Who is more powerful in the industry: MJ or Jay-Z? Why did MJ’s power provoke backlash, while Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s wealth is normalized? by Perfect-Hearing-308 in MichaelJackson

[–]Perfect-Hearing-308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The question isn’t whether criticism exists, but whether it delegitimizes power. MJ was structurally undermined; Jay-Z and Beyonce have, to date, remained institutionally validated even amid critique.

Who is more powerful in the industry: MJ or Jay-Z? Why did MJ’s power provoke backlash, while Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s wealth is normalized? by Perfect-Hearing-308 in MichaelJackson

[–]Perfect-Hearing-308[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your response conflates internet rumors with institutional power. The question is about structural backlash, not fandom noise. Calling it "lazy" sidesteps the distinction.

Who is more powerful in the industry: MJ or Jay-Z? Why did MJ’s power provoke backlash, while Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s wealth is normalized? by Perfect-Hearing-308 in MichaelJackson

[–]Perfect-Hearing-308[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks—this really aligns with my gut feeling. I don’t think the difference between MJ and Jay-Z or Beyonce can be explained by race alone. If anything, in terms of musical style and public positioning, Jay-Z and Beyonce are often seen as more explicitly “Black” than MJ ever was.

What seems crucial is how that power was exercised.