undeniable.

“It is a tremendous honor to join a storyteller like Spike Lee in celebrating the legacy of Michael Jackson’s music with an exclusive mixtape for this incredible event,” says J.Period. “Crafting the tape was a labor of love and a learning experience. Digging through hours of interview material and music, I have definitely gained a new respect for Michael’s life and legacy, and I’m excited to share that with my fans—and over 25K fellow MJ fans in attendance on Sunday!”

Not long after Michael’s passing last year, Spike Lee shared his thoughts with Katie Couric: “You can go down the line, [Mozart], Jimmy Hendrix, Elvis—people with that much talent, they’re not going to be normal. […] If they were normal human beings, they wouldn’t be the great artists that they are. […] But for me, I hope people remember the joy, the love, the entertainment that Michael brought to their lives. That’s going to be his legacy. People can focus on the other stuff if the want to, but for me, [his legacy is] his music. It’s his music.”

In only its second year, Spike Lee’s “Brooklyn Loves MJ” event is already poised to become a long-standing tradition—and one of New York’s hottest annual events. Celebrating Michael’s birthday with over 25K fans in 2009, Spike Lee (along with DJ Spinna on the wheels of steel) made Prospect Park the epicenter of all things Michael with a six-hour celebration of music and dancing that earned press, and praise, from around the globe.

This year, celebrate The King of Pop’s 52nd birthday when “Brooklyn Loves MJ” takes place Sunday, August 29th, 12 Noon - 6PM at Prospect Park’s Nethermead Field. This event is brought to you by Spike Lee, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Spike DDB & the Republic of Brooklyn, and features exclusive artwork by acclaimed graphic artist, Fuse Green, as well as music by DJ Spinna.